Alfama Travel Guide

Lisbon District
Alfama showing a sunset and a coastal town
Explore Moorish castles and medieval alleyways in Lisbon’s oldest district before an evening of traditional live music at an authentic Fado bar.

Alfama has retained many of its medieval buildings and unusual architecture from a period of Moorish rule. When the Lisbon earthquake hit in 1755, the district in the centre of Lisbon was one of the least devastated areas. The Moorish Castle of Saint George looms large on the skyline from on top of a hill. Roman ruins and brightly colored houses add to the charm of Alfama. 

To get a different view of the major architectural attractions, head to the Portas do Sol lookout and café for stunning views over Lisbon’s medieval heart. Start your history lesson in Roman times at the ruins of a Roman theatre and museum displaying unearthed carvings and artifacts.

Walk a few blocks through the charming tree-lined streets to the Castle de São Jorge. The fortress was constructed by the Moorish rulers in the 6th century and captured during the Crusades, after which it underwent renovations and became the Royal Palace. In one of the rebuilt rooms of the Royal Palace you can watch a multimedia film on Lisbon’s history. 

Don’t miss the Cathedral of Lisbon. The city’s oldest surviving building was constructed in 1150.

If you’re interested in imagining Alfama before the earthquake, head to the Tile Museum, housed in an old and lavish monastery. View five centuries of tile artworks, including a 75-foot (23-metre) tile cityscape created in 1738. 

Enjoy the opulent painted roofs, artworks and furniture of a 17th-century palace in the Museum of Decorative Arts, housed inside the Azura Palace. Next door you can watch artisans creating replicas of the antiques using age-old techniques. 

Go to the waterfront nearby the Santa Apolonia train station for modern boutiques, restaurants and nightlife. For the best traditional fish dishes try the area around the Casa dos Bicco, a 16th-century palace encased in spikes. 

The centre of Lisbon is best explored on foot. Further out there are trams, buses and an underground metro system.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Alfama

Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
4 out of 5
42 RUA DA MADALENA, Lisbon
The price is ฿5,142 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
฿5,142
฿5,744 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Nov - 20 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (626 reviews)
"Excellant staff attention"

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2024

Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
5 out of 5
Rua Cais de Santarém 52, Lisbon, Lisbon
The price is ฿5,110 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
฿5,110
฿5,711 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (775 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Breakfast was excellent and very good value. Evening menu limited due to refurbishment."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Hotel Convento do Salvador
3 out of 5
Rua do Salvador, 2 B, Lisbon, Lisboa
The price is ฿3,960 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
฿3,960
฿4,491 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (949 reviews)
"Easy"

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Hotel Convento do Salvador
Largo da Sé - HOrigem
Largo da Sé - HOrigem
3 out of 5
Calçada do Correio Velho, 3 - S/L, Lisbon
The price is ฿1,932 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
฿1,932
฿2,342 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (784 reviews)
"Close to metro station easy access!"

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2024

Largo da Sé - HOrigem
Varandas de Lisboa
Varandas de Lisboa
4 out of 5
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 8, Lisbon, Lisboa
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (670 reviews)
Amazing sunsets
"We stayed a week in a spacious, two-bedroom river front apartment that captured the most beautiful sunsets right from the balcony. The location was excellent, right in the heart of the city. The staff were friendly and made the check-in process smooth. The apartment was beautifully clean and well-maintained. ..."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Varandas de Lisboa
 Dalma Old Town Suites
Dalma Old Town Suites
3 out of 5
Rua dos Cegos 2 a 6, Lisbon
The price is ฿3,289 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿3,289
฿3,782 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an on-site winery and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"Good location with a decently room"

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Dalma Old Town Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Alfama

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Mouraria

While you're in Mouraria, take in top sights like Martim Moniz Square or Avenida Almirante Reis, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Socorro Stop or Martim Moniz Station.

Mouraria
Santa Justa Elevator showing landscape views and a city

Baixa

4.5/5(604 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Rossio Square to Rua Augusta – discover Baixa, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Baixa
Senhora do Monte Viewpoint which includes a river or creek, a city and landscape views

Graça

Graça is a destination travellers like for its historical sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at R. Graça Stop or Graça Stop to explore sights like Senhora do Monte Viewpoint.

Graça
Chiado which includes views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Camões Square while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Chiado
Lisbon District showing food

Cais do Sodré

If you're spending time in Cais do Sodré, check out sights like Mercado da Ribeira or Pink Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rua de São Paulo Stop or R. Vitor Cordon Stop.

Cais do Sodré
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Bairro Alto

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Principe Real Square, and catch the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto

Alfama Travel Guide