Praça do Comércio photoshoot: the arch, the river and the sunrise

Best light

Sunrise to 9:00

Crowds

Busy from 10:00

Good for

Families, couples, proposals

Access

Metro Terreiro do Paço; flat

What makes the square special

Praça do Comércio was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake as the grand entrance to the city from the river. Arcaded yellow buildings line three sides, a bronze statue of King José I stands in the middle, and the Rua Augusta Arch leads into the Baixa. On the fourth side, the Cais das Colunas — two stone columns and marble steps — runs straight down into the Tagus.

For photos it gives you three completely different looks within two minutes' walk: the symmetry of the arch, the open sky and water at the river steps, and the rhythm of the arcades.

Why we shoot here at sunrise

The square faces the river to the south. From autumn to spring the sun rises over the water to the south-east, almost in front of the Cais das Colunas; in summer it comes up further to the left, over the eastern riverside. Either way the river turns gold, the arch catches the first light and the square is almost empty apart from a few runners. By mid-morning it fills with tour groups, tuk-tuks and street sellers.

Route ideas

1. Cais das Colunas — the steps into the river at first light.
2. The square and the arch — symmetrical portraits with the arch behind you.
3. The arcades — shade, repetition and a great plan B for rain.
4. Ribeira das Naus — the riverside promenade and wide steps to the west, where kids can run.

Perfect for families

It is flat, open and easy to reach by metro, with space for kids to move and plenty of cafés for a break afterwards. Strollers and wheelchairs are no problem here, which is why we often start family sessions at the square and walk west along the river.

What to wear

The yellow façades and blue sky suit whites, blues, greens and neutrals. Avoid mustard and bright yellow — you would disappear into the buildings.

A 60-minute riverside route with timings

On the 15th of March the sun rises at 06:48. We meet at the Cais das Colunas at 06:35, shoot the river steps as the sky colours, move to the square and the arch at 07:05, then walk through the arcades and west along Ribeira das Naus until about 07:40. The whole route is flat.

Combine Praça do Comércio with

• Alfama — a short uphill walk for tiles and viewpoints (take a taxi to the top and walk down).
• Rua Augusta and the Baixa grid — elegant façades and patterned pavement in the morning quiet.
• Belém — 20 minutes west by tram or train if you want two very different backdrops.

Best months

From October to March the sun rises over the river in front of the square, and sunrise is at a civilised hour. In summer the light is just as beautiful, only earlier.