What to see in the Alfama district of Lisbon

What to see in Alfama: 6 must-see places

 

1. São Jorge Castle

The first stop on our tour of Alfama is the imposing São Jorge Castle, located at the highest point of the district.

Built during the Roman Empire, this castle was used by Muslims from the 7th century until the Christian reconquest in 1147, making it a vital place to learn about the city’s history.

It is possible to access the castle for a modest price, and visit both the outer walls and gardens as well as the interior rooms of the fortress, where you can enjoy various exhibitions and multimedia spaces.

However, the best part is its viewpoints, which offer incredible views of the entire city. Don’t forget to take some photos!

2. Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral (or the Sé de Lisboa in Portuguese) is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the entire city and, without a doubt, one of the 100% must-see places in Alfama.

This cathedral was built in the early 12th century following the Romanesque style, although several areas had to be rebuilt after the damage caused by the famous Lisbon earthquake in 1755. As a result, some Gothic and Baroque modifications were incorporated into the temple, especially in the interior areas.

You can visit the cathedral for free, but you will need to pay an entrance fee if you want to access the museum and see some of the temple’s most valuable treasures: works of art, liturgical items, religious vestments, etc.

3. Santa Luzia Viewpoint

All across Alfama, you can find several viewpoints from which to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire district, with the Tagus River as a backdrop.

One of the most highly rated by tourists is the Santa Luzia Viewpoint, which is located right next to a small church that shares its name, in a cozy square with benches and green areas.

This spot is ideal for relaxing, admiring the city (especially at sunset), and of course, taking some incredible photos of the Portuguese capital. You can’t miss it!

- Want to experience the city from another perspective? Book our sunset boat trip in Lisbon and discover the beauty of the Portuguese capital while sailing on the Tagus River. -

4. Casa Dos Bicos

One of the most interesting oddities in all of Alfama is the Casa Dos Bicos: a peculiar building whose facade is covered solely with pointed stones.

In addition to its striking architecture, Casa Dos Bicos serves as the headquarters of the José Saramago Foundation, where numerous exhibitions, conferences, and other cultural events are organized.

Without a doubt, another of those places to visit in Alfama if you have some extra time.

5. Fado Museum

Have you heard of fado? This nostalgic musical genre (recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) was born in Alfama and is a crucial element of Portugal’s cultural heritage.

The Fado Museum is entirely dedicated to this art form and offers its visitors a vast collection of historic musical instruments, photographs, and many other related items.

However, if you prefer to appreciate fado as it should be, there are many venues in Alfama where you can sit and enjoy live performances while relaxing with a drink. It’s just a matter of strolling through the streets of Alfama and keeping an eye out.

6. Feira da Ladra

Throughout this article, we’ve explored some of the most touristy and recommended places to see in Alfama.

However, there’s nothing better for getting to know this district first-hand and feeling like a true Lisboeta than to walk through its streets and soak in its bohemian atmosphere.

That’s why we want to wrap up this post by talking about the Feira da Ladra (The Thieves' Market in Spanish), one of the most popular and oldest flea markets in Lisbon.

Here you can find almost anything: clothes, books, antiques, records, and many other second-hand items, all for a modest price. But be prepared to haggle.

And with that, we come to the end of our article. What do you think? Are you ready to come and explore the Alfama district of Lisbon?

Remember that if you want to make the most of your visit to the Portuguese capital, FRS offers you some very interesting services and excursions for the whole family, like on our Lisbon River cruise on Tagus River.

Don’t forget to stay tuned to our blog if you want to read other travel guides as complete as this one and make the most of your trips around the world. For example, this tour of the 10 best viewpoints in Lisbon.

Would you like to explore Lisbon in a different way? Book a boat trip on the Tagus and experience the Portuguese capital from this extraordinary perspective.