Alfama
Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, with Moorish maze-like lanes that survived the 1755 earthquake, viewpoints and fado taverns. It is the most authentic old Lisbon.
Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district. Its name comes from the Arabic word for “spring.” The Moorish street layout survived the great earthquake of 1755, and it still has steep stone staircases, small balconies with laundry strung across them, and the feel of a fishing village where neighbours chat on their doorsteps. Alfama is one of the birthplaces of fado, a melancholic folk music. The Fado Museum (about 5 euros) traces the history of the genre. In the evening you can have dinner and listen to live performances at fado restaurants such as Clube de Fado and Parreirinha de Alfama (about 40–60 euros per person, reservations recommended).
A recommended walking route starts at the Sé Cathedral and passes the Miradouro de Santa Luzia (with its tiled gallery and bougainvillea) and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, with views over the red-tiled roofs and the Tagus. From there, wander the lanes at will, or climb to São Jorge Castle. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the “Thieves' Market” flea market is held at Largo de Santa Clara. From June 12 to 13, during the feast of Saint Anthony, the whole district is hung with streamers and grills sardines throughout the night. Getting there: tram 28E passes the Sé Cathedral and the Portas do Sol. The slopes are steep and the stones slippery, so wear flat, non-slip shoes, and keep an eye on your belongings in the lanes at night.
Opening hours
Neighborhood open all day
Nearby sights
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia
- Tram 28
- São Jorge Castle
- Lisbon Cathedral
- National Pantheon (Church of Santa Engrácia)
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
- Rua Augusta Arch
- Praça do Comércio