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Alfama, an ancient maze of streets

Laundry hangs from a wrought iron balcony. The melodious cries of a fado singer resound down the street. Colourful tiles adorn the façades of the tall houses. Alfama, the district between the Castle of São Jorge and the river Tagus, is perhaps the loveliest part of Lisbon.

Arts & Culture

A tour of the monastery, National Pantheon and Roman Theatre

Walking from the Castle of São Jorge to Alfama you will pass the Portas do Sol, one of the many miradouros (viewpoints) of Alfama. The vista from here over the orange roofs and glittering river is truly picture perfect. A few hundred metres away is the monastery of São Vicente de Fora, established in 1147 by Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. The present buildings date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, and include an extraordinary church, whose austere and symmetrical façade is a magnificent example of Mannerism. Behind the monastery rises the white dome of the National Pantheon, or Church of Santa Engrácia. This shrine has had a turbulent history. Construction took place from 1681 until 1712, when the architect died and King João V lost interest in the building. The church remained virtually untouched until 1960, when Prime Minister Salazar decided to convert it into a National Pantheon. Today, you can visit the tombs of some famous Portuguese people here, including the writer Almeida Garrett and fado diva Amália Rodrigues. The western part of Alfama contains the remains of Roman Lisbon, including the ruins of a large Roman theatre from the first century BC, built under the Emperor Augustus. In the Middle Ages the theatre sank into antiquity, until it was rediscovered after the devastating earthquake in 1755. The small, interactive museum displays stone columns and other finds, such as a bust of Silenus.

Singer with Alfama in the background

Fado, the Portuguese song of life

There are plenty of opinions about the origins of fado: some argue that the melancholic Portuguese music originated in Alfama, while others swear that it all started in the city of Coimbra. Whatever the truth, Alfama has some of the oldest and most charming casas de fado in Lisbon. These are restaurants or bars where both renowned fado singers and undiscovered talents perform the famous Portuguese song of life. Alfama also hosts a Fado Museum – you can guess which creation story is promoted here!

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Culinary

Family fun

Arts & Culture

Culinary

Bacalhau, sardinhas, feijoada and pastéis: Portugal is famous for its delectable cuisine. This is the perfect excuse to turn your weekend in Lisbon into a culinary expedition, with a visit to a 19th-century food market on Friday, a gourmet tour on Saturday and a Portuguese cooking lesson and culinary feast on Sunday. Just add a bottle of vinho verde and you are all set. Bom proveito!

Family fun

Dolphins and flamingos in the Bay of Setúbal, a fairytale castle in Sintra or a dozen golden beaches in Cascais - families can really enjoy a day trip outside the city of Lisbon. There is a lot to see and do. We have outlined 3 child-friendly outings within an hour travelling time from the capital.

Arts & Culture

The vast exhibition area that was built for Expo '98 to the east of Lisbon has now become a popular attraction for those enjoying art and architecture, fine dining, shopping and leisure. A visit to the expansive and futuristic Parque das Nações is a welcome respite from the bustling city centre.

Arts & Culture

The creaking yellow vintage trams of the Carris public transportation company look as if they belong in a museum. These are one of the best ways to get around the city. Tram 28 is famous, taking riders on a 40-minute trip up (or down) the hill through old neighbourhoods such as Graça, Alfama and Baixa, along many historical highlights, including the cathedral and the castle. Todos a bordo!

Arts & Culture

Although it is located just outside of downtown Lisbon, the Tower of Belém on the Tagus River is a must-see attraction for visitors. Built as a fortress to defend the nearby Hieronymites monastery, the tower is a proud reminder of the discovery voyages of Vasco da Gama and the grandeur of the former Portuguese colonial empire.