Alfama

Lisbon District
Alfama featuring a coastal town and a sunset
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

Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
4 out of 5
42 RUA DA MADALENA, Lisbon
The price is ¥23,162 per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
¥23,162
¥25,875 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (622 reviews)
"Room faced the road - noisy garbage collection one night, someone accelerating their motorbike up the steep hill outside another. Otherwise great location, room, friendly staff makes this hotel excellent value for money - ask for a rear facing room and it would be perfect."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
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 ¥23,279 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
¥23,279
¥26,000 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (775 reviews)
"Friendly staff. Breakfast was excellent and very good value. Evening menu limited due to refurbishment."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Hotel Convento do Salvador
3 out of 5
Rua do Salvador, 2 B, Lisbon, Lisboa
The price is ¥17,840 per night from Dec 5 to Dec 6
¥17,840
¥20,233 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 5 - Dec 6
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (949 reviews)
"Easy"

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Hotel Convento do Salvador
Largo da Sé - HOrigem
Largo da Sé - HOrigem
3 out of 5
Calçada do Correio Velho, 3 - S/L, Lisbon
The price is ¥8,704 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
¥8,704
¥10,549 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (759 reviews)
"Close to metro station easy access!"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Largo da Sé - HOrigem
Varandas de Lisboa
Varandas de Lisboa
4 out of 5
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 8, Lisbon, Lisboa
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (670 reviews)
Amazing sunsets
"We stayed a week in a spacious, two-bedroom river front apartment that captured the most beautiful sunsets right from the balcony. The location was excellent, right in the heart of the city. The staff were friendly and made the check-in process smooth. The apartment was beautifully clean and well-maintained. ..."

Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

Varandas de Lisboa
 Dalma Old Town Suites
Dalma Old Town Suites
3 out of 5
Rua dos Cegos 2 a 6, Lisbon
The price is ¥14,740 per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
¥14,740
¥16,947 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, an attached winery, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"Good location with a decently room"

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Dalma Old Town Suites
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 featuring street scenes as well as a couple

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)

Elegant district with earthquake-resistant architecture, the Baixa Pombalina features a grid of streets north of Praça do Comércio, extending towards Rossio and Figueira squares, and Avenida da Liberdade, known for tailoring shops and cafes.

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)

Immerse yourself in a cultural and commercial hub, boasting luxury shopping, historic landmarks, and a variety of theatres and museums. Explore Chiado Museum, Carmo Convent, and Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, while enjoying easy access to the Baixa-Chiado metro station.

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 street scenes

Bairro Alto

4.5/5(298 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Principe Real Square 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

Alfama