Culture & Art


Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon

5 years ago - Léa D.

A story rich full of surprises

Did you know that Alfama is a derivative of the Arabic "alfa maa", which means the thousand sources? Charming name for this emblematic and typical neighborhood of our city of a thousand colors! Located between the Castelo de Sao Jorge and Tagus, you will find many historical attractions and restaurants ... Let us guide you.

Alfama is a very welcoming neighborhood with a village atmosphere. It is considered one of the oldest districts of the city and hosts every year several popular festivals such as that of St. Anthony of Padua from June 12 to 13.

Dominated in turn by Eastern and Western influences, Alfama bears the imprint of the four corners of the world: that's what makes it so charming. The district has in its dominions a group of thermal sources, hence the origin of its name mentioned above.

At the top of Alfama sits the famous Castelo de Sao Jorge, a medieval castle that was the royal residence until the sixteenth century. To observe the city and its monuments, it is necessary to reach the miradouros: that of Santa Luzia is one of the most known. Close to it is the Museum of Decorative Arts, a 17th century manor house with magnificent interiors.

Located in the former palace of the Count of Azurara (17th century), this museum evokes everyday life in Lisbon in the 17th and 18th century through a succession of small intimate rooms decorated with azulejos and frescoes. The latter are adorned with Portuguese and Indo-Portuguese furniture, collections of silverware, Chinese porcelain and several tapestries from the 16th and 18th centuries. The 3rd floor has a temporary exhibition hall and a cafeteria with a welcoming patio.

Address: Largo das Portas do Sol 2, 1100 Lisboa

Phone: +351 218 881 991

Street view

Our best culinary addresses

After a long walk, nothing beats a meal prepared with care!

Pateo 13

For a picturesque dinner in the busy streets of Lisbon, nothing beats the Pateo 13: enjoy your fresh fish and white bread under musical notes played by street musicians: a moment full of life, filled with joy and satiation!

Calçadinha de Santo Estêvão 13, 1100-219 Lisboa, Portugal

Canto Da Vila

A Brazilian restaurant in Lisbon: a place not to be missed. On a small terrace, enjoy a fresh mojito while choosing in which form you want to taste your cod ... Copious and delicious!

Portugal 2, Rua Limoeiro, 1100-538 Lisboa, Portugal

Fado Na Morgadinha

The perfect place to eat and dance Fado, a traditional Portuguese music. You also have the possibility to just have a drink while admiring the dancers from the bar.

Largo Peneireiro 5, 1100-219 Lisboa, Portugal

Cruzes Credo

For a vintage brunch, it's the place to be! A good burger, a salad accompanied by a fresh fruit juice: something to reinvigorate in after discovering the streets of Lisbon.

R, Cruzes da Se 29, 1100-192 Lisboa, Portugal

O Prego

To enjoy a hamburger or tapas in a festive setting. Just like at home, come and restore yourself, O Prego!

18, Largo Menino de Deus 14, 1100-375 Lisboa, Portugal

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Must-See: The Fado

Fado is a traditional Portuguese musical style. There is often a singer or a singer accompanied by two or three people with instruments (guitar, Portuguese guitar, at times violin and cello). The Fado is listened to in total silence, and puts forward a multitude of emotions (the saudade in Portuguese).

In the district of Alfama, here are 2 places to discover fado:

Fado em Si is an institution where all the big names of fado have occurred. Fine food, 4 to 5 professional fadistes each evening that offer a high quality service: the ideal conditions to discover the Portuguese tradition of fado.

Arco de Jesus 7, Alfama, 1100-037

Museu do Fado (Fado Museum), where an outdoor concert is regularly held on the terrace. To discover the entire history of fado ...

Largo do Chafariz of Dentro 1

Fado