We stayed in a restored apartment, Casa de Rosa, which was located about 150 yards from the famous overlook of Miradouro de Santa Luiza, and in a very old neighborhood built right over Roman ruins dating back to BC times. I recommend visiting the Roman Museum located in Alfama, fascinating. We had a great time exploring the labyrinth of streets, shops and places to eat as we wound our way around in the pleasant November weather. We found a couple places that we frequented, Taberna Do Castelo being one of them, which was right across the street. Good food, good service, fun people…we ate there twice and bought pastries in the morning, delicious. Pizza place down the street, Cinque Pasta and Pizzeria Romana saw us twice and remembered us as well…great food and friendly service, it hit the spot. I read the comments and found all I needed to know about Alfama in that section, I recommend you do the same.

I took an afternoon walking tour of the beautiful, historic Alfama neighborhood and would highly recommend it to others interested in learning the history of the neighborhood, seeing breathtaking views of the city, and learning more about the Portuguese culture with special insights into Alfama living. I did the free Sandeman’s tour with Nuno after taking his free Lisbon city center history tour the day before. So glad I did! The content was new, and he pointed out things that I otherwise wouldn’t have known if I had explored the area by myself like the oldest home in Alfama, a back route view of Castelo de S. Jorge to save on entry, where the best spots are to hear fado, where to get ginjinha, and more. An afternoon well spent!

Exploring Alfama was one of the best experiences of my visit to Lisbon. The neighborhood is a true maze of narrow and steep streets, where each curve reveals something new and authentic. The houses with balconies decorated with flowers and the clothes hung to the wind give a special charm, as if we were in a Lisbon of other times. The miradours, especially the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, offer stunning views of the Tejo River and the red roofs of Alfama. It is the perfect place to sit and relax, admiring the movement of the city and feeling the breeze of the river. Hurrying through the stone streets, finding small cafes and craft shops made the experience even more special. In addition, the proximity to the Castle of St. George allows you to combine the visit to the castle with a pleasant walk through the alleys of Alfama, which makes the day even more complete. Alfama is the kind of place where you can get lost and be surprised with small details and a sense of authenticity that few cities can offer. If you want to feel the true soul of Lisbon, Alfama is a must stop.

As the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, the Alfama district is easily the city's most colourful and characterful district. Stretching from the Sao Jorge Castle on the hilltop down to the banks of the Tagus River, this district has its beginnings as a Moorish settlement in the 12th century, eventually gaining an undesirable reputation as home to fishermen and the poor working class before finally shedding this disrepute to become one of the more artisanal and charming neighbourhoods today. The best way to explore this place is by simply getting lost in the delightful maze of narrow cobbled alleys as they meander through traditional houses, trendy cafes and shady plazas. Be prepared to huff and puff your way through the steep inclines, but your effort will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and river from one of the several Miradouros (public viewpoints). Alternatively, if time or mobility is a concern, you can also hitch a ride on the vintage Tram 28 as it trudges through the Alfama district. This neighbourhood is also home to many historical buildings, with the most famous being the majestic Lisbon Cathedral and the enchanting Sao Jorge Castle, as well as the traditional melancholic Fado music. Certain parts of the neighbourhood do appear dingy and grubby, but these alone should not stop you from experiencing the best that Alfama has to offer. Simply put, if you only have time to visit one district of Lisbon, Alfama district is it!

Alfama is such a charming part of Lisbon! The narrow streets, colorful buildings, and the smell of grilled sardines everywhere give it a very authentic feel. I spent an entire afternoon just wandering through the alleys, discovering small cafes and listening to live Fado music. This part of the city feels like it hasn’t changed in centuries, and that’s what makes it so special. If you’re in Lisbon, don’t miss it.

Alfama is a beautiful and interesting district. It is reminiscent of other ancient medieval towns with narrow winding streets, cobblestones and hills. There are many small restaurants and fado pubs - and stairs like hills! There are good places here where you can take great photos with repeatedly appearing views through the alleys to the sea. In particular, you can see the Cathedral Sé and the cruise port. From above you can also see Placa Comercio, Sao Jorge Castle and the Arc de Triomphe. How the Portuguese, especially the bus drivers, get along well in these narrow streets - that demands respect. It's best to stroll uphill, downhill and let the atmosphere take effect during the day with time in the alleys. At night unfortunately the tram did not come as described at the stop. Had to wait a long time and when we left, the tram came! Downhill through Lisbon's narrow streets. An iconic ride on a historic Electrico.

This is my second time in Lisbon and I enjoyed walking through this colorful area of the old city again. If the first time I was unlucky with tram 28 (I stood in line for a long time at the end, and after 2 stops it broke down), this time we calmly boarded it in the center and went up to the observation decks and ancient streets. We had dinner there and then watched the sunset at the Miraduoro de Santa Luzia lookout. We wandered around the old streets for a bit and went down again on the tram; it seemed that he had decided to make amends for me for the last time. There weren’t very many tourists in the evening; they were scattered around observation platforms and cafes, so the walk turned out to be very pleasant. Algama is the real heart of old Lisbon, I love looking at the details in areas like this. Allow at least a couple of hours for a walk, otherwise the impression of this city will not be complete.

This was by far our favorite neighborhood to visit. Do not have any expectations and just plan to wander and get lost! You come to a different fork in the road and choose to go left or right. Everyone within this neighborhood is so very friendly and lovely. We found the neighborhood with a private tour guide however it happened to be on the night of a huge festival. We visited with the guy during the day. We loved the neighborhood so much decided to go back ourselves during the evening we could not have loved it more. I will forever. Keep those memories in my mind of that wonderful evening in this neighborhood.

Beautiful city in these tourist areas… it’s hot but not too hot with a little air coming from the Tagus and the ocean!! The restaurants on the Alfama side are OK but watch out for tourist traps like the Fado club with endless waiting and high prices!! The chapito is great and traditional. The taxi is not very expensive as is the tram!! Visit the center with these old escalators and the edge of the Tagus... go to Belem!! Visit the Out Market store for atmosphere but very noisy!!

I believe that is the most charming place in Lisbon. I love Lisbon as a whole but Alfama on my opinion takes the crown. Explore the Miraduros, the Cathedral of Lisbon, get lost in the myriads of intricate little alleys, close your eyes and enjoy the flavor of hundreds of restaurants. listen the Fado echoing all over Alfama. I loved this place so much. Get the trams and go. One thing: wear comfortable shoes because of the cobblestones; it is not a flaw, it is Alfama