Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district, and one of its most traditional and charming. One of the only districts to escape the devastating earthquake of 1755, Alfama is Lisbon’s historic center, with its steep cobblestone streets still intact from the Middle Ages. When the WOW team visited Lisbon recently, we headed straight to Alfama to explore the city center and start our trip on the right foot. Here’s our guide to the best this fascinating region has to offer.
What to do:
Castle of Sao Jorge
Alfama Castle can be seen from almost anywhere in Lisbon and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can climb the tower or stroll along the ramparts for stunning views of the city, the river and, on clear days, the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
Getting lost on a steep cobblestone path
Exploring Alfama’s labyrinth of small streets, cobbled lanes and steep staircases will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Winding, rabbit-like alleyways lined with intricately tiled houses with wrought-iron balconies, hanging laundry, and multicolored peeling paint reinforce the sense that this is a living, breathing neighborhood rather than a district built misguidedly for tourists. Leave your map at your hotel and get wonderfully lost in this street for a few hours.
Take tram number 28
One of the highlights of visiting Alfama is riding the famous tram number 28. This narrow, yellow tram has become a symbol of Lisbon, winding its way through narrow, rugged streets. There are no trams like this anywhere in the world. These remain the original models manufactured in the 1930s. The tram line is long, but the Alfama section is the most fun.
Santa Luzia Viewpoint
The romantic terrace of Santa Luzia Mirador offers stunning views of Alfama and the Tagus River. Find a spot, sit for a moment, and take in the cascading bougainvillea, chipped tiles, and stunning views below.
shopping
Grab your wallet and browse the traditional shops selling all kinds of beautiful prints, tiles and crafts. If you’re in town on a Tuesday or Saturday, be sure to visit the famous Feira da Ladra flea market, where you’ll find a wide variety of items. A great place to get a Portuguese basket.
Admire the vibrant colors
Alfama is Lisbon’s most colorful neighborhood and is a feast for the eyes. The weathered yet brightly painted houses, the pretty flowers blooming from their balconies, and the striking tiles that decorate nearly every corner of the district will fill your camera’s memory card in no time.
Graça observation deck
At the top of the hill is the residential Graça neighborhood and Miradouro de Graça, another beautiful viewpoint in Lisbon. This is a popular spot among locals due to its wonderful terrace and panoramic views of Lisbon and São Jorge Castle. It is much quieter than the Santa Luzia observatory. Enjoy a drink in the open-air cafe in the late afternoon.
church and cathedral
Alfama is also home to some spectacular and important churches and cathedrals. Be sure to stop by the Romanesque Se Cathedral with its two castellated bell towers, the Santa Engracia Pantéan Nacional Church, one of the most famous buildings on Alfama’s skyline, and the San Vicente de Fora Church, admired for its stunning Baroque canopy over the altar.
How to move
Alfama is a maze of steep hills and narrow alleys, so transportation options are limited. The best way to get around this neighborhood is, of course, on your own. A popular walking route is to follow the tram route from Baixa to Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Another popular route is to leave Santa Apolonia metro station and climb the steep slope to the castle. Please try riding the tram number 28 at least once.
Another unique way to explore Alfama is by tuk-tuk. Asia isn’t the only place you can zip around on this three-wheeled auto-rickshaw. Tuk-tuks are perfect for navigating the narrow, rolling streets and are an exciting and fun way to experience the city.
what to eat
Lisbon is a foodie’s delight, and you can’t come to Portugal’s capital without sampling the following cuisines. Many of them can be found in Alfama: bacalhau (Portugal’s national dish of salt cod), caldo verde (green juice made with cabbage, onions, potatoes and chorico sausage), carne de porco alentejana (Portuguese’s version of surf and turf featuring pork and clams), queijo de serra (creamy sheep’s milk cheese), and of course the famous pasteis de nata (custard). tarts) can also be found all over the city.
where to stay
If you’re looking for a hotel in the heart of Alfama that emphasizes great design, Memmo Alfama is the place to be. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, a short distance from Se Cathedral and São Jorge Castle, Memmo Alfama is already considered one of Lisbon’s finest hotels and is also the first boutique hotel in the city’s historic centre. The wine terrace and rooftop pool offer the best views of Alfama. Its contemporary atmosphere, minimalist design and high standards make it the perfect base for your stay in Alfama.