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10 beautiful sights not to miss in Alfama Lisbon (plus tips from a local!)
Alfama is the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, and between the colourful houses and tiny alleys, there are many sights to discover. It is the perfect location to get lost and enjoy its unique atmosphere.
Alfama is not to be missed when you visit the Portuguese capital! I live in the Alfama district, so I will gladly share some insider information with you when you travel! What can you see? Are there hidden gems? Where to eat, and do you want to book a hotel here? Let’s find out!
An Overview of Alfama Lisbon
A short history of the Alfama district
Alfama lies between the Tagus River and the steep slopes that lead toward SĆ£o Jorge Castle. It houses many traditional places and the famous tram 28 rides through the narrow streets. The name comes from ‘al-įø„amma ‘, the Arabic word for hot fountains or hot baths. Within the district, you’ll discover the streets of the parishes (freguesias) SĆ£o Vicente de Fora, SĆ£o Miguel and SĆ£o Miguel.
Thanks to the dense bedrock foundations,Ā Alfama wasn’t severely damagedĀ during the 1755 earthquake, and the district remained a labyrinth of tiny streets. So leave your map at home and discover this fabulous district’s squares and alleys.
On top of that, Alfama boasts a ton of unique sights in the neighbourhood. Let’s dive in and discover the epic places in Alfama. Remember to bring your camera! This Alfama guide also includes some quiet spots with fewer tourists!
Top 10 things to do in Alfama Lisbon
When you smell sardines and hear Fado in the background, you’ve probably arrived in Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon. With its charming streets, picturesque houses and traditional restaurants, this place is not to be missed when visiting the city. There are plenty of escadinhas (steps), so you’ll get a workout simultaneously! If walking uphill is an issue, use the many tuk-tuk tours in the city!
Map of things to do in Alfama Lisbon
1. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
The Portuguese capital is built on seven hills, and Alfama is built on one of them. But with these hills, you also get stunning viewpoints! Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of them, and the viewpoint is famous for its pergola and azulejo tiles. It has the prettiest viewpoint in the city, and therefore also the busiest!
In May/June, the enormous Bougainvilleas start to blossom, and the scene is complete! Someone might be singing Fado, buskers play the guitar, and the overall atmosphere is just amazing. Walking along the Santa Luzia Church, you’ll spot remnants of the historic Moorish city walls.
Tips:Ā The viewpoint isĀ locatedĀ on Largo de Santa Luzia. You canĀ reach it by Tram 12, 28, and bus line 737. The miradouro is free to visit. Come early in the day to avoid big crowds in summer! Santa Luzia Church is open on Saturdays.
2. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
The next Alfama Lisbon highlight is very close! Miradouro das Portas do Sol provides a stunning view over Lisbon Old Town and the many red roofs! Portas do Sol translates toĀ Doors of the Sun, and it is mostly sunny in this spot!
At the viewpoint, you will also see the statue of Saint Vicente, Lisbon’s patron saint until 1981. From the platform, you can also see the enormous monastery SĆ£o Vicente de Fora, named after Saint Vincent.
Location:Ā Largo do Portas do Sol. You can reach it by Tram 12, 28 and bus line 10B. The miradouro is free to visit.
Tip!
Discover more viewpoints in the city! Here are some tips for easy ways up the steep hills in this city guide!
3. SĆ£o Jorge castle
Castelo de SĆ£o Jorge is the highest point in Alfama. It is a steep walk up, but you can reach Sao Jorge Castle by bus line 737. The famous Lisbon castle offers a great overview of the city! You’ll learn more about the Moorish occupation and Portuguese history in the small museum, and you can walk along the castle walls of Castelo de SĆ£o Jorge.
Don’t forget to look for the many peacocks that live here! Surrounding Castelo de SĆ£o Jorge are many more narrow cobbled streets to discover, including the church Santa Cruz do Castelo.
Here are some tips for visiting: You can reach SĆ£o Jorge Castle by taking bus 737 or a regular taxi. It is located in a car-free zone for cars with a permit only. For that reason, Uber and Bolt services have to stop a 5-minute walk from the castle. If you walk, take your own pace and enjoy the many beautiful things you’ll see along the way!
Entrance to SĆ£o Jorge Castle is ā¬ 15,00 for adults. There are ticket machines, and you can order tickets online to skip the queue. An excellent time to visit is just before sunset! Lisbon Castle is open from 9 AM to 6 PM and until 9 PM in summer.
4. SĆ© Cathedral
Lisbon’s Cathedral, Santa Maria Maior, is the oldest in Lisbon, and SĆ© Cathedral was built in the 12th and 14th centuries. The construction started after D. Afonso Henriques won the conquest of Lisbon after the Moorish period in Portugal. In a couple of years, theĀ Romanesque structureĀ was finished. The cloister at the back of the SĆ© Cathedral isĀ one of the oldest monumentsĀ in the city.
The Gothic cloister dates back to 1261, and secrecy was added in 1649. Se Cathedral is sturdy, havingĀ survived many earthquakes, including the one in 1755! Many parts were destroyed but have been rebuilt or remodelled since. SĆ© de Lisboa is now a national monument, and when exploring Alfama, it’s a hard-to-miss sight!
Visiting Lisbon Cathedral:Ā Entrance to the oldest church in Lisbon is ā¬ 5,00 for adults. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM until 6 PM.
5. Festas dos Santos Populares
Are you visiting Portugal in June? Then, you’re in for a treat! It’s time for Festas dos Santos Populares, the popular saints festival. Santo AntĆ³nio is Lisbon’s patron saint, and for nearly the whole month, there will be festivities in Lisbon (and the rest of Portugal for different saints).
Saint Anthony was known for his match-making skills, and the so-called Marriages of Alfama occur on June 12th each year at the Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon, the church dedicated to Saint Anthony.
On Avenida da Liberdade, you can witness the colourful parade with costumes and dance. On the streets, you’ll see people selling plants (manjericos) as a symbol of undying love. The Alfama district becomes an open-air party with pimba music, plenty of beer, sardines and festive decorations. Check out this Instagram video for an impression!
Travel tips: Festas de Lisboa is free, but food and drinks are paid! The main dates are June 12th (the biggest street party) and June 13th. You can also celebrate in the neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto, Mouraria and Bairro Alto. If you would like a good night’s rest, avoid booking a hotel in the heart of Alfama and the other neighbourhoods mentioned above at this time!
6. Tram 28
Love it or hate it, Tram 28 has become a true icon in Lisbon! The historic trams have been around for over 100 years and will still take you from A to B in Lisbon. Tram 28 is part of the public transport system, although it looks like a tourist attraction.
Tram 28 can be very full, soĀ be careful with your belongingsĀ and your camera or phone when taking pictures from it. ItĀ connects Martim Moniz with Campo OuriqueĀ and passes through neighbourhoods like Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and GraƧa.
You might wait over two hours in line at Martim MonizĀ during the high season! You canĀ ride with the Hills Red Tram Tour instead to avoid queues and enjoy a seat. Your ticket will be valid for 24 hours, with no crowds.
Another way to avoid the crowds is by walking along the tracks. As a bonus, you can stop at all the beautiful things to do in Alfama and take pictures! Do you still want to ride a historic tram in Lisbon but with fewer people? Try tram 12, 15 or 18!
Costs for Tram 28:Ā If you purchase a ticket on the tram, you pay the highest fee of ā¬ 3,20 per person for one ride. The 24-hour unlimited public transport ticket for ā¬ 7.00 will give you a much better value. You can buy these upfront at the metro station and not on the tram! If you have the Lisboa Card, you can ride the tram for free, as all public transport is included!
7. A dinner experience with Fado
Fado, the songs about Lisbon, Saudade (an intense longing, melancholy sadness) and tradition. In Alfama, Fado Houses are everywhere. And when you’re here, visiting a Fado show is highly recommended! After all, it is classified by UNESCO as World Heritage! And while you enjoy a delicious traditional Portuguese meal, you’ll listen to songs about Lisbon.
You’ll feel the songs, even when you don’t speak Portuguese! In most Fado houses, you’ll have to remain silent when they are singing and playing music. Discover the soul of Portugal in the songs and listen to the charismatic voices of the singers.
Where to watch Fado: LX Bohemia and A Baiuca are some of my favourites.
8. The Fado Museum
If you want to learn more about Fado, visit the Fado Museum on Largo do Chafariz de Dentro! Inside, you will learn more about the history of Fado music and Portuguese culture and see the guitars from up close. Notice the unique guitar with six pairs of strings and a pear-shaped harmonic box!
The permanent exhibitions also contain more information about the rise of the Fado Houses. They will highlight famous Fado Singers such as AmƔlia Rodrigues. The temporary exhibitions change every few months.
Extra info:Ā The Fado Museum isĀ locatedĀ on Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1. Entrance is ā¬ 5,00 per person. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. The exhibitions take 30-60 minutes to see.
9. Rua de SĆ£o TomĆ©
On Rua de SĆ£o TomĆ©, you’ll spot a unique artwork on the cobblestones. Lisbon-based artist Vhils created this work, a tribute to the Fado singer AmĆ”lia Rodrigues. AmĆ”lia da Piedade RebordĆ£o Rodrigues is known as the Queen of Fado and the Lisbon born singer died in 1999. Vhils created an extraordinary piece in Lisbon’s traditional pavement (CalƧada Portuguesa) style. The title of the artwork is CalƧada, meaning pavement.
Behind Vhils’ art, you’ll spot a house that looks slightly different from the surroundings. Several buildings in Lisbon survived the earthquake, but many were destroyed.Ā The oldest house is on Rua dos Cegosāit is over 500 years old!
10. Get lost in the maze of tiny streets!
The famous sights in the Alfama area are worth visiting, but nothing beats exploring the maze of tiny streets. Experience Alfama like a local, dive into the charm of Portugal and discover the different architectural styles of the buildings. The best way is to take the many side streets in the Alfama area.
You might get lost, but that is okay! The area between the Fado Museum and Portas do Sol especially has many narrow,Ā cobbled streetsāoften without big groups of tourists! You will enjoy a strong sense of what life in Portugal is all about.
Hire a photographer in Alfama!
Did you know I work as a photographer in Lisbon? One of my favourite photography grounds is Alfama, Lisbon! As a resident,Ā I know many hidden spotsĀ and know my way through the cobbled streets!
When you visit Alfama, having long-term memories of your time in Lisbon is fantastic. TheĀ Alfama neighborhood creates a beautiful backgroundĀ with azulejo tiles, colourful houses, and viewpoints.
Besides, the photography experience with me is partially a walking tour, so you can see many stunning places in the area! A photoshoot in Alfama takes 30 to 90 minutes, and prices start at ā¬ 100,00.
This experience is great for solo travellers, families and couples! Learn more aboutĀ photo shoots in Lisbon, or contact me to book! I would be delighted to capture you in this beautiful city!
Would you like to be photographed in Alfama?
Book me as your photographer in the tiny streets of Alfama! As a local, I know all the ins and outs of the best photography locations in Alfama. Click here to read more and to see more examples!
Bonus tips
- Have a walk around Igreja de Santo EstĆŖvĆ£o. It is often quieter, and the views over the Tagus River are stunning.
- Do you see someone selling Ginjinja? Try one! This cherry liquor is usually served in a chocolate cup, and you can drink it on the go.
- To learn more about Portugal’s political history, visit the Aljube Museum. It’s located in a former prison, and visitors can learn more about the fascist regime, Portuguese colonies, and censorship.
- Find the History of Lisbon Mural by Nuno Saraiva.
- Discover Casa dos Bicos, where you can find theĀ JosĆ© Saramago Foundation. Casa dos Bicos is mainly known for its beautiful faƧade.
- On Rua de SĆ£o Memede, you can find a Roman Theater that once had space for 4.000 spectators.
- Another Vhils art piece can be found on Tv. Merceeiras. If you like street art, this is definitely worth a look!
- The oldest museum in Lisbon is the Military Museum, which is rarely visited. However, the museum boasts an impressive collection of artillery and swords, and you’ll learn more about the historical battles.
- Discover the former fountain in front of the former palace Chafariz d’El-Rei.
- The Azulejo Museum is close to Alfama and well worth the detour.
Nearby sights that are officially not in Alfama
The Lisbon flea market
Every Tuesday and Saturday, Campo de Santa Clara, in front of the National Pantheon, changes into the hustle and bustle of market stalls. It is Feira de Ladra, the flea market in Alfama. When you’re looking for a bargain or a treasure amongst the “junk”, this is the place to be. The word ladra means a female thief and means thieves’ market. The original name of the flea market, however, was piolho ladro which means flea or bug.
Tip: Did you get hungry, and do you like mushrooms? Santa Clara dos Cogumelos is a tip-top restaurant with fantastic food and wine! Just like Feira da Ladra, it is located on Campo de Santa Clara.
National Pantheon
TheĀ National PantheonĀ (PanteĆ£o Nacional) was built in 1682, but itĀ was then known as the Church of Santa EngrĆ”cia. It is Portugal’s first baroque monument, and its interior is covered in white marble. Construction of the National Pantheon took so long that the dome was only completed in 1966!
Since 1916, it has been known as the National Pantheon, and inside, you’ll find an octagonal floor plan. Here, you’ll discover tombs of well-known and influential cultural figures. Examples are Fado singer AmĆ”lia Rodrigues, author Almeida Garrett and general Humberto Delgado. There is also an empty tomb, a cenotaph for famous personalities such as Vasco da Gama, Henry the Navigator, LuĆs de CamƵes, and more!
Travel tips: The National Pantheon is reached by tram 28. As this might be busy, you can take the Blue Metro or a bus to Santa ApolĆ³nia. It’s a short but steep walk up to the PanteĆ£o Nacional.
SĆ£o Vicente de Fora
The MonasteryĀ was built between the 16th and 18th centuries, and it is where the kings of the House of BraganƧa are buried. The marble tomb is in the ancient cistern, and both Catherine of BraganƧa and Carlos I (the next-to-last king of Portugal) are buried here.
The Monastery is dedicated to SĆ£o Vicente, and inside, you’ll find a unique collection of decorative tiles. The highlights are 38 panels containing the fables of La Fontaine. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop for a stunning view over Alfama! SĆ£o Vicente de Fora is next to the National Pantheon and Feira da Ladra.
Miradouro da GraƧa
Just behind Alfama, on top of another hill, you can find Miradouro da GraƧa. From this point, you overlook the castle and the western parts of Lisboa. In the background, you’ll spot the bridge Ponte 25 de Abril, PraƧa do ComĆ©rcio and the Carmo Convent. During the day, the Convento da GraƧa is often open. Have a look inside and enjoy the quietness within the monastery walls.
Miradouro da GraƧa is a popular place during sunset, so it can get very crowded! Hidden spot: walk around the convent and walk to Jardim da Cerca da GraƧa. This park is a lot quieter and a hangout spot for locals. From there, you can also walk further up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the highest viewpoint in the city.
How to get to Alfama, Lisbon
Alfama is easy to reach from wherever you are in Lisbon. You can take the Blue line to the metro stations Santa ApolĆ³nia and Terreiro do PaƧo. Both stations are at sea level, meaning you will walk uphill often. From downtown Lisbon, you can use several elevators and lifts free of charge. This guide includes all the areas where you can take lifts, including Alfama.
Bus 737 travels to the top of the hill in Alfama. From there, walking down and exploring this stunning part of the city is easier! Lastly, you can take a taxi, but some areas in Alfama are car-free. Bolt and Uber services cannot drive to these sections, but a regular taxi can.
Where to eat in Alfama
Alfama is relatively touristy, with plenty of tourist traps to eat in. My rule of thumb is that if someone tries to lure me in, I keep walking. As a local, I often eat in other neighbourhoods in Lisbon, but there are some lovely places to eat in Alfama! For example, Zunzum Gastrobar and ĆCosta by Olivier Lisboa offer contemporary Portuguese cuisine (reservations are needed in both restaurants). Here are some more favourites!
Favourite Places to eat in Alfama
Hotels in Alfama Lisbon
Alfama is one of the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon in which to stay! In between the narrow streets, you will find plenty of hotels. When travelling with lots of luggage, ensure you can reach your accommodation by taxi. Otherwise, you will be carrying a lot on the hills!
Some lovely hotels in Alfama are Alfama Vintage Studio Apartment, the Editory Riverside, Chafariz Del Rei (in a former palace!), and SĆ£o Vicente Alfama Hotel by TRIUS Hotels. You can find all the hotels and accommodations on the map below!
FAQ
What is Alfama known for?
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. It has many small streets, colourful houses, and famous landmarks. Some highlights include Portas do Sol, the Lisbon Cathedral, and SĆ£o Jorge Castle.
Is there an old town in Lisbon?
Yes! Alfama is Lisbon’s old town, but Bairro Alto also has a long history. Downtown Lisbon was hugely destroyed during the 1755 earthquake.
Is Alfama a good area to stay in Lisbon?
Alfama is a beautiful neighborhood and a safe place to stay. Stay on the riverside and towards the downtown area of Lisbon. There are many small hotels and apartments to rent. It’s also relatively quiet, and many older people live in the Alfama area.
How safe is Alfama?
Overall, Alfama is very safe, just like the rest of Lisbon. However, be mindful in the busiest places, like Tram 28, and Mouraria at night.
Is Alfama walkable?
Alfama is built on a hill, and some areas are steep. The area is small enough to discover on foot, but there are also tram, bus, and taxi services. You can always start at the highest point at Lisbon Castle and descend the hill.
Conclusion
I hope this local guide of Alfama will help you find all the famous sights and some hidden gems. Whether you want to see churches like Igreja de Santo AntĆ³nio and Igreja de SĆ£o Miguel, or the famous castle and the viewpoints, there are sights for everyone!Ā
What do you think your favourite part of Alfama Lisbon will be? Let me know in the comments! You can easily spend a few days in this district alone, and at minimum, a day trip will be unforgettable!
Other must-see places in and near Alfama
- Incredible things to see at Castelo de SĆ£o JorgeĀ
- Book a Lisbon photographer to create long-lasting memories
- 10 beautiful sights not to miss in Alfama Lisbon
- The colourful walls of Igreja de SĆ£o Vicente de Fora
- A visitors guide to the stunning Lisbon Cathedral
- Visiting the Azulejo Museum Lisbon and Madre de Deus is a must-see!
- Inside the National Pantheon Lisbon, and beautiful views over Alfama
- The ultimate guide to Alfamaās fabulous Fado Museum Lisbon
- Enjoy the vibe at the iconic flea market Feira da Ladra Lisbon
- 10 Things to know before booking a fun Tuk-Tuk Tour in Lisbon
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