THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN LISBON’S ALFAMA NEIGHBORHOOD
Nestled in the hills of southern Lisbon is the Alfama neighborhood, one of the oldest, and most beautiful neighborhoods in the entire city-and the entirety of Europe as well. In my humble opinion.
The neighborhood is filled with the typical bright tiled neoclassical architecture that you picture when you think of Portugal. The small, narrow roads light up at night with music and people dancing spilling into the streets from the fado bars and small little hole in the wall restaurants.
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Small handmade pottery and tile stores line the narrow cobblestone alleys with the kindest owners sitting outside watching people passing by. You’re also sure to see people selling glasses of wine and shots of Portugal’s famous cherry liquor on the streets and from tiny window bars.
There is history everywhere that you turn in Alfama’s streets. The neighborhood was probably established in the 8th century by the Moors, and from then until now, the city has seen multiple rulers, and centuries come and go.
Alfama also saw the insanity that was the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake (and fire, and tsunami), which the neighborhood survived, unlike the rest of the city.
1. MIRADOURO DAS PORTAS DO SOL
Largo Portas do Sol, 1100-411 Lisboa, Portugal
This is my favorite view point in Lisbon, overlooking the Alfama neighborhood it feels straight out of a post card. People sit and hang out here and drink wine and coffee well into the night. My first little stay was looking over this view point and it was sweet seeing everyone having fun there.
2. SÃO JORGE CASTLE
R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal
St. George’s Castle, or the São Jorge Castle, dates all the way back to the 8th century on the hill that it was built on. Just like the neighborhood, the São Jorge Castle has seen many rulers, empires, and time periods go by. Visiting the castle and exploring its walls that overlook the city is a perfect activity to do while experiencing all that Alfama has to offer.
You can plan your visit and book your tickets here. You can plan and book a tour here as well.
3. DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM
Largo Portas do Sol 2, 1100-411 Lisboa, Portugal
Museu de Artes Decorativas is a beautiful palace turned museum that exhibits gorgeous decorative arts from hundreds of years of Portugal’s history back to the 1400s.
If you’re looking for a chill afternoon activity to see some pretty and interesting stuff this is a good little stop to hit.
4. MIRADOURO DE SANTA LUZIA
Largo Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa, Portugal
This is most likely the most popular Miradouro, and for good reason, the sky line is accompanied by a beautiful pergola tiled with bright colors and designs in the Jardim Júlio de Castilho, and people playing live music, most nights the saxophone. It is a perfect spot to sit and eat, or just watch the streets and ocean below.
5. LISBON CATHEDRAL
Largo da Sé 1, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal
Most often referred to as Sé de Lisboa-or its real name, the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major-this is the oldest church in Lisbon!!! Right in the center of the streets, it is easy and fascinating to see how the city has been built up and around it over time.
Though the 1775 earthquake destroyed both the pantheon and main chapel, the building has been restored over the years, and further excavated revealing history going back to the medieval time period. Unreal.
I somehow have left Lisbon twice with no pictures of the cathedral, but the best little cafe and bistro, Santa, is right beside it, and pictured here is the tram line right in front of the cathedral steps.
6. SHOP FOR HANDMADE TILES
Some of my favorite souvenirs that I have brought home through out all of my travels are my tiles that I brought home from Lisbon. These little tile stores are tucked in the streets all around the city, with many of the best ones in Alfama for sure.
Some good shops include:
XVIII - Azulejo & Faiança | Loja Alfama, Largo Santa Luzia nº9, 1100-411
Lisbon's Tiles, Rua do Salvador 56, 1100-466
By Nunes Azulejo, Largo São Martinho 4, 1100-537
Loja dos Descobrimentos, R. dos Bacalhoeiros 12, 1100-070
7. FESTAS DE LISBOA
Even though I have not been to Lisbon during the early summer, the neighborhood has a reputation for being the best during Festas De Lisboa through out June. The street parties and cultural traditions during the Days Of Saints and their eves are bright and lively day and night. If you are visiting Lisbon during the holiday month, the Alfama neighborhood is the place you want to be staying.
THINKING OF TRAVELING TO LISBON? DO IT.
HERE ARE ALL OF THE RESOURCES I USE TO PLAN MY TRIPS:
FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION: BOOKING.COM IS WHAT I WILL ALWAYS USE TO BOOK FLIGHTS AND STAYS. NEVER DONE ME WRONG
TOURS, DRIVERS, AND ALL THAT FUN STUFF: VIATOR IS MY GO-TO.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: SAFETYWING HAS ALWAYS BEEN FABULOUS. THE BEST EVER.
RENTAL CARS: WHEN BOOKING ANY TRIP THAT YOU DECIDE TO RENT A CAR FOR, BOOKING.COM IS FABULOUS LIKE ALWAYS.
