The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, Alfama is a charming area filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and traditional Fado music. It offers a unique atmosphere and a chance to experience the city’s rich heritage. Explore the São Jorge Castle, Alfama’s crowning jewel, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Lisbon. Wander through labyrinthine alleys, encounter picturesque plazas, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Alfama is a wonderful choice for travelers looking to connect with the city’s history and authenticity.
Alfama District Tourist Guide
Alfama, the heart of Lisbon, sits right next to the Tagus River and is only 7 km away from Humberto Delgado Airport.
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. It is nestled on a hill adjacent to Baixa and is famous for its narrow streets, winding staircases, and panoramic views of the Tejo River. You can explore Alfama on foot and discover hidden gems around every corner. Public transportation provides easy access to the neighborhood, with the nearby Santa Apolónia subway station and the iconic number 28 tram. Some areas may be challenging to climb, but the reward is worth it. Visitors with limited mobility may encounter accessibility issues as some areas may be hard to reach.
Best Things to Do and See in Alfama
Visit the Castelo de São Jorge
São Jorge Castle is a medieval fortress located at the top of Alfama, dominating Lisbon’s historic landscape. The castle offers stunning views of the city and boasts over a thousand years of history. Visitors can explore the restored towers and walls, as well as a small museum that narrates the stories of Portuguese kings and the Moorish occupation. While strolling through the gardens, you might come across peacocks in a picturesque setting, adding to the charm of this must-see destination in the Portuguese capital.
Breathtaking Views at Santa Luzia
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a real hidden treasure. Behind the white church is a terrace adorned with historic tiles and bougainvillea, offering a breathtaking view over Alfama and the River Tagus. Divided into two levels, it stands out for its romantic atmosphere, with a pergola covered in vines and a reflective pool on the lower level. This oasis of tranquillity offers a welcome break from the busy city streets and is one of Lisbon’s most beautiful and popular viewpoints, open to the public any day of the week.
Discover Lisbon's Ancient Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral is a significant and ancient building located in Alfama, dating back to the 12th century. It features a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. Despite surviving the great earthquake of 1755, the Cathedral has undergone several renovations over the centuries. However, it has maintained its grandeur and beauty. The cathedral is open to the public, giving visitors a chance to explore the high choir, the Treasury Museum, and the main nave, providing an enriching experience of Lisbon’s history and culture.
Get lost in the streets of Alfama
One of the best things to do in Alfama is to wander through its narrow, colorful, cobbled streets. It is recommended that you walk instead of taking the tram or bus. Put your tourist map aside and follow your instincts. You will discover winding streets adorned with colorful tiles and beautiful graffiti artwork. You will also find small cafes and authentic restaurants where locals usually go. Alfama is a journey through Lisbon’s history and an undoubtedly charming place to explore.
Treasure Hunt at Feira da Ladra
Feira da Ladra is a flea market located in Campo de Santa Clara. The market is open on Saturdays and Tuesdays and offers a wide range of items, including used books, clothes, antiques, and trinkets. Despite its curious name, the fair is a lively place where you can find bargains and treasures. Although not a must-see attraction in Alfama, exploring this market offers a more local experience in a touristy neighborhood. The vendors offer a variety of interesting finds, and the market is usually open from 8 am to 5 pm.
Explore Lisbon's Pantheon Marvel
The National Pantheon in Lisbon is a remarkable historical landmark that took 285 years to complete. It is a baroque monument featuring an impressive dome and a colorful interior made of marble, which was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The monument stands out from the typical Portuguese architecture. It houses the tombs of famous Portuguese explorers, presidents, and poets. The highlight of the visit is the terrace next to the dome that offers a wide panoramic view of Alfama and the River Tagus.
Experience a Fado live performance
This is an experience that usually takes place in cozy bars, restaurants, or special fado houses and is guaranteed to leave you with tears in your eyes. If you’re looking for an unforgettable evening of fado and traditional food, we recommend checking out Parreirinha de Alfama, the oldest fado house in Alfama. Alternatively, if you prefer a more modern take on things, check out Duetos da Sé, a recently renovated fado house that offers a diverse program of contemporary and classic fado, accompanied by Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist.
Explore History at Casa dos Bicos
Casa dos Bicos was built in 1523 and managed to survive the Great Earthquake of 1755. The façade of the building has over 1,000 diamond-shaped stones and Manueline-style windows. The first floor of the building is now home to the archaeological site of the Lisbon Museum. The upper floor of the building houses the José Saramago Foundation, which is dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel laureate. You can find Saramago’s ashes, along with an olive tree from his homeland, on display in front of the building.
Where to Stay in Alfama
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Lisbon is truly memorable.
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Transportation in Alfama
If you wish to get to Alfama, you have multiple transportation options available. One of the most authentic ways is to walk up the cobbled streets while exploring the neighborhood’s unique charm. Another option is to take the picturesque tram 28 for a cultural experience or the 737 bus, which departs regularly from Praça da Figueira towards Castelo de São Jorge, providing a panoramic view of Alfama. The nearest metro stations are Terreiro do Paço and Santa Apolónia (blue line), offering easy access to this charming Lisbon neighborhood.
The map below highlights the primary stations of Alfama in red, making it easy to navigate your way around.
If you need more information on how to get around the city, check out our Transportation section.
Best Restaurants in Alfama
We’ve handpicked some of the best restaurants in Alfama to suit all tastes and occasions, from fresh seafood spots to cosy local eateries and stylish international options. To compile this list, we used trusted reviews from TripAdvisor and the personal recommendations of our amazing Facebook group, Lisbon Friends, with over 40,000 members who love to share tips.
Chapitô À Mesa
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Claras em Castelo
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Maria Catita
Seafood, Mediterranean, $$ – $$$
Chafariz do Vinho
European, Portuguese, $$ – $$$
Best Tours in Alfama
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Lisbon is truly memorable.
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