Top Fun Things to do in Alfama, Lisbon

The area of Alfama in Lisbon is one of the most delicate and enigmatic places. If you’re looking for Top Fun Things to do in Alfama,  here’s a list of the best things to do in this amazing, quirky area of Lisbon: Read on and discover the best list of Top Fun Things to do in Alfama, Lisbon

Get on the famous 28 Tram

The first suggestion of Top Fun Things to do in  Alfama is to get on the Tram 28. This tram is known for its route that covers most of the city center and provides a great ride for tourists who have just arrived to the city.

It is worth noting that it has become a touristic route so you need to watch out for pickpockets. If you’re using it to go from downtown to the castle, you can walk your way up, it’s quite close. If you’re willing to take the ride around the city, it’s definitely worth it!

Have a coffee in Portas do Sol

Another suggestion of what to do in the area of Alfama in Lisbon is to take a seat and enjoy a coffee in Portas do Sol, one of my favorite belvederes in town. From there, you will get a view of the slopes where Alfama rests, with the Tagus river greeting you from the background. We stop at this belvedere during our Alfama tour before getting lost in the narrow streets typical of Alfama!

Enjoy the magnificent view from St. George’s Castle

Visiting St. George’s Castle is a great thing to do around the area of Alfama in Lisbon. It is a very well preserved castle as it was recovered in the late twentieth century, so you can actually see how the walls were built. It is an extremely fun place for kids (and grown-ups) as you get to discover the old castle and let imagination lose.

After visiting the castle and maybe having lunch in the restaurants around, you can join us in our Alfama tour to discover one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city.  Discover Walk’s tour runs at 3pm every day.

Visit the Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral is definitely one of the things to visit in Alfama in Lisbon. It’s one of the main churches in the city and still today important festivities are celebrated here such as the blessing of the graduate students (which happens every year in May). You will see a mixture of different architectural styles. It is a wonderful place to discover!

Get lost in the narrow streets of Alfama

One of the best things to do in Alfama in Lisbon is to actually get lost in the narrow streets of the slope. This quirky neighborhood is known for its labyrinth like streets and the small houses people live in. On your own, you will definitely get lost – but hey! Getting lost is sometimes the best way to discover the city!

Tour the Fado Museum

Another thing to do in Alfama in Lisbon is to visit the Fado Museum. Listening to Fado is listening to the Portuguese soul. Born from the hearts of sailors and families who stayed in land, Fado was considerate by UNESCO as World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.

In this museum, you can discover its story, what it means and you can listen to the greatest singers of Fado singing the most popular ones. The Fado Museum is located at the bottom of the quirky neighborhood of Alfama, which is the last stop in our Alfama tour!

Have dinner while enjoying a Fado perfomance

© Paul Bernhardt

Fado is typically Portuguese. You will not find Fado anywhere else in the world but in Portugal, especially in Lisbon. This is why you need to grab this unique opportunity and attend a Fado performance while in Alfama!

Alfama is home to Fado. You will hear Fado in every corner of the neighborhood, in all cafés, restaurants, and souvenir shops. What I strongly recommend you to do is to have dinner while listening to Fado singers. In some restaurants, you will have to pay fifteen euros per person for the dinner-Fado perfomance deal. In other restaurants, you will be able to attend the show for free.

The difference between between paying or not for the perfomance is in its quality and the atmosphere. When paying fifteen euros, you will be introduced to a unique and intimate atmosphere. The lights are softened, the singer sings with all its passion and looks at the audience. A good place for a more intimate type of Fado perfomance is the Fado em Si restaurant!

When not paying for the show, it still is good, because Fado is known to be an emotional music genre, that will make you shiver but the atmosphere is less romantic and personal. Also, they usually sing during less time. It’s up to you to pick the kind of Fado experience you’re looking for.

Have a pastel de nata at Pastelaria Santo António

A few steps from the Castelo São Jorge, there is an excellent pastry shop called Pastelaria Santo António. You don’t have to go to the Pastéis de Belém pastry store in Belém and queue for long minutes to have a traditional pastel de nata.

Near the Saint Jorge Castle, the Pastelaria Santo António serve these delicious traditional cakes and they are just as good as the ones in Belém and only cost one euro! Plus, the waiting lines are much shorter!

Try a pastel de bacalhau at the doors of Castelo São Jorge

© Dupla Gourmet

Before entering the Castelo São Jorge, I suggest you to have a pastel de bacalhau filled with a traditional Portuguese cheese, known as Queijo da Serra. Each of these codfish cakes cost four euros but they are delicious. They will ask you if you want a glass of Port wine to go with it. It’s the perfect snack to get before visiting this incredible landmark of Lisbon!

This place is located just at the right of the Saint Jorge Castle ticket office.

You now know what to do in Lisbon in Alfama! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article and that it has been inspiring to you! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information about anything! See you soon in Alfama!

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