Alfama Walking Tour in Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Rating: 
Trip Type: Walking Tours
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Discover the wonders of Lisbon’s atmospheric Alfama neighborhood during a 2.5-hour walking tour. Walk around the tight cobbled lanes of this old hilly district, whose streets, squares and town houses have stood for centuries. See intricately tiled houses and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and walk past notable landmarks including St George’s Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge), Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) and the National Pantheon. Admire views from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint, where vistas stretch out across Lisbon and the Tagus River, and learn about Fado music from your expert guide.
More About This Activity All Walking Tours →
Discover the wonders of Lisbon’s atmospheric Alfama neighborhood during a 2.5-hour walking tour. Walk around the tight cobbled lanes of this old hilly district, whose streets, squares and town houses have stood for centuries. See intricately tiled houses and hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and walk past notable landmarks including St George’s Castle (Castelo de Sao Jorge), Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) and the National Pantheon. Admire views from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint, where vistas stretch out across Lisbon and the Tagus River, and learn about Fado music from your expert guide.
Meet your guide in central Lisbon in the early afternoon and begin your ascent up the narrow hills of the Alfama district. Once the stomping ground of Lisbon’s drunks and thieves, it's now one of its most charming and colorful neighborhoods. It was one of only a few districts to survive a devastating earthquake in 1755 and much of its original architecture remains.
See the imposing turreted complex of St George’s Castle, which stands on an Alfama hilltop overlooking the shimmering Tagus River. Venture into the heart of Alfama, following your guide through mazes of narrow streets so tight you can touch both sides with outstretched arms.
A traditional working-class district, Alfama is still popular among fishermen and their families, and you might even get to see some people selling fresh fish from roadside stalls. Stop to admire the Lisbon Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and pass by Lisbon’s National Pantheon, where important local figures including presidents, dignitaries and a famous Fado singers are buried.
Climb up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the highest and most fabulous viewpoints in the whole city. From here, the panoramic views stretch over all of Lisbon and you’ll be able to see the city's other hills, as well as the glistening Tagus River.
As you descend back down through Alfama, listen out for the nostalgic strains of Fado music emerging from tiny taverns. As you walk, your guide will explain more about the native genre and its Alfama roots.
Your tour concludes at Lisbon Cathedral.
« Go Back