The oldest district in Lisbon, Alfama is the historic centre of the city, made up of narrow cobbled streets lined with painted houses. Dotted with restaurants, cafes, and bars, you’ll often find locals sitting out on the curbs, drinking Ginja (a portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries) and listening to Fado music.
If you’re planning to visit Lisbon this year, make sure you stay in this district to get a real flavour of the city, and check out my post 7 days in Lisbon for a full itinerary!
Alfama
The historic tram line 28.Tramlines curving up the hill through narrow streets.Peaceful early morning Alfama.Tramline 15 carrying tourists and locals.Tramlines winding through the cobbled streets.Hidden graffiti livens up otherwise run down structures.Painted houses on the edge of the district. Jardim Augusto Gil. View over Lisbon from Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. Walking back down the hill. Tiled Villa Sousa on Travessa das Mónicas. Painted houses on Travessa das Mónicas. Arco Grande de Cima. Mercado de Santa Clara Feira da Ladra. The Panteão Nacional from Campo Santa Clara. Campo Santa Clara, the road the circles the Panteão Nacional. Colourful houses on Campo Santa Clara. Streamers over R. dos Remédios. Eating at O’Galhardo on R. dos Remédios. R. Jardim do Tabaco across from the Fado museum.Tuk tuk on R. Cais de Santarém. The facade of Lisbon Cathedral. Tramlines through the Alfama district.The view from Miradouro de Santa Luzia.The view over Lisbon from Catelo de S. Jorge. The view back towards Panteão Nacional from Catelo de S. Jorge.The road back from Santa Apolónia station.Climbing the steps through the Alfama district. Walking back up to our airbnb at the end of a busy day. Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen at sunset.
Verdict
We were simply thrilled with our airbnb in Alfama, which came with a fully equipped kitchen and was decorated in a charming and minimalist style that suited the trip nicely.
Wherever you choose to book, hopefully our photos have shown you why Alfama is the area to stay!
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Sophie Lain
I’m Sophie, a writer and blogger living in St Albans, traveling, eating, and telling you all about it.
