Introduction:
Alfama is a vibrant and beautiful district in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal. It is the oldest and most historic part of the city, home to winding cobblestone streets, fado clubs, and steeped in culture and tradition. This charming part of town is the perfect place to explore the real Lisbon and experience its unique atmosphere. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, there’s something for everyone to discover in Alfama.

From the ancient Castelo de São Jorge to the lively Fado clubs, Alfama is full of things to do and see. The narrow streets and alleys of Alfama offer a unique insight into the city’s past. Here you can wander through centuries-old squares, discover hidden gems, and get lost in its charming maze of streets. This vibrant district is also full of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, from traditional to contemporary. There’s something for everyone in Alfama, from cultural attractions to modern bars and restaurants. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Alfama.

Exploring the Castelo de São Jorge

Exploring the Castelo de São Jorge

No visit to Alfama would be complete without exploring the stunning Castelo de São Jorge. This impressive medieval castle was built by the Moors in the 10th century and offers spectacular views over Lisbon. The castle is surrounded by lush gardens and is home to royal buildings, a chapel, an Arabic cistern, and an incredible museum. Visitors can explore the castle’s winding passageways and explore its many rooms, including a dungeon. There’s also a café where you can relax and enjoy a drink or snack with a view.

Enjoying Fado Music

Fado music is the traditional folk music of Portugal, and it’s deeply rooted in Alfama culture. This melancholic music has been sung in Alfama for centuries, telling stories of love, loss, hardship, and hope. There are many Fado clubs in Alfama where you can hear live performances from local musicians. The atmosphere inside these clubs is typically intimate and romantic, with singers accompanied by just guitarists or small bands. You can also find smaller restaurants that offer Fado music at dinner time, giving visitors a true taste of local culture.

Discovering Local Markets

One of the best things to do in Alfama is to explore the local markets. The Feira da Ladra flea market is one of the most famous markets in Lisbon and takes place every Tuesday and Saturday on Campo de Santa Clara. Here you can browse second-hand goods, antiques, and all kinds of knick-knacks from all over Portugal. Another great market is the Feira da Golegã in Praça do Loreto, which takes place every November and is an important part of Alfama’s cultural heritage. Here you can find traditional crafts, clothes, jewelry, and plenty of souvenirs to take home with you.

Tasting Local Cuisine

Alfama is full of restaurants and cafés serving delicious local dishes. From tapas bars to traditional Portuguese restaurants, there’s no shortage of places to try the city’s tasty cuisine. Traditional dishes include bacalhau (codfish), caldo verde (a soup made with potatoes and kale), sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), arroz de pato (duck rice), and plenty more. You can also find plenty of seafood restaurants with fresh fish caught that day. For dessert, try one of the many pastelarias (pastry shops) serving up delicious cakes and pastries.

Exploring the Praça do Comércio

The Praça do Comércio is one of Lisbon’s most iconic squares and a must-see for any visitor to Alfama. This grand plaza dates back to the 18th century and was once used as a trading hub for merchants from all over Europe. Today it has been transformed into a bustling public square full of cafés, shops, and restaurants. Take some time to sit by the water fountain and enjoy the atmosphere or explore the surrounding streets full of boutiques and souvenir shops.

Visiting Museums

Alfama has plenty of museums to explore too. The Museu do Fado houses a collection of instruments used in traditional fado music, as well as costumes and other artifacts related to Portuguese folk music culture. The Museu de Arte Popular celebrates Portugal’s traditional crafts and includes a range of interesting pieces from all over the country. And if you’re interested in history, check out the Museu da Cidade de Lisboa which includes artifacts from Portugal’s colonial history as well as a range of interactive exhibits about Lisbon’s past.

Strolling Through Alfama’s Gardens

Alfama has plenty of green spaces for visitors to enjoy too. The Jardim das Amoreiras is one of the most popular gardens in Lisbon, boasting beautiful flowerbeds, fountains, ponds, and plenty of paths to explore. Another great spot is the Jardim da Estrela which has a rose garden, an outdoor amphitheater, and plenty of benches for visitors to relax on. For something truly unique, check out the Jardim Botânico Tropical da Ajuda which is home to a variety of tropical plants from all over the world.

Booking a Lisbon City Tour

A great way to explore Alfama is on a guided tour of the city. There are a range of tours available from walking tours to hop-on hop-off bus tours so you can get an overview of all that Lisbon has to offer. On these tours, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on Lisbon’s history, culture, architecture, and more. You can also book private tours if you want to tailor your experience or take a tour of specific locations in Alfama like Castelo de São Jorge or Feira da Ladra.

Booking a Food Tour

If you’re a foodie looking to try some delicious Portuguese dishes then book yourself onto a food tour in Alfama. On these tours, you can sample local delicacies like codfish cakes and grilled sardines as well as tasting wines from Portugal’s top wineries. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you around some of Alfama’s best eateries so you can get an authentic taste of Lisbon life. With this tour, you can explore traditional restaurants as well as trying some modern fusion dishes that combine Portuguese flavors with international cuisine.

Booking a Fado Music Tour

Alfama wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its vibrant Fado music scene. On this tour you can learn about Fado’s rich history while listening to live performances from local musicians in some of Alfama’s best Fado clubs. Your guide will take you around some of Alfama’s most famous locations while teaching you about Fado’s origins as well as introducing you to some of today’s top Fado artists. You can book Fado music tours online for an unforgettable experience in Alfama.

Booking a Street Art Tour

Lisbon has become known for its vibrant street art scene in recent years and Alfama is one of the best places to explore it. On this tour you can discover some of Lisbon’s most famous street art pieces from graffiti murals to painted tiles. Your guide will take you around Alfama pointing out some lesser-known street art gems while telling you stories about the artists behind each piece. You can book Street Art Tours online for an unforgettable experience in Alfama.

Conclusion:
Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most fascinating districts with plenty of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. From exploring historic castles to tasting traditional cuisine or listening to live Fado music performances there’s something for everyone in this vibrant district of Lisbon. Take some time to explore its narrow streets and winding alleys while discovering hidden gems along the way. Book yourself onto one of the many tours available or simply wander around at your own pace – however you choose to experience Alfama you won’t be disappointed!