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Alfama

Lisbon

Lisbon's oldest quarter, a maze of steep lanes and stairways below São Jorge Castle, with fado houses, viewpoints and tram 28.

Best for First visit · Upscale

Transport
3/5
Sights
5/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$185/night · 10 min to Rossio

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Alfama on the map

Why stay here

  • Lisbon's most atmospheric streets
  • Fado, viewpoints and the castle
  • Tram 28 on the doorstep

Who should stay here

  • Couples
  • Culture lovers
  • Photographers

Not ideal if…

  • You have mobility issues or heavy luggage
  • You want nightlife
  • You want flat walks

What it's like

Alfama survived the 1755 earthquake, so its tangle of alleys, staircases and tiny squares is medieval in plan. Laundry hangs between houses, fado drifts out of small restaurants at night, and viewpoints like Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol look over terracotta roofs to the river. The cathedral and São Jorge Castle crown the hill.

It's the most atmospheric place to stay. The hills are steep and the lanes hard to navigate with luggage, and it's busy with day-trippers and tram 28 crowds.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Largo das Portas do Sol

    Viewpoint and café terraces.

  • Rua de São Miguel

    Lanes and fado houses.

  • Castelo

    Quiet streets inside the castle walls.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Tram 28E and 12E, bus 737 to the castle, and Santa Apolónia metro and train station below.
To Rossio
About 10 minutes
From Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
About 30 minutes: taxi from LIS; the metro is a steep walk away.

Nearby attractions

  • São Jorge Castle

    Moorish castle with the best views in Lisbon.

  • Miradouro de Santa Luzia

    Tiled terrace overlooking Alfama and the river.

  • Fado

    Traditional songs in small taverns at night.

  • Lisbon Cathedral

    Romanesque Sé on the tram 28 route.

Where to eat and drink

  • Fado houses

    Dinner with live fado.

  • Feira da Ladra

    Flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Where to stay in Alfama

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Santiago de Alfama

Why we like it: Top-rated boutique hotel in a restored palace.

Typical luxury rate in Alfama: ~$410/night

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Boutique pick

Memmo Alfama

Why we like it: Hip hotel with a terrace pool overlooking the river.

Typical mid-range rate in Alfama: ~$185/night

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Boutique pick

Heritage Solar do Castelo

Why we like it: Small hotel inside the castle walls.

Typical mid-range rate in Alfama: ~$185/night

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Hotels in AlfamaMid-range from ~$185/night

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