Alfama

Lisbon District

Alfama featuring a coastal town and a sunset
Alfama
Alfama featuring night scenes
Alfama
Alfama

Explore Moorish castles and medieval alleyways in Lisbon’s oldest district before an evening of traditional live music at an authentic Fado bar.

Alfama has retained many of its medieval buildings and unusual architecture from a period of Moorish rule. When the Lisbon earthquake hit in 1755, the district in the center of Lisbon was one of the least devastated areas. The Moorish Castle of Saint George looms large on the skyline from on top of a hill. Roman ruins and brightly colored houses add to the charm of Alfama. 

To get a different view of the major architectural attractions, head to the Portas do Sol lookout and café for stunning views over Lisbon’s medieval heart. Start your history lesson in Roman times at the ruins of a Roman theater and museum displaying unearthed carvings and artifacts.

Walk a few blocks through the charming tree-lined streets to the Castle de São Jorge. The fortress was constructed by the Moorish rulers in the 6th century and captured during the Crusades, after which it underwent renovations and became the Royal Palace. In one of the rebuilt rooms of the Royal Palace you can watch a multimedia film on Lisbon’s history. 

Don’t miss the Cathedral of Lisbon. The city’s oldest surviving building was constructed in 1150.

If you’re interested in imagining Alfama before the earthquake, head to the Tile Museum, housed in an old and lavish monastery. View five centuries of tile artworks, including a 75-foot (23-meter) tile cityscape created in 1738. 

Enjoy the opulent painted roofs, artworks and furniture of a 17th-century palace in the Museum of Decorative Arts, housed inside the Azura Palace. Next door you can watch artisans creating replicas of the antiques using age-old techniques. 

Go to the waterfront nearby the Santa Apolonia train station for modern boutiques, restaurants and nightlife. For the best traditional fish dishes try the area around the Casa dos Bicco, a 16th-century palace encased in spikes. 

The center of Lisbon is best explored on foot. Further out there are trams, buses and an underground metro system.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Alfama

Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
5 out of 5
Rua Cais de Santarém 52, Lisbon, Lisbon
The price is P11,731 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
P11,731
P12,963 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (935 reviews)
"Great location, fantastic customer service"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Aurea Museum by Eurostars Hotel Company
Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
4 out of 5
42 RUA DA MADALENA, Lisbon
The price is P9,390 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P9,390
P10,485 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (765 reviews)
"Courteous staff, easy check in, centrally located, walking distance from cruise port, delicious fresh baked croissants and pastel de nate too!"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa
Pousada Alfama
Pousada Alfama
4 out of 5
Rua de São Tomé nº 76, Lisbon, Lisboa
The price is P11,861 per night from Jul 11 to Jul 12
P11,861
P13,106 total
Jul 11 - Jul 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (185 reviews)
"The photos of the types of bedroom on both the hotel's website and Expedia's are misleading, and we were initially put in a room that the hotel claimed was a Superior River View Plus, but, despite a view of the river, felt small and did not have the larger balcony as shown in the photo. It was in ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Pousada Alfama
Memmo Alfama - Design Hotels
Memmo Alfama - Design Hotels
4 out of 5
Travessa das Merceeiras, 27 - Alfama, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P13,641 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P13,641
P14,992 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (980 reviews)
A little gem with a breathtaking view
"Staff were so amazingly helpful from before we even arrived and just a joy during our whole stay. The hotel is full of character, history and stunning design elements. The rooftop pool and eating area are breathtaking. Fantastic location (be prepared to walk as it’s a hilly city). Breakfast was delicious. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Memmo Alfama - Design Hotels
Hotel Convento do Salvador
Hotel Convento do Salvador
3 out of 5
Rua do Salvador, 2 B, Lisbon, Lisboa
The price is P9,839 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P9,839
P10,958 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Confortable beds clean quite and very accessible to area"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hotel Convento do Salvador
AlmaLusa Alfama
AlmaLusa Alfama
4 out of 5
16 Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P11,736 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P11,736
P12,972 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Rossio Square and Avenida da Liberdade ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
"This hotel was not only stunning, but in a perfect location and they truly care about their guests! Will definitely be staying here again next time I am in lisbon!"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

AlmaLusa Alfama
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Alfama

Castle of Sao Jorge featuring a coastal town and heritage architecture

Castelo

Castelo is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Castle of São Jorge or Olisipónia.

Castelo
Lisbon Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a city

River views, historic sites, and bars highlight some notable features of Sé. Make a stop by Lisbon Cathedral or Santo Antonio Church while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Limoeiro Stop or Sé Stop to get around town.

Mouraria featuring street scenes as well as a couple

Mouraria

While you're in Mouraria, take in top sights like Martim Moniz Square or Avenida Almirante Reis, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Socorro Stop or Martim Moniz Station.

Mouraria
Santa Justa Elevator showing a city and landscape views

Baixa

Enjoy the popular shops in Baixa. Rossio Square is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Baixa-Chiado Station or Praça da Figueira Stop to see more of Santa Maria Maior.

Baixa
Senhora do Monte Viewpoint which includes a city, landscape views and a river or creek

Graça

You might enjoy the historic sites while in Graça. Senhora do Monte Viewpoint is a notable sight, and you can get around town at R. Graça Stop or Graça Stop to see more of the city.

Graça
Chiado which includes views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Chiado. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bertrand, and catch the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Chiado

Alfama