Lisbon’s old town Alfama will always have a special place in my heart. During the dreadful year of 2020, Glenn and I lived in Alfama for 3 months, which gave us a chance to explore all the things to do in this charming neighborhood of Lisbon.
It was actually a complete coincidence that we ended up living in Alfama. We stayed here from March to June during the first lockdown of the whole world, and thus had the chance to experience one of Lisbon’s most popular places without a single tourist in the area.
It was such an incredible opportunity to be able to explore Alfama alone. Therefore, we want to share with you what we found to be the best things to do in Alfama!
In this blog post, we’re going to share all kinds of information about Lisbon’s old charming town. You’ll learn about the history, how to get there, where to stay, tips for visiting, and all the best things do and top attractions to see in Alfama.
So let’s get started! Here are our top recommendations on what to do during your visit in Lisbon’s most charming and beautiful old town.
AFFILIATE LINKS DISCLOSURE: Dear Reader, this blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here.
About Alfama – Lisbon’s old part of town
Before sharing the best things to do in Alfama, we want to give you some general information about this beautiful neighborhood in Lisbon.
Lisbon has many different districts, however Alfama remains the oldest quarter in town. Therefore, it’s only natural for us to start this blog post with sharing some history facts about Alfama.
Afterwards, we’ll tell you some practical information about how to get to Alfama and some tips for visiting.
Alfama’s long history
There is a lot of history hidden within the narrow cobblestoned streets of Alfama.
The name “Alfama” originates from the arabic word “Al-hamma”, which means “bath” and “fountain”. To this day, you’ll still find many fountains while walking around Alfama.
The neighborhood was originally Muslim, and the Moorish domination ruled it from 711 to 1147. During this period, Alfama was inhabited by the rich, which means that a lot of important people lived and ruled from here.
By 1147 the Moors in Alfama were defeated, and the territory of Lisbon became part of the Kingdom of Portugal.
Consequently, the rich moved out of Alfama and the fishermen, sailors, and poor people moved in.
From then on, Alfama turned into a difficult neighborhood where crime was on the rise. In the late 20th century there was even talk about destroying the whole neighborhood and rebuilding it again. Luckily, it never came that far!
During the massive Lisbon earthquake in 1755, Alfama was also one of the few neighborhoods in Lisbon that survived complete destruction.
It’s safe to say that Alfama is one of the strongest and toughest neighborhoods in all of Lisbon.
Today there is a strong sense of community in Alfama, which we were lucky to experience during our 3 months living here. It was a daily activity for the ladies to hang out freshly washed laundry on the balconies while catching up and having a laugh.
One night, our whole street was even singing from their balconies! It was a very interesting scene, and we’re so grateful that we were able to experience this sense of community.
If you want to know more about the history of Alfama, then sign up for a walking tour in Alfama.
How to get to Alfama
Before you can go explore all the great things to see in Alfama, it’s needless to say that you have to get there first! Here are 3 ways to get to Alfama from the city center of Lisbon:
- Walk: Strap on your shoes and start walking up the incredibly steep cobblestoned streets of Alfama. We really recommend this as it’s the best way to explore the neighborhood – plus, we’re keen hikers!
- Tram: If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, then you can take the old and authentic tram #28. The tram lines were introduced to Lisbon in 1901 and are such an integrated part of the city today.
- Bus: Another great way to travel around in Lisbon is by bus. There are several routes that goes past Alfama, but we’ll suggest you take bus line #737 towards Castelo. It will drop you off at the São Jorge Castle, which leaves you on the top of Alfama.
If you want to ride all the transportation for free and get discount on many attractions all over Lisbon, then look into buying the Lisbon Card.
Where to stay in Alfama
Are you thinking about staying in Alfama during your trip to Lisbon? Then you’re in luck because you can find the most incredible hotels in Alfama. Being the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, there are a lot of historical places to stay at in Alfama.
That being said, the accommodation options in Alfama aren’t exactly cheap. So if you want something affordable, then chances are that you have to stay in another neighbourhood in Lisbon.
Below, you’ll find some of the best accommodation options in Alfama. As always, we’ve done our research on Booking.com.
Best hotels in Alfama
- Hotel Convento do Salvador: One of the more affordable hotel options in Alfama. This 3-star hotel is located in a former convent. The rooms are clean and modern, and in some of them you’ll even find beautiful views over the Tejo River.
- Solar do Castelo – Lisbon Heritage Collection – Alfama: This incredible 4-star hotel is located in a building from the 18th century – right within the walls of Sao Jorge Castle! It’s a boutique hotel with beautifully designed rooms that takes you back to another time period.
- Santiago de Alfama – Boutique Hotel: This unique 5-star boutique hotel has won several awards and is located in a fully restored 15th century palace. The rooms/suites are big, spacious, and often offer beautiful views of the Tejo River.
Tips for visiting Alfama
Before we move on to the top attractions and best things to do in Alfama, we want to quickly share a few quick tips so that you are as prepared as possible. So here goes 3 tips for visiting the old town of Lisbon:
- Wear good shoes: Don’t visit the neighborhood in heels or flip flops. Trust me, you’ll regret it! The hills are very steep, so you want to wear something comfortable on your feet.
- Watch out during rain: Alfama is full of cobblestones and unique street tiles, and they get really slippery when wet. So, if it’s raining or if it has just been raining while you visit Alfama, then watch out that you don’t slip and hurt yourself. I speak out of my own experience here…
- Be respectful of locals: Because of its charm, Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most touristic areas! But remember that local people still live here. So, make sure to give people a little privacy. I’m sure not all locals in Alfama thinks it’s nice to have a camera up their nose while they hang up fresh laundry.
Top attractions and 13 best things to do in Alfama
Now we’ve finally reached the essence of this blog post! This section contains all the best things to do in Alfama including top attractions, viewpoints, delicacies, and much more!
1. Lisbon’s castle: Castelo de São Jorge
The biggest must-see thing in Alfama is definitely Lisbon’s old São Jorge Castle. Therefore, we only find it right to start this blog post with this particular attraction.
Castelo de São Jorge was built in the mid-11th century during the Moorish period. The castle was never meant to house royal residents, instead it was built as a place to house military troops. But after 1147, when the Moors were defeated, it was decided that the castle should house royal residents.
In the 13th century, Castelo de São Jorge finally became a royal palace and many festivities and coronations took place here. However, the royal adventure only lasted until 1580 when the castle was turned back into military barracks under the Spanish crown.
It wasn’t until 1910 that Castelo de São Jorge was declared a national monument of Portugal. And today, the castle both serves as a national monument, a museum, and a popular tourist attraction in Alfama.
Apart from all the great history in the castle, you’ll also find some of Lisbon’s greatest viewpoints within the castle grounds. Castelo de São Jorge is definitely one of the best things you can see and do in Alfama – and in all of Lisbon!
The castle is open from 9 AM to 9 PM during the summer period, whereas during winter it’s open from 9 AM to 7 PM. Below you’ll find a table over the ticket prices of Castelo de São Jorge in 2023:
You can either buy your ticket directly at the ticket office or book your ticket online with a tour guide included. See the ticket prices of 2023 in the box below:
| Ticket Types | Ticket Prices (2023) |
| Adult | €15 |
| 13 – 25 years old | €7,5 |
| Seniors older than 65 and disabled persons | €12,5 |
| Lisbon residents and children under 12 years old | FREE! |
2. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Taking in the breathtaking views over Lisbon and the Tagus River is definitely one of our favorite things to do in Alfama! We 100% recommend you to stop by some of the many viewpoints scattered around the city – not just the ones in Alfama.
Anyways, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia is probably the most famous viewpoint in Alfama.
The reason why Miradouro de Santa Luzia is so popular is because of its setting in a beautiful little garden surrounded by the classic colorful tiles of Lisbon. Here you’ll get some great views over the rooftops of Alfama and the Tagus river.
The viewpoint is public and open to visit at any time and any day during the week.
3. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
My favorite viewpoint in Alfama is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. If you really want to enjoy Lisbon’s old town the right way, then I’d suggest you head over here.
During lockdown, our favorite thing to do was to go to this beautiful viewpoint and do some workout – remember, there was no tourists and no people on the streets, so we basically had it all to ourselves!
Once the restaurants opened up again, we regularly went to the little café right next to the viewpoint. We’re not talking about the Portas do Sol café, but a cheaper smaller “kiosk” that has a few tables right next to some great views and the tram line. We absolutely loved going here in the afternoon to play cards and drink a beer or two.
If you have the time and really want to appreciate Alfama, then we suggest that you buy a coffee and take a break in the sun by either Portas do Sol Café or by the little green kiosk on the street. During our travels, we’ve learned that it’s often the small things that gives us the deepest experiences and memories.
4. Miradouro da Graça
We’re almost done with talking about viewpoints, but we need to include this last one to really do this Miradouro-list justice… So here goes one more viewpoint!
Miradouro da Graça is technically not situated in Alfama. It’s located in the neighboring quarter named São Vicente. However, it’s only a short walk from Alfama, and it truly deserves a visit while you’re in the area!
The great thing about Miradouro da Graça is that you actually get a view over Alfama and Castelo de São Jorge. So, somehow it’s the perfect ending to your viewpoint-visits in the old town of Lisbon.
Hands down, this viewpoint is one of the best ways to see magnificent Lisbon all at once! Unfortunately we don’t have a picture of it, so you’ll just have to go and see it for yourself.
Like all the other viewpoints, it’s open to visit whenever you want.
5. Lisbon’s Cathedral Sé
Another great thing to do in Alfama is to visit Sé de Lisboa – also known as Lisbon’s Cathedral. Sé was built back in 1147 and therefore remains the oldest church in all of Lisbon.
Sé even survived the big earthquake in 1755! But it was also renovated many times to keep it strong.
Today it’s also declared one of Portugal’s national monuments – just like the Castelo de São Jorge.
Sé is a beautiful cathedral that anyone can enter for free. Just remember to cover your shoulders and knees. If you want to explore the cathedral further, then you can also visit the High Choir, the cathedral’s Museum of Treasury, and the nave for €5 per person.
In 2023, the Sé Cathedral of Lisbon is open every day except for Sundays and holidays. You can visit between 10 AM and 6 PM during winter, and between 9:30 AM and 7 PM during the summer season.
6. Teatro Romano Museum
It’s not enough that Alfama is the home of Lisbon’s castle and Lisbon’s cathedral, Alfama is also the home of Lisbon’s Roman amphitheater! In fact, it’s the only Roman amphitheater that has ever been discovered in all of Portugal.
Only a stone’s throw away from Sé Cathedral, about 150 meters, you can go see the old roman ruins.
The roman ruins were discovered in the 60’s and excavation began in 1980. Apparently the amphitheater was built by Emperor Augustus, and it had the capacity to host between 4000-5000 people.
You can either just walk by and see the excavation site from above for free, or you can dive deeper into the Roman history in Portugal and go visit the Museu Teatro Romano.
The ticket price to visit Museu Teatro Romano in 2023 is €3 for adults. The opening hours are 10 AM – 6 PM with last admission at 5:30 PM. It’s open every day except for Mondays when the museum is closed.
In our opinion, the Teatro Romano Museum isn’t one of the most important things to do and see in Alfama, but it’s still a cool and different attraction – plus it’s pretty cheap to visit.
7. Fado museum
One of the best things to do in Alfama is to learn about Fado. Unfortunately, we never got to visit the Fado Museum or experience Fado at a restaurant, so we sadly can’t share our personal experience.
Alfama is known for Fado, which is a Portuguese music genre and an art that can be traced back to the beginning of the 19th century. It’s an expressive and melancholic song, or “saudade” as it would be referred to in Portugal. A “Saudade” means a “longing”.
Like we mentioned earlier, Alfama was a tough neighborhood where a lot of poor people used to live. Therefore, Fado often reflects the hardships of life.
If you are into music and you’d like to experience this part of the Portuguese culture, then I’d suggest that you try to eat at a Fado restaurant in Alfama, or you go visit the Fado museum.
Museu do Fado is open every day between 10 AM and 6 PM except for Mondays. You can see the ticket prices for 2023 in the table below:
| Ticket Types | Ticket Prices (2023) |
| Adult | €5 |
| 13 – 25 years old | €2,5 |
| Seniors older than 65 and disabled persons | €4,3 |
| Lisbon residents and children under 12 years old | FREE! (with a few exceptions) |
8. Lisbon’s best Pastel de Nata
One of the absolute BEST things to do in Alfama is to eat Pastel de Nata. Actually, this doesn’t just count for Alfama – eating this delicious pastry is a must on your visit to Portugal. In fact, it’s probably the most famous pastry in all of Portugal.
- Related post: 30 GREAT Things Portugal is famous for
Pastel de Nata is a custard-filled tart that’s crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and taste heavenly when still a bit warm. Have it with a shot of Espresso and it’s the perfect little breakfast combination. But really, you can eat Pastel de Nata anytime during the day…
The best place to eat them in Alfama is in Pastelaria Santo António, which also won the award for BEST Pastel de Nata in 2019.
They only cost €1,2 per piece – and every bite is an absolute piece of heaven! So make sure to stop by this delicious Pastelaria on the way up to Lisbon’s castle.
9. Flea market at Santa Clara
If you’re visiting Alfama on a Tuesday or on a Saturday, then you can go by Feira da Ladra and make a bargain or two.
Feira da Ladra translates into the “Market of Female Thieves”, and it’s a popular flea market in Lisbon. It’s also known as the Mercado de Santa Clara because it’s located on Campo de Santa Clara.
It’s not one of the things you must see in Alfama, but it’s a nice way to explore something a bit more local in this popular and touristic neighborhood. You can find used books, clothes, antiques, and small knick-knacks in the market.
Feira da Ladra is open every Tuesday and Saturday. I couldn’t really find the official opening hours, but expect to come between 8 AM – 5 PM, and it should still be open.
10. Look for the peacocks
One of the more funny things to do in Alfama is to go on the lookout for the beautiful peacocks that live in the castle.
During our first month of living in Alfama, we stayed in an apartment that was located right next to the castle. It was such an incredible place to spend a whole month! And during the first week, we quickly learned that the area was full of peacocks.
The peacocks walked around in the streets and jumped on top of our roof. It was magnificent to constantly be surrounded by this incredibly colorful bird!
However, after some time we did start to grow tired of their high-pitched screams that lasted all day and all night… We’re pretty sure it was their mating season.
Anyways, one day when we were on our way home from a walk, we even saw a peacock that had spread its feathers wide open. It was shaking them at us (like it was warning us not to come any closer), so we naturally kept our distance. It was a pretty cool experience!
You should definitely be on the lookout for the peacocks when you’re exploring Alfama. They normally live in the castle, but they often jump over the walls and go into the streets of Alfama. You can most likely find them in the streets that are close to the castle.
11. Get lost in the streets of Alfama
I think my overall favorite activity, out of all the things to do in Alfama, is to just go get lost in the narrow, colorful cobblestone streets. That’s also why we recommend you to walk instead of taking the tram or the bus.
So, put the tourist map aside for an hour and just follow your feet. You’ll often find small winding streets with colorful tiles and beautiful graffiti-art, which other tourists often don’t find. You’ll also discover small hidden cafés and restaurants that are more local and authentic.
We absolutely love to just walk around in Alfama. There is so much history in these streets of Lisbon, and it’s probably the most charming old town we’ve ever seen.
Out of all the things to do in Alfama, this is an absolute must! You haven’t experienced the real Alfama before you start going off-road.
Just a quick reminder about what we said in the beginning – Be respectful of the locals who live here when you get off the tourist trail. The small streets of Alfama are so mesmerizing, but sometimes your camera can make people feel uncomfortable. So, just remember that people actually live here, and Alfama isn’t just a big tourist attraction of Lisbon.
12. Book a guided tour through Alfama
If you really want to get to know the history and best spots of Alfama, then we recommend you to go on a tour with a local. There are so many different tours you can go on, but we’ve just selected a handful of what we think looks best:
- Go on a classic walking tour in Alfama and learn about the area from a local guide.
- Are you an introvert like me (Cecilie)? Explore Alfama on a self-guided audio tour.
- Be the ultimate tourist on a guided segway tour through Alfama.
- Listen to- and taste Alfama’s soul with this walking tour with Fado and dinner included.
- Book a local food tour in Alfama where you will taste your way through the old town.
13. Delicious gelato in Alfama
What better way to end your day in Alfama than with a delicious gelato?!
Well you’re in luck, because we Lisbon’s best gelato at the foothill of Alfama. Back at sea level, you’ll find a shop named “Gelato Davvero Rio Tejo” – look it up on Google Maps.
The owners are super friendly and they have some REALLY DELICIOUS GELATO. They sell a few classic flavors, but also a mix of more modern flavors such as kiwi and banana!
Eating a yummy gelato really is the best way to end your day exploring all of Alfama’s best things to do!
Why visit Alfama? And how to be a better traveler in 2023
We wanted to write this blog post, not just to inform you about the best things to do in Alfama, but also to advertise about how to become a better traveler here in the old historic town of Lisbon.
Alfama is one of the most popular neighborhoods to visit in not just Lisbon, but in all of Portugal. This naturally brings a lot of tourists to the scene.
We were lucky to experience Alfama without any other tourists. Living in this neighborhood for 3 months during the world pandemic made us realize just how beautiful this place is. The sense of community in Alfama is very strong, and we think it’s important that we tourists respect that.
We found that the locals of Alfama always greeted each other on the streets – they even greeted an obvious foreigner like me! And it honestly made me feel very welcome.
So let’s become better tourists to Alfama and make sure to give the locals more space, smile at them and say hello instead of just taking pictures of them.
…We’ve also visited Alfama back in 2019, before the world pandemic, and the scene was completely different – so we speak out of own experience when we say that the big tourist crowds did take away some of the beauty of the old town in Lisbon. So now that tourism is back, let’s be better travelers to Alfama here in 2023.
Alfama will always have a special place in our heart! When our governments closed the borders in 2020, Lisbon was the place that an international couple like me and Glenn could call “home” for a while. For that, we’re always grateful to Portugal and we will continue to come back for more visits in the future.
- You can read our story about how we ended up in Lisbon in my blog post: Where is home for international couples?
- Or go check out what we did during lockdown in this blog post: Lockdown life in Lisbon
- Planning a trip to Lisbon? Read my Weekend in Lisbon itinerary
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about all the best things to do in Alfama. Now you’re hopefully prepared for your next trip to the old town of Lisbon! Make sure to share some of your experiences of lovely Alfama in the comments. Thanks for reading!
JUST AMAZING we are going for 4 days staying 2 in Alfama i cannot wait this is very helpful
I’m glad to hear it Lisa! Thank you so much for your lovely comment, I hope you’ll have a wonderful trip. Happy travels!