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Things to do in Alfama

Our most recommended things to do in Alfama

Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour

1. Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour

Discover one of Europe's most captivating and picturesque capitals on a guided walking tour. Built on a series of hills and offering panoramic views from countless spots, explore the city with a local guide who will make sure that you have an interesting and fun experience. Begin the tour in the 5-centuries-old Bairro Alto, where you’ll learn about the evolution of the city. After the earthquake of 1755 this space attracted families from the Baixa and Bairro districts, who began the process of renewal. Pass by the garden of São Pedro de Alcântara and enjoy views of Baixa and the south bank of the Tagus River. Visit the San Roque Church built by the Jesuits. Admire its austere façade, and the gilding, tiles, and paintings inside that make it a wonderful museum of Mannerist and Baroque styles. Head down the hill to the Carmo convent and church, fine examples of the city’s Gothic architecture. This is a site of historical importance as it was here that the Carnation Revolution began in 1974, putting an end to nearly 5 decades of dictatorship. A little further on, arrive at the Santa Justa elevator, an imposing monument built in the Gothic Revival style, that provides one of the best viewpoints in the city. See a number of attractions in Baixa, in the heart of the city. After a short break, take a ride on the tram, going up from the castle to the Portas do Sol. At the Portas do Sol, see the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, the National Pantheon, and the Alfama district that spans several narrow streets to the River Tagus. Explore Alfama, one of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon, known for its fado houses, and the popular festivals of saints, particularly St. Anthony. End the tour at Lisbon Cathedral, built in 1150, 3 years after the city was taken back from the Moors. Over time it has been subject to various architectural changes, becoming a mixture of different styles.

Lisbon: 3-Hour Food Tour by Segway

2. Lisbon: 3-Hour Food Tour by Segway

Take a guided Segway tour of Lisbon and sample the flavors of Portugal on a unique mode of self-balancing transportation. Your 3-hour Segway adventure through the city will take you to Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and through the charming streets of the Bairro Alto. Lisbon is the perfect city to explore from one of these super cool vehicles. You will go beyond the monuments to get a real sense of what makes the city so great, exploring the lovely River Tejo, the city's myriad food offerings, and its friendly residents. All the essentials will be supplied to keep you going, from complimentary water, some different tastings and exquisite pastries. You will be provided with all the necessary safety gear, such as helmets, and get a brief orientation on how to use a Segway. An expert guide will be on hand at all times to share their passion for the city in a fun way, taking you to the best food stops to let you fill your stomach with some of the most delicious Portuguese food you've ever tasted.

B-Side of Lisbon by E-Bike: 3-Hour Guided Tour

3. B-Side of Lisbon by E-Bike: 3-Hour Guided Tour

Cycle through Lisbon on this 3-hour guided tour, and tackle the city’s 7 hills nearly effortlessly on your e-bike. Bike with a local and learn about the history of Lisbon and her people. Your ride will take you through the oldest quarters of the city. Climb to the most beautiful viewpoints that Lisbon has to offer and cycle through the narrowest streets, where only you are able to pass. Cycling in Lisbon is an amazing experience because of the city’s natural features, which make it one of the most interesting urban scenarios to explore. Discover the real Lisbon, with your guide by your side!

Lisbon: 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike

4. Lisbon: 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike

Discover the beauty of Lisbon and explore the city's highest points comfortably with an e-bike. Begin your cycling tour after a short briefing and cycle towards the viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara, passing the Portuguese Parliament. Continue along the Avenida da Liberdade and take a look at the finest and most expensive shops in Lisbon. Afterwards, discover the area around the Castelo de São Jorge and enjoy a fantastic view of the city from the famous Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Drive down towards the historic Alfama Quarter and finally reach the starting point of the tour at Handelsplatz.

Segway Tour of Alfama: Lisbon

5. Segway Tour of Alfama: Lisbon

Glide back in time and discover the medieval sights of Lisbon's Alfama district on a Segway tour. Discover in Alfama the sounds, smells and sights of Old Lisbon. Alfama still retains features from its medieval Moorish past, with narrow maze-like streets, steps and arcades. Navigate your way through a steep labyrinth of winding alleyways. At the core of Alfama, a vibrant community remains in touch with the lifestyle of Old Lisbon. Many poets and Fado songs were inspired by the liveliness and constant energy of this district. To keep you in the medieval spirit, you'll be treated to a drink at Trobadores, a medieval-themed bar. Segways are safe to use, easy to learn, and fun to ride. We offer a thorough training session from our certified guides before we begin the tour.

Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk

6. Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk

Experience the sights and sounds of Lisbon on a unique 3-hour guided tuk tuk tour that’s priced for a group of up to 6 persons. Feel the pulse of the cosmopolitan city as you ride up to the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts to take in the traditional atmosphere of the old quarters.  From a tuk tuk you’ll have the opportunity to get up close for an insight into local life. Highlights of the tour: • Downtown Lisbon • Rossio Square • Santa Justa elevator • Lisbon Cathedral • Saint Anthony Church • Portas do Sol viewpoint • Graça neighborhood • Castle neighborhood • Senhora do Monte viewpoint • Mouraria • Saint Vincent Monastery • Flea market (Tuesdays and Saturdays) • National Pantheon • Alfama neighborhood 

Lisbon Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk

7. Lisbon Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk

Explore some of the oldest and most characteristic neighborhoods of Lisbon by tuk tuk, including the narrow streets of the historic Bairro Alto entertainment district. Make your way up to São Jorge Castle, and meander through the old district of Alfama. Experience the cool vibe of the Graça district at the highest point in the city, and explore the main shopping area of Chiado. Stop to admire impressive monuments along the way, such as Lisbon Cathedral and Santo António Church, built on the site where Saint Anthony was born. Visit the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora to admire one of the finest examples of Mannerist architecture. Get wonderful views from the São Pedro de Alcântara lookout, and visit the Baroque church of Estrella Basilica, built on the orders of Queen Maria I to honor the birth of her son.

Lisbon: 2.5-Hour Hills Tour by Electric Bike

8. Lisbon: 2.5-Hour Hills Tour by Electric Bike

Explore some of the 7 hills of Lisbon by electric bike, and see more than you would on a conventional sightseeing tour. The easy-to-drive electric bikes are eco-friendly and boast a stylish vintage design that will turn heads as you explore the hidden sights of Alfama, Mouraria and Graça, some of the most historic neighborhoods of the Portuguese capital. Cruise up to panoramic observation points, passing antique shops and enchanting restaurants along the way, and get a unique perspective of the city and its people.

Lisbon: GPS Self-Guided City Exploration by Car

9. Lisbon: GPS Self-Guided City Exploration by Car

Discover the sights of Lisbon from a new perspective on an amusing GPS tour. Get behind the wheel of a convertible with an advanced navigational system that provides friendly directions so you can relax as you cruise.  Choose where you want to go and how long you want to stay. Roam freely according to your itinerary, or follow a preset route built into the GPS. Below, the preset routes are outlined: Belém Tour – Green Route Belém is famous for being linked to history, and the neighborhood will always be remembered and praised as the seaport of Portugal’s Golden Era. This tour takes you to the National Museum of Ancient Art, the “Fundação Oriente”, “Cordoaria Nacional”, the Jerónimos Monastery, Champalimaud Foundation, the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Electricity Museum, the MAAT, Comércio Square. Alfama Tour – Blue Route Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in town, known for its narrow and labyrinthine streets, colorful houses with irregular geometry, clothes drying on the windows, and some of the most beautiful viewpoints of the capital. This tour takes you to Casa dos Bicos/José Saramago Foundation, the Fado Museum, the National Pantheon, the flea market area, the GraçaChurch and Convent, the Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia viewpoints, and Lisbon Cathedral.  Center Tour – Red Route This route takes you to downtown Lisbon. Baixa, located in the heart of the Portuguese capital, is the most cosmopolitan neighborhood in the city, where tradition blends in with the boldness of modernity, an area full of commerce. This tour takes you to Santa Justa lift, the Rossio Square, the Dona Maria II National Theatre, the Carmo Church and Convent, the Camões Square and S. Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, Príncipe Real Garden, the Amália Rodrigues House Museum and Cais do Sodré area along the riverside. New Lisbon – Pink Route Get to know an area of our capital filled with incredible gardens, curious buildings, and the most recent history of Lisbon. Here you will get to know what no other visitor gets to know simply because nobody takes them there. You will pass by Parque Eduardo VII, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Campo Pequeno, IST, Almirante Reis Avenue, a whole new Lisbon that starts in the 50s.

Lisbon: Street Art Tour

10. Lisbon: Street Art Tour

Join this guided walking trip to explore the colorful streets of Lisbon and discover an open-air gallery of today's most innovative urban street artists. See graffiti and sophisticated murals, and get a feel for the locals. Encounter whimsical murals of lizards and horses on the side of an entire building, along with political and social statements such as Obey's "Revolution Mural" as a contrast to the wealth of the surrounding area. See small masterpieces concealed in the hidden alleys of the old town and large-scale installations in wide-open areas. Look at works in progress and admire art that has been there for decades.

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What people are saying about Alfama

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 18,301 reviews

It was my first time in Lisbon and at the top of my to do list was to listen to live Fado music in Alfama and Mouraria. I’ve listened to Fado for a number of years and know a little about the history but our guide, Rodrigo, didn’t disappoint and I came away feeling more knowledgeable and inspired. The tour of the area was great and gave me a chance to meet other travellers. The one memory of the tour I’ll remember is walking the streets while the tavernas came to life. The sounds of Fado coming from the tiny cobbled streets sent shivers down my spine. The experience at Alfama Grill was great and the two singers we saw didn’t disappoint. I’d definitely do this tour again the next time I’m in Lisbon. I was worried about being on the tour alone as I imagined a lot of couples and groups mainly take part but I was lucky enough to meet three other solo travellers and sat for dinner with them.

We had an absolutely fantastic tour in Lisbon with Sofia as our tour guide. She was so nice and a actually a living encyclopedia. So full of information, stories, skillful and helpful in all ways, making this tour definitely the best city tour we’ve ever experienced. We have now visited many of the hidden places she recommended and multiplied the value of our stay. The restaurants she recommended where also perfect. Very authentic and with excellent food. Tonight we have enjoyed the genuine Pastéis de Bacalhau and the special atmosphere at the tiny A Tendinha do Rossio. So many great experiences to absorb in this exciting city. This tour and Sofia is highly recommended for everyone who would like to to know and enjoy Lisbon! Muito obrigado, Sofia!

I can’t say enough good things about our guide, Andre. We learned so much about the history and the culture of Lisbon and Portugal. I only wish that we had planned time for a second tour tomorrow. Andre was extremely knowledgeable and allowed us to ask questions and enriched our experience of Lisbon immensely. Thank you again Andre for a wonderful tour.

Our tour with Monika was really great. She reported passionately about Lisbon. Always my pleasure!

It was a very informative and great tour. Many thanks to Monica.