Alfama

Lisbon District
Alfama showing night scenes
Explore Moorish castles and medieval alleyways in Lisbon’s oldest district before an evening of traditional live music at an authentic Fado bar.

Alfama has retained many of its medieval buildings and unusual architecture from a period of Moorish rule. When the Lisbon earthquake hit in 1755, the district in the center of Lisbon was one of the least devastated areas. The Moorish Castle of Saint George looms large on the skyline from on top of a hill. Roman ruins and brightly colored houses add to the charm of Alfama.

To get a different view of the major architectural attractions, head to the Portas do Sol lookout and café for stunning views over Lisbon’s medieval heart. Start your history lesson in Roman times at the ruins of a Roman theater and museum displaying unearthed carvings and artifacts.

Walk a few blocks through the charming tree-lined streets to the Castle de São Jorge. The fortress was constructed by the Moorish rulers in the 6th century and captured during the Crusades, after which it underwent renovations and became the Royal Palace. In one of the rebuilt rooms of the Royal Palace you can watch a multimedia film on Lisbon’s history.

Don’t miss the Cathedral of Lisbon. The city’s oldest surviving building was constructed in 1150.

If you’re interested in imagining Alfama before the earthquake, head to the Tile Museum, housed in an old and lavish monastery. View five centuries of tile artworks, including a 75-foot (23-meter)tile cityscape created in 1738.

Enjoy the opulent painted roofs, artworks and furniture of a 17th-century palace in the Museum of Decorative Arts, housed inside the Azura Palace. Next door you can watch artisans creating replicas of the antiques using age-old techniques.

Go to the waterfront nearby the Santa Apolonia train station for modern boutiques, restaurants and nightlife. For the best traditional fish dishes try the area around the Casa dos Bicco, a 16th-century palace encased in spikes.

The center of Lisbon is best explored on foot. Further out there are trams, buses and an underground metro system.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Alfama Hotel Deals

Varandas de Lisboa
Varandas de Lisboa
4 out of 5
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 8, Lisbon, Lisboa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $82 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$82
$91 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room childcare, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (569 reviews)
"Wonderful location in the heart of it all. The 2 bedroom family room was perfect for us. The staff were very helpful."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Varandas de Lisboa
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Hotel Convento do Salvador
3 out of 5
Rua do Salvador, 2 B, Lisbon, Lisboa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $174 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$174
$188 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (743 reviews)
"We loved our stay at Convento, even though we had a rough start, we were lost for about 2 hrs because Uber did not know where it was and the building is not clearly marked from the place were we were dropped off, it is off the main street in a road that has no access, I had to call the hotel in order ..."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Hotel Convento do Salvador
Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
5 out of 5
Rua Cais de Santarém 52, Lisbon, Lisbon
The price is $193 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
$193
$209 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (634 reviews)
Needs better softer linens
"The hotel location and amenities and the service was perfect. I would like to see them improve their bedding and linens though."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Largo da Sé - HOrigem
Largo da Sé - HOrigem
3 out of 5
Calçada do Correio Velho, 3 - S/L, Lisbon
The price is $70 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
$70
$78 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, babysitting services, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (671 reviews)
"Convenient and in the heart of the city center"

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Largo da Sé - HOrigem
Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
4 out of 5
42 RUA DA MADALENA, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $133 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
$133
$145 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (452 reviews)
"I found the staff friendly and helpful I would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
Santa Luzia B&B - HOrigem
Santa Luzia B&B - HOrigem
3 out of 5
Rua de São Tomé 23, Lisbon, Lisbon
The price is $92 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
$92
$102 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and babysitting services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy beds in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (321 reviews)
Lisbon
"Great locality, very friendly staff. Retro style hotel but enough clean and comfortable. If you prefer traditional historical hotel, it's a good choice."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Santa Luzia B&B - HOrigem
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Alfama

Mouraria which includes outdoor art, outdoor eating and signage

Mouraria

While you're in Mouraria, take in top sights like Martim Moniz Square or Avenida Almirante Reis, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Socorro Stop or Martim Moniz Station.

Mouraria
Santa Justa Elevator showing a city and landscape views

Baixa

4.5/5(1,333 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Baixa. Rossio Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Baixa-Chiado Station or Praça da Figueira Stop to see more of Santa Maria Maior.

Baixa
Senhora do Monte Viewpoint which includes a city, landscape views and a river or creek

Graça

You might enjoy the historic sites while in Graça. Senhora do Monte Viewpoint is a notable sight, and you can get around town at R. Graça Stop or Graça Stop to see more of the city.

Graça
Chiado which includes views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Chiado. Spend some time visiting top spots like Fado in Chiado, and catch the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Chiado
Lisbon District featuring food

Cais do Sodré

If you're spending time in Cais do Sodré, check out sights like Mercado da Ribeira or Pink Street and hop on the metro to see more the city at Rua de São Paulo Stop or R. Vitor Cordon Stop.

Cais do Sodré
Bairro Alto featuring a city and views as well as a small group of people

Bairro Alto

4.5/5(298 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Fado in Chiado while getting to know Bairro Alto, and be sure to check out the lively bars. You can hop aboard the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto

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Alfama

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