What is Alfama?
It's the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon, containing several of the major sights that city has to offer. These include São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol - the latter two both offer very beautiful vantage points over the rooftops and Tagus river.
What is Alfama like?
It has a higgledy-piggedly feel to it, like many old areas of cities, with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful tiles on walls.
Where is Alfama?
Lisbon. Portugal
When did we go?
October 2026
How did we get there?
We flew to Lisbon and got an Uber to the Alfama area. It took around 20 minutes.
Worth noting:
Alfama is the home of fado, the traditional music of Portugal. It is melancholic music, traditionally sung by the sailors and other working people who lived in Alfama. There are bars and restaurants that feature live fado music, with a solo singer usually backed by a Portuguese guitar and a classical guitar.
What was Alfama's place in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
It was at 336. It scooted up by 180 places.
Does Alfama deserve its higher place on the 2020 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?
Probably - it's the historic part of an important city.
