Alfama District Guide in Lisbon

Are you coming to Portugal soon? Discover everything there is to know about the fantastic Alfama district in Lisbon!

Alfama is certainly the most typical neighbourhood in Lisbon. With its steep streets, cafés and artisanal shops, it has everything to seduce travelers! In fact, when we think of Lisbon, the images of Alfama necessarily come to us. There is even the historic tram line, n°28, which crosses the area to São Jorge Castle. This magnificent medieval castle overlooks the Alfama since the 11th century. The neighbourhood is obviously full of many other monuments, beautiful and cultural curiosities that make it a must!

But especially at nightfall, some old restaurants in the neighborhood welcome fado singers. This traditional melancholic music invades the streets and enchants visitors. Are you coming to visit Lisbon soon? So we tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful Alfama neighbourhood!

The Alfama district in a few words

Alfama is one of the oldest districts in Lisbon. His name even derives from the Arabic “ alf maa ", which means "hot water sources". During Muslim domination, this area is placed inside the Cerca Moura, the walls of the city built by the Moors.

With the return of Christian domination in 1147, the Alfama district grew to the east. At that time, it is the most pleasant area in the city. Unfortunately, the wealthy inhabitants gradually moved to the west to protect themselves from the earthquakes. The fishermen and the poor settled in Alfama. So located outside the walls, he was associated with poverty and miserable living conditions. While Lisbon turned into a major port and maritime city, the neighborhood became the place where sailors and dockers lived.

Today, Alfama is far from this ancient reputation. He has managed to preserve and enhance his heritage, transforming it into a convivial, trendy and authentic place! The many monuments that shelter its slopes testify well to the long history of the neighbourhood.

What to see and what to do in the Alfama district in Lisbon?

Alfama is certainly one of the most pleasant areas to visit! To explore it at best, it is enough to voluntarily lose in its labyrinth of alleys and alleys. At every corner of the street or at the end of a slope, you will discover beautiful squares, charming shops and typical cafés.

Would you like to visit the Alfama district in Lisbon? So here is one of the best routes to discover each of the wonders of the neighborhood.

The heights of Alfama

Before visiting the Castelo, you should take tram 28 to Largo da Graça. You can then go to the Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. From this viewpoint you will enjoy superb views of the centre of Lisbon and the Castelo de São Jorge. Then join the main street and then the sublime Igreja de São Vicente de Fora. This monastery is one of the most important Mannerist buildings in the country!

From there, follow the tram lines to the Largo das Portas do Sol, the largest square in Alfama. On the way and around the square, you can discover a mix of paved alleys as well as pretty hidden places. This part is one of the most beautiful in Lisbon! You can also visit Igreja de Santa Luzia. Richly decorated with sumptuous painted Azulejo tiles, the monastery houses another very popular viewpoint. Don't miss discovering the Museu de Artes Decorativas also, located in a former Azurara palace.

From the Largo das Portas do Sol, a solid climb finally separates you from the uncontourable Castelo de São Jorge. Overlooking Alfama, there is a superb dungeon, huge ramparts, a very interesting museum and great views, of course!

West Alfama

By descending from the castle, you will fall on the Teatro Romano and its museum, a must-see attraction of the neighborhood. You can then visit the sublime cathedral Se, the oldest church in the city. In the cloister, excavations and archaeological research can be observed.

Not far from the cathedral, you can also discover Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa. This church was built on the birthplace of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon and Portugal.

The lower parts of Alfama

In the lower parts you will find the famous Museu do Fado. On the way, you can contemplate the Chafariz d’El Rei or climb the stairs that go up to the Arco de Jesus. Between the museum, dedicated to the fado, and the Portas do Sol, stretches one of the most authentic corners of the neighborhood. It is full of narrow streets, small squares and stairs. It is recommended for a quiet exploration at the end of this route!

But before that, join the Igreja de Santo Estêvão where there is another great point of view. A small walk will then lead you to the magnificent Panteão Nacional. In this ancient church, 12 major figures from Portugal are buried. On the roof you will enjoy a sublime panorama on the Tage estuary. In front of the Pantheon you will find the Jardim Botto Machado and its famous Feira da Ladra chip market. The latter is held every Tuesday and every Saturday.

Finally, you can join the Museu Militar if you are passionate about military history. Or you can go and lose yourself in the fantastic alleys of the neighborhood. Charming cafés, typical restaurants and craft shops await you!

Guided visits to the Alfama district

To learn more about the neighborhood and not to miss anything, you can obviously opt for a guided tour of Alfama! Several types of visits exist.

Guided walking tour of Alfama

To visit the Alfama district, there are two and a half hour walks. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore the alleys of this typical Lisbon neighbourhood. You will find out in particular Château Saint-Georges At the top of the city, learn more about the history of the fado, visit the cathedral of Lisbon, at the church of Saint-Antoine and admire many other monuments!

For this guided tour, count on average 14€ per person .

Guided tour of Alfama and fado concert

Would you like to attend a fado concert? Then you can choose a guided tour of the neighborhood, followed by a concert in a traditional fado house! This type of visit is often preceded by a traditional dinner. For 4 hours, this visit with a local guide will allow you to learn more about the history of the neighbourhood and this music.

Prices oscillate around 35€ for this type of visit.

Guided tour on the tram 28

To visit the Alfama district, you can choose a walk and tram tour! For 3 hours, it allows you to discover the vast majority of monuments and treasures in the area. You are obviously accompanied by a local and passionate guide to learn more about the history and particularities of the neighbourhood.

Count 18€ per person on average for this guided tour of Alfama.

Guided tour in tuk-tuk

You're not interested in the tram? Then choose a guided tour in tuk-tuk! Just like the previous visit, you can quickly and effortlessly discover most of the wonders of the Alfama district. With a capacity to carry up to 6 people, the Tuk-tuk are the best way to travel through the narrow streets of Lisbon.

Count 20€ per person on average for this visit, which often includes other neighborhoods of Lisbon.

The best hotels to stay in the Alfama district

To prolong his discovery of Alfama, nothing better than staying there during his stay in Lisbon! We especially recommend hotels Convento do Salvador and Santiago de Alfama .

The first is a chic and modern hotel. Located in a former convent, it is beautifully decorated with local works. The second occupies a restored 15th century palace. The rooms also offer all the necessary comfort. Some even have a view of the river! For one night, have a minimum of 80 to 120€.

In the Alfama district, you can also trust Alfama Yellow House, Alma Moura Residences or Hotel Riverside Alfama. For small budgets, you are finally recommended Suave Lisboa Hostel , located in the heights of the neighborhood.

Where to eat in the Alfama district in Lisbon?

This neighborhood is obviously full of good cafes, typical restaurants and bars where the fado reigns! In terms of addresses, you can only recommend the Audrey ́s coffee. This restaurant has a very beautiful terrace and you eat delicious typical dishes and tapas. It is also the ideal place for a brunch in Lisbon ! Prices range from 7€ to 20€ for a dish.

You can also choose the restaurant Farol de Santa Luzia, renowned throughout the capital for its seafood dishes! It is also recommended that the restaurant Parreirinha de Alfama, certainly a little expensive, but offers delicious traditional cuisine and exceptional fado concerts! For each of these restaurants, make a reservation in particular for a dinner.

Finally, for a rich and delicious breakfast, we recommend the charming bakery Alfama Doce.

How do I get to Alfama?

To reach this typical neighborhood, we recommend borrowing the mythical tram 28 which makes the tour of the oldest districts of Lisbon. You can also reach the neighborhood from the metro stations Rossio and Martim Moniz (green line) or Terreiro do Paço (blue line) .

From one of these stations, the area is 10 to 15 minutes’ walk away.