All Photos: Charlie Wagner-Chazalon / LuxuryEurope
Commissions may be earned from LuxuryEurope’s affiliate partner links.
One of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods, the Alfama district is a must-see for any first-time visitors to the city. Not only is the area home to some of the city’s top attractions, but it’s also a fantastic place to wander and explore, with great cafés, bars and boutiques hidden around every corner.
So where is Alfama? Lisbon’s historic downtown is laid out like a giant basin, with Baixa at the bottom, Barrio Alto rising up the bank on the west, and Alfama claiming the slope to the east. The historic neighbourhood is easy to spot, with Castelo de Sao Jorge standing tall at its northern end and the Tagus River to the south.
The neighbourhood is the historic center of Lisbon, where the original Moorish city originated (although there have been settlements on the site of the Castelo since at least the Iron Age).
Alfama has retained its historic feel, with a winding maze of narrow streets set into the hill, so you never know when you’ll stumble onto a charming courtyard or breathtaking view of the city. There are endless things to see in the area, from the obvious hits to the hidden gems. To help narrow down the choices, here’s my list of the best things to do in Alfama district of Lisbon.
Best Things to Do in Alfama District of Lisbon
Relax at a Miraduoro
The word Miraduoro translates roughly to ‘viewpoint’ and refers to the small parks with stunning lookouts that can be found throughout Lisbon. However, some of the best Miraduoros in the city are located in Alfama.
Miraduoro Santa Luzia is one of the most popular, as it’s right along the route of Tram 28, but I think it’s worth it to brave the crowds and check out the spectacular view.
There are several different areas to the Santa Luzia Miraduoro, including a courtyard full of vendors, and a park area with fountains and Jacaranda trees which bloom a beautiful violet in the spring.
My top tip to avoid battling it out in the crowds at the Santa Luzie Miraduoro? Stake out a table at one of the cafes here: you may pay a bit more for your coffee and pastel de nata than you would elsewhere in the city, but it’s worth it for the chance to sit and take in the view without worrying about blocking anyone’s selfie.
Casa Sao Miguel
For a more economical but equally aesthetic café experience, venture down the hill a bit to the Casa Sao Miguel café. This adorable establishment is nestled in the heart of Alfama’s little lanes but stands out as soon as you find it with its pastel green exterior and enticing aromas.
Inspired by Portugal’s regional delicacies, the owners produce amazing confectionaries from traditional recipes they’ve collected from all over the country. I was blown away by the range of the selection and the obvious attention to detail that goes into the flavour and presentation of every pastry.
To match the traditional recipes, the entire shop is decorated to feel like it dropped out of the 19th century, with the doilies and fine china making for a super adorable and unique setting.
And after you’ve eaten your fill of pastries, they have a really thoughtful selection of dry goods, all sourced from local suppliers in the regions that traditionally produced the products. These make for a much more meaningful (and delicious) souvenir than that duty-free ginjinha at the airport.
Castelo de Sao Jorge
To walk off all those pastries, take time to explore the massive complex that makes up Lisbon’s historic Castelo De Sao Jorge. Parts of the Royal Palace still stand, where the city’s royalty resided between the 13th and 16th centuries, but there are parts of the site that are even older.
There are elements of the Castelo that are part of the original Islamic construction from the 10th century, and the archaeological site on the grounds shows evidence of settlements from as early as the Iron Age.
Even if you’re not a huge history buff the Castelo is still worth a visit to take in the best view in Lisbon. The Market Square and Gardens look out over the whole city, and there’s even a pleasant café with patio tables against the ancient fortifications where you can relax after walking around the site.
This is one of the most popular attractions in the city, so the line can be quite long. But reserving your ticket online or buying an official Lisbon Card (Lisboa Card) lets you skip the longer line and head straight in. If you do get stuck waiting in line, I would recommend grabbing a sorbet to keep cool and enjoy watching the peacocks running up and down the castle walls.
Outro Lado Craft Beer Bar
After a long day of exploring Alfama, there’s no better way to wind down than with a crisp pint. But if you’ve tired of the usual Portuguese beer offerings, it might be time to sip some of the country’s impressive craft brews. Outro Lado is a hip bar tucked away in Alfama where they serve up 15 rotating taps, plus over 300 different cans and bottles of craft beer from all over the world.
Their selection includes their own house brews in collaboration with local breweries, as well as beers sourced from Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and even Transylvania. But don’t fear the long brew list – their staff are super knowledgeable and happy to find a beer that fits your tastes.
Outro Lado’s beer selection is rivalled only by its atmosphere. The historic building is decorated with a boho, mid-century-modern sensibility that makes the whole place feel both welcoming and chic. Catch them on a night when a DJ’s playing to really amp up the vibes.
LuxuryEurope Recommends: For ideas and inspiration concerning great places to stay, check out these great hotels in the Alfama District as well as these located near Castelo De Sao Jorge.
_________________________
Contributor Charlie Wagner-Chazalon is a freelance writer and travel enthusiast based in Toronto, Ontario. Find more of his work at www.charliewagnerchazalon.com
