Lisbon

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<p>I will be staying in Lisbon for about 2-3 days and need a budget hotel, close to sightseeing icons. Recommendations for good restaurants would be appreciated. If you know a good place to photograph the city either at sunrise or sunset, please share. I prefer an elevated view for a great panorama. </p>

It's just as hard to give you a hotel located near all the best spots in Lisbon as it is in NYC. It's a large city (not as large as NYC, of course) and I can't think of any hotel that is near everything you might want to see.
On budget stays we have stayed at the Lisbon Sana Rex by the Edward VII park, although not recently. It's a comfortable three star with a good breakfast. But our most recent info is from November 2005 ... http://www.sanarexhotel.com/
Back in the 1980s we stayed at the York (needed a car to get anywhere from there) which has always been highly recommended ... but we were disappointed and it is no longer inexpensive!
Our favorite restaurant in Lisbon (cheap!) is Restaurant Bom Jardim (Rei do Frangos) at Travessa Bom Jardin and Rua des Portes de Sant’Antão. This is NOT easy to find! They actually have two buildings, across the street from each other.
Go to Restauradores and if you leave the subway, stand with your back to the subway and head to the right ... look for the street signs. Or ask at your hotel!
Their specialty is roast chicken. I used to order the chicken and my husband the super spicy shrimp together with sides of spinach and fries. But actually the chicken is enough to feed two ... We've been known to go there on subsequent evenings ... and if you don't like this restaurant, there are many others in the same area.
As to the photography question, you might be best off going up to Sao Jorges ... but I'm not sure if morning or evening would be best.
Write to me privately if you want more info ...
mkievman @ nyc.rr.com
If you are there for several days, I recommend a visit to Sintra (you'll spend the whole day there but it's easily accessible by train). Also the Tile Museum and Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon itself. Both are two of my all-time favorites.
And then there is Belem, where you could also spend a day. Nowadays you can get there by subway ... when we were first in Lisbon 25 years ago we had a car, and that was the only way to get there. The Jeronomios Monastery is not to be missed.
If you have time in the late afternoon, go to the Port Wine Institute for an aperitif or two ... also near Restauradores (but head to the left and take the funicular up the hill) ... It is a nice respite after walking your feet off all day.
Mura

Thanks for your advice. I will check out these places.