Alfama
4.5
About
Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Alfama
The area
How to get there
- Santa Apolónia • 7 min walk
- Terreiro do Paço • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,385 within 3 miles
Attractions
804 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
21,222 reviews
Excellent
13,157
Very good
6,711
Average
1,079
Poor
176
Terrible
99
LondonSeb
London, UK82 contributions
May 2021
Stayed in Alfama last week for 3 nights at a rented flat. The Alfama part of Lisbon is probably the most typical and oldest part. It's amazing the walk around in the maze of small narrow streets.
Many amazing viewpoints too.
The only drawback is how steep some streets are, and it's easy to get lost. The main public transport available is the various "historical" trams (28 and 12 lines), but they are expensive if buying a single ticket (3 EUR per trip) and often crowded/full.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to buy a day travel card at the tram itself or online, only from Metro stations at the flat part of the city.
A 24 hour travel card is a must if you stay in Alfama and travel around Lisbon, and at only 6.4 EUR per day, it's a bargain (unlimited metros, buses, trams but no ferries). Alternatively, the Lisboa card aimed at tourists includes many museums but also public transports.
To save on money, I believe there is one bus line going to the castle, and that would be a much cheaper bus ticket than tram ticket. Bus is also much larger than the trams.
Many amazing viewpoints too.
The only drawback is how steep some streets are, and it's easy to get lost. The main public transport available is the various "historical" trams (28 and 12 lines), but they are expensive if buying a single ticket (3 EUR per trip) and often crowded/full.
Unfortunately, it's not possible to buy a day travel card at the tram itself or online, only from Metro stations at the flat part of the city.
A 24 hour travel card is a must if you stay in Alfama and travel around Lisbon, and at only 6.4 EUR per day, it's a bargain (unlimited metros, buses, trams but no ferries). Alternatively, the Lisboa card aimed at tourists includes many museums but also public transports.
To save on money, I believe there is one bus line going to the castle, and that would be a much cheaper bus ticket than tram ticket. Bus is also much larger than the trams.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inhale-exhale321
Europe125 contributions
Dec 2022
Alfama is a very charming area of the city. Definitely visit when in Lisbon - if you can and don't mind a few relaxed strolls up and down hill, book your accommodation here.
Alfama is a maze of crooked narrow streets and stairs. It is quiet compared to the busy city, since there are no cars or public transport on the steep hills. Enjoy getting lost around the historic streets studded with little shops and restaurants, fado bars and bring your camera and some small change to buy a shot of ginginja from one of the pop-up stands along the streets (this is unique to Alfama since it's legal here to sell liquor without a licence). Navigating the streets is fairly simple: there is up and down and every now and again you come across a Miradouro to enjoy the view above the rooftops and help orient yourself. There are free walking tours which are a great way to explore the area too.
It is well connected with trams lines passing, busses and metro stations within walking distance. It's only a short walk to the river promenade where there are more bars and cafés and this is where many sightseeing boats leave/arrive.
Alfama is a maze of crooked narrow streets and stairs. It is quiet compared to the busy city, since there are no cars or public transport on the steep hills. Enjoy getting lost around the historic streets studded with little shops and restaurants, fado bars and bring your camera and some small change to buy a shot of ginginja from one of the pop-up stands along the streets (this is unique to Alfama since it's legal here to sell liquor without a licence). Navigating the streets is fairly simple: there is up and down and every now and again you come across a Miradouro to enjoy the view above the rooftops and help orient yourself. There are free walking tours which are a great way to explore the area too.
It is well connected with trams lines passing, busses and metro stations within walking distance. It's only a short walk to the river promenade where there are more bars and cafés and this is where many sightseeing boats leave/arrive.
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zan
London, Canada37 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Narrow & steep charming streets, if you love hiking, brace yourself 😊 There are many local restaurants in these streets of Alfama. I mostly travelled through most of attractions city centre walking. If you do not like walking or unable to walk for whatever reason, there are alternatives. There is an option of tram, however keep in mind it’s busy most of the time. They say February is off season but i found it busy. I didn’t take the tram as i found it really jam packed. Another alternative is Tuk Tuk.
I would highly recommend the Sao Jorge Castle and the spots around the castle from where you can view the whole city. It is mesmerizing. Some of the best spots to take pictures!
I would highly recommend the Sao Jorge Castle and the spots around the castle from where you can view the whole city. It is mesmerizing. Some of the best spots to take pictures!
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
16jamesdoc
London, UK657 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
For such an atmospheric city, Alfama is perhaps the most atmospheric quarter of all. Set on steep hills, it offers endless perspectives of steps, alleys and byways. It's mostly pedestrian but at times an ancient tram rumbles by. Every so often a narrow street breaks out into lovely views (miradouras) of the city. Best tackled in dry weather however because the cobbled lanes could be slippery.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bluebay06
La Spezia, Italy2,124 contributions
Nov 2022
The visit of the old district of Alfama is undoubtedly the most characteristic moment of the visit to Lisbon. It is really pleasant, even if a little tiring, to walk in these irregular streets where you move between old buildings irregularly attached to each other and passing alongside terraces from which you can often enjoy beautiful views of the city and the river. This historic district is in fact located on the side of a hill at the highest point of which there is the beautiful Castelo de S. Jorge while the lowest end is on the northern bank of the Tagus River. To reach the highest part of this neighborhood, we used the very popular tram 28 which stops right in front of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and from here we slowly climbed up to the castle. After the interesting visit of the castle we went down and stopped at the cathedral without getting tired of photographing the unique and interesting aspects of this authentic reality. The district is always full of tourists but the visit is always pleasant in this real, authentic and chaotic context of daily life and traffic. You cannot say that you have visited Lisbon if you have not been to Alfama.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerard C
Derrygonnelly, UK84 contributions
Mar 2023
Alfama is one of the oldest districts of Lisbon and it is a must in anyone's itinerary. The streets are steep and not for the fainthearted but a visit is well worth the effort. There is a plentiful choice of cafes and souvenir shops along the route to the Sao Jorge Castle. This particular castle dates back to the eleventh century and there are spectacular views of the city from its walls. There are peacocks in the grounds of the castle and they certainly make it a colourful occasion. In many senses this is the real Lisbon. Lisbon Cathedral is also en route.
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nadina P
New York City, NY280 contributions
May 2022
This neighborhood is packed with thousands of years of Lisbon history, and it's very authentic. Restaurants operate out of nooks and crannies. Apartments are in buildings that date back to the Moors. It sometimes feels a little bit like Toledo, Spain. Sadly, many locals have been priced out of this area, but it's still an incredible part of the city to visit. It's quite a hike up, but one of our favorites!
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ELIZABETH NYAERA
London, UK1 contribution
Apr 2023
I absolutely loved exploring Alfama! This charming neighborhood is full of history and character, and I felt like I stepped back in time as I wandered through the narrow streets and alleyways. There are plenty of traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants to discover, and the views of the city from the hilltops are breathtaking.
Written May 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben F
Bloomington, IN1,372 contributions
May 2022
It goes without saying that Alfama is quintessential Lisbon—you can’t go to the city without checking out this historic neighborhood. I wish I could’ve spent better time there with my electric wheelchair…the hills and steepness of the streets, coupled with the cobblestone, made traversing difficult. Next time I’ll rely on Uber to get me specific places within the quarter.
Non-disabled travelers, though—have the time of your life!
Non-disabled travelers, though—have the time of your life!
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia16,866 contributions
Jun 2022
Alfama is the oldest part of Portugal capital, set on a steep hill with a huge maze of tiny streets and alleys. By far, it is the most picturesque part of the capital with amazing mix of cultures.
Please believe me when I say "steep hill", so I advise you taking a tuk tuk, historic tram 28 or taxi to St. George castle which is atop that hill. From there, just take your time and take it easy - descend slowly down getting lost in that maze with numerous cafes (pretty inexpensive), small art galleries, picturesque corners, amazing view points (Miraduoros) and likewise grand historic Churches.
Please believe me when I say "steep hill", so I advise you taking a tuk tuk, historic tram 28 or taxi to St. George castle which is atop that hill. From there, just take your time and take it easy - descend slowly down getting lost in that maze with numerous cafes (pretty inexpensive), small art galleries, picturesque corners, amazing view points (Miraduoros) and likewise grand historic Churches.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy M
2 contributions
Staying in Alfama district in March traveling with group of 7. Do we need to make diner reservations in advance? Suggestions for local places welcome.
Scott P
Milwaukee, WI7 contributions
You have multi size restaurants in the area. In old town you will find many places that have outdoor seating on Rue Augusta and most of the seating is covered with umbrellas. The food choices are really good and the cost is very fair and not over priced. If you get creative you can find some little food locations in the surrounding neighborhoods. Enjoy!
mavroudis
Palm Beach Gardens, FL16 contributions
How much time is needed in Alfama
IslandGirl_Laura
Jacksonville, FL101 contributions
Sorry for late reply. The guided walking tour we took was approx 4 hours. No breaks/stops were included except at the very end of the tour. I recommend the guided tour. The knowledgeable guide showed us typical places, told us typical stories of this neighborhood, that we may not have visited when planning the tour by ourselves.
vacationsy
New York City, NY118 contributions
Hello, wondering what the best way to visit Alfama would be? Can one do it without a guide? Do we need to pay admissions fees for sites? If we walk around by ourselves, will we not get enough of the historical/cultural perspective that a guide would provide?
BuBmv1
Pittstown, NJ137 contributions
We walked up and down (lots of up :) the Alfama twice during our Lisbon vacation and I think that’s the only way to go. Just walk. Enjoy the little shops and bars/nightclubs. The moms selling spirits on the sidewalks. Stop in for some Fado music. Have a snack(s). We were blessed with good weather and hope you are too. Enjoy!
Larryo
Fort Lauderdale, FL450 contributions
hi Jessica, what area do you recommend for hotels? have never been. thank you. thinking of Jan. or Feb.
Karen W
Charlottesville, VA123 contributions
My hotel , Corpo Santo , is in the Chiado district. Very convenient. The Alfama is another good option. Both are within walking distance of everything
Andressa C
Sao Paulo, SP45 contributions
Olá! Sou fotógrafa e estarei visitando Lisboa pela primeira vez! Gostaria de saber: no final de agosto, o por do sol é melhor apreciado da Torre de Belém ou do Castelo de São Jorge/ Miradouros da Alfama?
AntónioMoura M
Santo Tirso, Portugal169 contributions
Olá depende da perspectiva que pretende junto da Torre de Belém o plano é mais reduzido porque está mais perto do por do sol tira melhor proveito da realidade do mesmo lá em cima no castelo a perspectiva é grande o plano é largo...
Hi fellow travellers
I am booked to visit Lisbon next weekend and would appreciate any information on the current situation regarding the coronavirus and what restrictions are in place. I'm due to fly into Faro tomorrow then on to my hotel in Monte Gordo for a few days before one night in Faro before catching the train from there to Lisbon.
Up to press my flight is still scheduled tomorrow and the FCO are not advising against travel to these areas at the moment but of course like other travellers I have concerns and worry not only for health reasons but I would hate to arrive and find that places are closed and that I am unable to get out and about and explore!
Lesterbeach
Winnipeg, Canada4,216 contributions
We just got back from the Algarve. Schools are closed. A lot of hotels have reduced staff and no cleaning services. Some have closed restaurants. Are you able to get home if flights are cancelled in a few weeks?
Sónia M
Sintra, Portugal
Hi, I'm searching for an affordable restaurant with live fado music on the 31st December. We're 3 people and we'd like to see the fireworks somewhere near the restaurant. Anyone helps? Restaurant names which fit? Thank you!
John K
Lake Zurich, IL25 contributions
We went to see Fado in Coimbra. Men and students of the University perform. Did not go in Lisbon. Sorry.
ruben_maganas
Cordoba, Spain4 contributions
Hola, me alojo en este barrio y no por ningun lado un gimnasio, para ir algunos dÃas
¿alguien me puede ayudar?
Daisy f
Maria Enzersdorf, Austria368 contributions
No he visto ninguno! Lo siento!
Ans914
Sint-Oedenrode41 contributions
Goed restaurant met life muziek in alfama?
AndreLimaPereira
Niteroi, RJ16 contributions
Sim!
Muitas opções de refeições em vários restaurantes!
Alguns com música e outros sem música!
Em geral o local é muito agradável para se visitar!
Anna M
Cheltenham, UK10 contributions
Restaurants in alguna
Pismoexpert
Arroyo Grande, CA112 contributions
In alfama? Yes there are a lot and they are fantastic. Especially when they have the fado singing. The codfish is great any seafood actually.
Alfama (Lisbon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Alfama
- We recommend booking Alfama tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 391 Alfama tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Alfama:
- Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour (From $19.87)
- Lisbon: 1-Hour City Tour on a Private Tuk (From $43.60)
- Experience Lisbon in style with our electric talking car (From $24.84)
- Treasures of Lisboa Food Tours (From $105.97)
- Private City Kickstart Tour: Lisbon (From $44.15)
- Hotels near Alfama:
- (0.01 mi) Alfama Apartment With Balcony
- (0.02 mi) Hostel Petit Lusa
- (0.03 mi) Alfama Remedios
- (0.03 mi) Lisbon Best Choice Apartments - Prime
- (0.03 mi) Studio in Alfama
- Restaurants near Alfama:
- (0.00 mi) A Travessa do Fado
- (0.01 mi) Chave D'Ouro
- (0.01 mi) Taberna Ti Camila
- (0.01 mi) restaurante o cartacheiro
- (0.01 mi) Giallo
- Attractions near Alfama:
- (0.01 mi) Museu do Fado
- (0.01 mi) Chafariz de Dentro
- (0.01 mi) Lisbon Beer Tours
- (0.01 mi) Sing Fado at Fado Museum
- (0.02 mi) Parreirinha d'Alfama
Alfama Information
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