Alfama – Narrow streets, small cafes and Fado

We can definitely say that Alfama is the true heart of Lisbon. The neighbourhood where the city was born.

Here you will find some of the most beautiful views over the city and the Tagus river. Get lost, don’t worry about not being able to find your way back – you will always find the river in the middle of two buildings or at the end of a sloping street.

Being one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Lisbon, Alfama still remains true to it’s essence – and that is what we love about it.

It’s impossible to say which element characterizes this picturesque district, because it is the ensemble of all the elements that makes it so special:

The Fado music; the clothes hanging at the windows; the colourful buildings; the smell of grilled sardines during summer; the new trendy restaurants, cafes and art galleries; and the hundreds of people who pass by every day – who are also part of this unique scenario.

Eat and Drink

Boi Cavalo

An old butchery shop turned into a restaurant.

The service is very nice and unpretentious and there is a tasting menu for those who aren’t afraid of surprises.

R. do Vigário, 70   //   20pm-2am – Tuesday to Sunday

Cruzes Credo

This quaint and relaxed cafe is one of our top choices when we want to have a nice glass of wine, in a beautiful and calm ambience.

The interior is decorated with some vintage details and the tables outside are facing the cathedral and beautiful orange trees.

Cruzes da Sé,29   //   10am-2am – Daily

Agulha no Palheiro

Besides having a quirky charm, this restaurant also have mouth-watering local delicacies!

Try to book a table in advance, as this is a small and very popular restaurant.

R. Jardim do Tabaco, 3   //   3pm-11pm – Wednesday to Sunday

A Muralha

This is not a high end restaurant – but nor does it try to be.

Good and simple portuguese food with very reasonable prices.

R. Jardim do Tabaco, 112   //   12pm-2am – Monday to Saturday

A Medrosa d’Alfama

It’s tiny, it’s super cute and has amazing food!

During summer you can sit outside – enjoying a sangria underneath an orange tree – while hearing the Fado from the restaurant down the square.

Largo de São Rafael, 6   //   11am-10pm – Wednesday to Monday

Bela

Actually one of the few Fado restaurants that we really enjoy eating.

Super friendly staff and lots of character!

R. dos Remédios, 190   //   8pm-1am – Tuesday to Sunday

Taberna dos Clérigos

Nice restaurant with some outdoor seating, just in the middle of Alfama.

Don’t expect the staff (a couple) to be super friendly because sometimes they are not – it really depends on their mood of the day!

However, if you truly want to have the genuine “Alfama experience” – here is the place to go. The food is always excellent, fresh and tasty.

Calçada de São Vicente, 10   //   12pm-3pm | 7pm-10pm – Tuesday to Sunday

Pois Café

With an amazing location – right next to the Sé Cathedral – this cozy cafe that will make you feel at home.

Perfect for the rainiest days, with lots of books and magazines to explore, free wi-fi, art exhibitions and occasional small concerts.

From breakfast to brunch; lunch to a glass of wine at the end of the day – there is no right time to stop by.

R. de São João da Praça 93-95   //   10:30am-11pm – Daily

A Medrosa d’Alfama

Pois Café

Do and See

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

With beautiful coloured buildings around the square, this quaint area is perfect for a stop.

You will find lots of cafes facing the river and the spectacular vista.

Largo Portas do Sol

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

The museum – one of our favourites – is very well laid out, taking you through the history of tiles.

The building is also stunning, based on a convent with a chapel and a nice courtyard next to the cafe.

Rua da Madre de Deus, 4   //   10am-6pm – Tuesday to Sunday   //  Ticket 5€

Museu de Artes Decorativas

Ricardo do Espirito Santo Silva acquired the palace in 1947 and donated his superb fine arts collection to this museum.

It’s a window to our country’s history.

Largo Portas do Sol 2   //   10am-6pm – Wednesday to Monday   //   Ticket 4€

Castelo de São Jorge

Coming to Lisbon without seeing the Castle is like going to Paris and miss the Eiffel tower.

Besides all the history that it carries, the Castle also offers one of the most incredible views over the city.

R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo   //   9am-6pm – Dail

Miradouro de Santo Estevão

With seven hills and a eye popping river it’s easy to have lots of view points, spread all over the city.

The particularity of this one, is that is still a well kept secret comparing to others. A really quiet place with a gorgeous view.

Beco do Carneiro, 3

Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Museu de Artes Decorativas

Shopping

Chi Coração

Handmade fabric and blankets, made with 100% pure wool.

R. Augusto Rosa, 22   //   10am-9pm – Daily

Deli Deluxe

A really fancy and brightly grocery store that also has a cafe right next to the river.

From wines to foie gras, they have all the gourmet products that you could wish for.

Our famous Flea Market is right in the frontier of Alfama with Graça.

It is not to be missed on Tuesdays and Saturdays if you are into treasure hunting. They will sell you their soul if you offer the right price 🙂

Campo de Santa Clara

Conserveira de Lisboa

A traditional canning store that was founded in the 30’s and that still maintains its original look and characteristics.

Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, 34   //   9am-7pm – Monday to Saturday

Fabula Urbis

If you are one of those persons that still likes to read everything on paper – here you can find more information than we could ever tell you about Lisbon.

R. Augusto Rosa, 27   //   10:30am-1:30pm | 3pm-8pm – Daily

Feira da Ladra

Chi Coração