COUNTRY: Portugal PHOTO: Street TRIP LENGTH: 4 days DATES: April 30 – May 3 2026 NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 8-14
Street photography in Lisbon’s swirling alleys, with its genuine atmosphere and lively street life, is a fascinating experience that I really look forward to showing you.
Mats Alfredsson
Welcome to a trip beyond the ordinary – a creative weekend in one of Europe’s most colorful and photogenic cities. Together with the well-known street photographer Mats Alfredsson, we step into Lisbon’s pulsating heart, where every street corner tells a story and every step invites new visual discoveries. This is a journey for those who love to see the world through the camera, capture moments that otherwise quickly pass, and at the same time develop as a photographer – both technically and artistically.
During our inspiring weekend in Lisbon we will, among other things, wander through the winding alleys of Alfama, the city’s oldest quarter, where laundry flutters between house walls and fado music can be heard through open windows. Here you encounter the soul of the city – both in the architecture and in meeting its warm, open people. We will go up and down the city’s famous steep hills, where the classic yellow trams climb at a 45-degree angle and create fantastic subjects in the golden evening light.
We will also move through the city’s artistic heart, where street art and murals burst forth from every neighborhood. We stop to capture details, glances, contrasts and colors – always in search of the unique, the unexpected, the beauty in the everyday. You will have the chance to experience restaurants hidden in the middle of steep stairs, where we pause to eat well and at the same time enjoy breathtaking views over the city’s rooftops and the Tagus River.
Lisbon never gets boring. With every new neighborhood we explore, the atmosphere and motifs change with it. Here, old and new blend, the rough with the beautiful, and the city proudly wears its contrasts. On the streets all sorts of people meet – locals, artists, passing tourists and lives – side by side, and you as a photographer get an endless palette to work with.
SOME OF THE TRIP’S HIGHLIGHTS
• The old district of Alfama with its swirling, labyrinthine alleys.
• LX Factory with its inspiring industrial environment.
• Steep stairs and alleys with exciting graffiti.
• Historic architecture with buildings clad in Portuguese tiles.
• Beautiful and breathtaking views.
• The steep hills and the city’s famous trams.
• International trends in street photography.
• Participation of Mats Alfredsson throughout the trip.
• Lecture on street photography.
• Image editing and evaluation of your own pictures.
COUNTRY: Portugal PHOTO: Street TRIP LENGTH: 4 days DATES: April 30 – May 3 2026 NO. OF PARTICIPANTS: 8-14
Street photography in Lisbon’s swirling alleys, with its genuine atmosphere and lively street life, is a fascinating experience that I really look forward to showing you.
Mats Alfredsson
Welcome to a trip beyond the ordinary – a creative weekend in one of Europe’s most colorful and photogenic cities. Together with the well-known street photographer Mats Alfredsson, we step into Lisbon’s pulsating heart, where every street corner tells a story and every step invites new visual discoveries. This is a journey for those who love to see the world through the camera, capture moments that otherwise quickly pass, and at the same time develop as a photographer – both technically and artistically.
During our inspiring weekend in Lisbon we will, among other things, wander through the winding alleys of Alfama, the city’s oldest quarter, where laundry flutters between house walls and fado music can be heard through open windows. Here you encounter the soul of the city – both in the architecture and in meeting its warm, open people. We will go up and down the city’s famous steep hills, where the classic yellow trams climb at a 45-degree angle and create fantastic subjects in the golden evening light.
We will also move through the city’s artistic heart, where street art and murals burst forth from every neighborhood. We stop to capture details, glances, contrasts and colors – always in search of the unique, the unexpected, the beauty in the everyday. You will have the chance to experience restaurants hidden in the middle of steep stairs, where we pause to eat well and at the same time enjoy breathtaking views over the city’s rooftops and the Tagus River.
Lisbon never gets boring. With every new neighborhood we explore, the atmosphere and motifs change with it. Here, old and new blend, the rough with the beautiful, and the city proudly wears its contrasts. On the streets all sorts of people meet – locals, artists, passing tourists and lives – side by side, and you as a photographer get an endless palette to work with.
SOME OF THE TRIP’S HIGHLIGHTS
• The old district of Alfama with its swirling, labyrinthine alleys.
• LX Factory with its inspiring industrial environment.
• Steep stairs and alleys with exciting graffiti.
• Historic architecture with buildings clad in Portuguese tiles.
• Beautiful and breathtaking views.
• The steep hills and the city’s famous trams.
• International trends in street photography.
• Participation of Mats Alfredsson throughout the trip.
• Lecture on street photography.
• Image editing and evaluation of your own pictures.
LISBON
LISBON
Portugal’s capital Lisbon is beautifully situated where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic. The city is compact and easy to explore on your own, on foot or by tram. The central part of Lisbon has around half a million residents, making it a cozy experience. Lisbon is still one of Europe’s cheapest capitals for dining out, with fish and seafood as typical specialties. Everything is easily accessible and the scenery constantly changes, from narrow alleys to stunning viewpoints. Trams provide an exotic touch across the city and take you up and down the steep hills. The city’s various neighborhoods each offer their own special character:
BAIRRO ALTO
High up overlooking the city lies Bairro Alto—quiet during the day but full of life when evening comes. Here you encounter narrow alleys, small bars, music, and a pulsating nightlife that fills the streets with energy. Several viewpoints offer fantastic vistas over Lisbon’s rooftops and the Tagus River—perfect for an evening photo with the camera.
ALFAMA
Lisbon’s oldest district is a charming labyrinth of narrow lanes, cobblestones and tile-clad houses. Here you find fado, everyday life, street art and small bars on every corner. Alfama is both beautiful and friendly—if you get lost, just follow the hills down toward the sea.
BAIXA
Baixa is the elegant downtown district, known for its straight streets, classical architecture, and lively atmosphere. Rua Augusta leads you toward the triumphal arch and the grand Praça do Comércio. There’s plenty of shopping here, but also a few tourist traps – choose your restaurant carefully.
CHIADO
Chiado is Lisbon’s sophisticated cultural district, where modern shops coexist with traditional cafés and bookstores. Here you’ll find the beautiful Santa Justa Lift, which connects Chiado with the elevated Bairro Alto. It’s the perfect area for a leisurely stroll, a good dinner, or simply some inspiration.
Read more about Lisbon
Portugal’s capital Lisbon is beautifully situated where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic. The city is compact and easy to explore on your own, on foot or by tram. The central part of Lisbon has around half a million residents, making it a cozy experience. Lisbon is still one of Europe’s cheapest capitals for dining out, with fish and seafood as typical specialties. Everything is easily accessible and the scenery constantly changes, from narrow alleys to stunning viewpoints. Trams provide an exotic touch across the city and take you up and down the steep hills. The city’s various neighborhoods each offer their own special character:
BAIRRO ALTO
High up overlooking the city lies Bairro Alto—quiet during the day but full of life when evening comes. Here you encounter narrow alleys, small bars, music, and a pulsating nightlife that fills the streets with energy. Several viewpoints offer fantastic vistas over Lisbon’s rooftops and the Tagus River—perfect for an evening photo with the camera.
ALFAMA
Lisbon’s oldest district is a charming labyrinth of narrow lanes, cobblestones and tile-clad houses. Here you find fado, everyday life, street art and small bars on every corner. Alfama is both beautiful and friendly—if you get lost, just follow the hills down toward the sea.
BAIXA
Baixa is the elegant downtown district, known for its straight streets, classical architecture, and lively atmosphere. Rua Augusta leads you toward the triumphal arch and the grand Praça do Comércio. There’s plenty of shopping here, but also a few tourist traps – choose your restaurant carefully.
CHIADO
Chiado is Lisbon’s sophisticated cultural district, where modern shops coexist with traditional cafés and bookstores. Here you’ll find the beautiful Santa Justa Lift, which connects Chiado with the elevated Bairro Alto. It’s the perfect area for a leisurely stroll, a good dinner, or simply some inspiration.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
APRIL 30 – MAY 3 2026
DAY 1, (30/4) – ARRIVAL TO LISBON
Gather around 13:00 at our hotel in central Lisbon. Here you will meet Mats Alfredsson and a tour host from Zoom Photo Tours. We begin the stay with a joint lunch at a nearby restaurant. During the meal Mats shares more about the coming days and gives initial tips before the trip’s first photo session.
In the afternoon we photograph around the central square Praça do Rossio and in the steep stairways up towards Chiado. Here we also have the opportunity to get acquainted with the characteristic trams that climb the hills at a 45-degree angle.
Back at the hotel there is some time to rest before we gather again for a welcome dinner at a nice restaurant in central Lisbon. After dinner there is the opportunity to continue photographing and capture Bairro Alto’s lively nightlife and bohemian atmosphere. (L, D)
DAY 2 (1/5) – STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN LISBON
We start the morning at the hotel by going through yesterday’s experiences, working on post‑processing and letting Mats show us how to get the most out of our editing program.
Then we walk to the charming and historic district of Alfama – a maze of narrow alleys, colorful houses, clotheslines and lively street environments. It’s easy to get lost here – but that’s okay, it’s part of the experience. The area is perfect for street photography, with its genuine atmosphere and interesting encounters. Dinner on your own. (B)
DAY 3 (2/5) – LX FACTORY & STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
We start the day by presenting yesterday’s photo assignment. Then we head down to the large square Praça do Comércio, located by the water with a view of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge – a smaller copy of the Golden Gate in San Francisco.
From here we take a bus or tram to LX Factory, a former industrial area that today is a creative center for artists, startups, galleries, restaurants, shops and cafés. The walls are covered with graffiti, street art and paintings – a visual feast for every street photographer. We also have lunch here, which each person pays for on site.
After a day filled with photography, we finish with a joint dinner at one of the area’s cozy restaurants before returning to the central parts of the city. (B, D)
DAY 4 (3/5) – STREET PHOTOGRAPHY & DEPARTURE
After an early breakfast we have a few hours of free photography, either together or in smaller groups. Those who wish can join the steep hills north of Praça do Rossio, where new subjects await around every corner.
After a joint lunch we reflect on the days that have passed, summarise our experiences and work on the final image editing. The day ends with Mats choosing the “Picture of the Trip”, which proceeds to the final in Zoom’s competition “Picture of the Year 2026”. Then it’s time to head to the airport for the flight home. (B, L)
Read more about the itinerary.
APRIL 30 – MAY 3, 2026
DAY 1, (APRIL 30)
ARRIVAL TO LISBON
Gather around 13:00 at our hotel in central Lisbon. Here you will meet Mats Alfredsson and a tour host from Zoom Photo Tours. We begin the stay with a joint lunch at a nearby restaurant. During the meal Mats shares more about the coming days and gives initial tips before the trip’s first photo session.
In the afternoon we photograph around the central square Praça do Rossio and in the steep stairways up towards Chiado. Here we also have the opportunity to get acquainted with the characteristic trams that climb the hills at a 45-degree angle.
Back at the hotel there is some time to rest before we gather again for a welcome dinner at a nice restaurant in central Lisbon. After dinner there is the opportunity to continue photographing and capture Bairro Alto’s lively nightlife and bohemian atmosphere. (L, D)
DAY 2, (MAY 1)
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY IN LISBON
We start the morning at the hotel by going through yesterday’s experiences, working on post‑processing and letting Mats show us how to get the most out of our editing program.
Then we walk to the charming and historic district of Alfama – a maze of narrow alleys, colorful houses, clotheslines and lively street environments. It’s easy to get lost here – but that’s okay, it’s part of the experience. The area is perfect for street photography, with its genuine atmosphere and interesting encounters. Dinner on your own. (B)
DAY 3, (MAY 2)
LX FACTORY & STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
We start the day by presenting yesterday’s photo assignment. Then we head down to the large square Praça do Comércio, located by the water with a view of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge – a smaller copy of the Golden Gate in San Francisco.
From here we take a bus or tram to LX Factory, a former industrial area that today is a creative center for artists, startups, galleries, restaurants, shops and cafés. The walls are covered with graffiti, street art and paintings – a visual feast for every street photographer. We also have lunch here, which each person pays for on site.
After a day filled with photography, we finish with a joint dinner at one of the area’s cozy restaurants before returning to the central parts of the city. (B, D)
DAY 4, (MAY 3)
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY & DEPARTURE
After an early breakfast we have a few hours of free photography, either together or in smaller groups. Those who wish can join the steep hills north of Praça do Rossio, where new subjects await around every corner.
After a joint lunch we reflect on the days that have passed, summarise our experiences and work on the final image editing. The day ends with Mats choosing the “Picture of the Trip”, which proceeds to the final in Zoom’s competition “Picture of the Year 2026”. Then it’s time to head to the airport for the flight home. (B, L)
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER
MATS ALFREDSSON • Street Photographer
Mats Alfredsson is one of Sweden’s most renowned street photographers. For the past 13 years, he has been deeply involved in the development of street photography both in Sweden and internationally and has run workshops and arranged street photo trips to cities like London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Chicago.
Mats is one of the originators of the large photo walks in Gothenburg with over 200 participants. He has held numerous exhibitions in both Sweden and the USA and in 2015 published the book “Chicago Streetwalk”.
Read more about Mats Alfredsson
Mats Alfredsson is one of Sweden’s most renowned street photographers. For the past 13 years, he has been deeply involved in the development of street photography both in Sweden and internationally and has run workshops and arranged street photo trips to cities like London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Chicago.
Mats is one of the originators of the large photo walks in Gothenburg with over 200 participants. He has held numerous exhibitions in both Sweden and the USA and in 2015 published the book “Chicago Streetwalk”.
HOTEL
HOTEL
PRICE, FACT & BOOKING
PRICE, FACT & BOOKING
PRICE
Price per person: USD 2.100
The price includes:
- Accommodation in shared double room at the presented hotel.
- Meals according to the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Street photography according to the daily program.
- Local transportation in connection with the photography.
- Participation of Mats Alfredsson throughout the trip.
- Various lectures and workshops by Mats Alfredsson.
- A host from Zoom Photo Tours who participates throughout the trip.
- Hotel and other local taxes.
- Travel documents and travel information before the trip.
The price does not include:
- Flight to Lisbon.
- Single room supplement: USD 690
- Some lunches and one dinner. Paid on site by each participant.
- Personal expenses, such as meal drinks.
- Cancellation protection/travel insurance; for more information, see our website under “Other”.
TRANSPORT
Transport to Lisbon is on your own. You should not arrive in Lisbon later than 12 noon on April 30 and not book a flight home earlier than 4 PM on May 3.
If you wish help with booking flights, we are more than happy to assist you. You are welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or indicate this when making the booking.
FACTS
Target group: Photographers interested in developing their street photography skills.
Minimum/maximum number of participants: 8/14.
Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, terms of delivery etc., see our website under “Other”.
Exchange rate: Euro 11.05 (as of September 23 2025)
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
- Your digital camera.
- Standard zoom lenses or prime lenses from 16-35 mm up to 200 mm
- A laptop with Photoshop CS or Lightroom.
- Extra batteries and memory cards.
BOOKING
You book this trip by clicking below or by calling us at +46 470-466 40 or via email info@zoomphototours.com
Photo: Mats Alfredsson