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Things to do in Alfama

Our most recommended things to do in Alfama

Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour

1. Lisbon: History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking Tour

Discover one of Europe's most captivating and picturesque capitals on a guided walking tour. Built on a series of hills and offering panoramic views from countless spots, explore the city with a local guide who will make sure that you have an interesting and fun experience. Begin the tour in the 5-centuries-old Bairro Alto, where you’ll learn about the evolution of the city. After the earthquake of 1755 this space attracted families from the Baixa and Bairro districts, who began the process of renewal. Pass by the garden of São Pedro de Alcântara and enjoy views of Baixa and the south bank of the Tagus River. Visit the San Roque Church built by the Jesuits. Admire its austere façade, and the gilding, tiles, and paintings inside that make it a wonderful museum of Mannerist and Baroque styles. Head down the hill to the Carmo convent and church, fine examples of the city’s Gothic architecture. This is a site of historical importance as it was here that the Carnation Revolution began in 1974, putting an end to nearly 5 decades of dictatorship. A little further on, arrive at the Santa Justa elevator, an imposing monument built in the Gothic Revival style, that provides one of the best viewpoints in the city. See a number of attractions in Baixa, in the heart of the city. After a short break, take a ride on the tram, going up from the castle to the Portas do Sol. At the Portas do Sol, see the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, the National Pantheon, and the Alfama district that spans several narrow streets to the River Tagus. Explore Alfama, one of the oldest and most traditional neighborhoods of Lisbon, known for its fado houses, and the popular festivals of saints, particularly St. Anthony. End the tour at Lisbon Cathedral, built in 1150, 3 years after the city was taken back from the Moors. Over time it has been subject to various architectural changes, becoming a mixture of different styles.

Lisbon: 3-Hour Food Tour by Segway

2. Lisbon: 3-Hour Food Tour by Segway

Take a guided Segway tour of Lisbon and sample the flavors of Portugal on a unique mode of self-balancing transportation. Your 3-hour Segway adventure through the city will take you to Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and through the charming streets of the Bairro Alto. Lisbon is the perfect city to explore from one of these super cool vehicles. You will go beyond the monuments to get a real sense of what makes the city so great, exploring the lovely River Tejo, the city's myriad food offerings, and its friendly residents. All the essentials will be supplied to keep you going, from complimentary water, some different tastings and exquisite pastries. You will be provided with all the necessary safety gear, such as helmets, and get a brief orientation on how to use a Segway. An expert guide will be on hand at all times to share their passion for the city in a fun way, taking you to the best food stops to let you fill your stomach with some of the most delicious Portuguese food you've ever tasted.

Lisbon: 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike

3. Lisbon: 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike

Discover the beauty of Lisbon and explore the city's highest points comfortably with an e-bike. Begin your cycling tour after a short briefing and cycle towards the viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara, passing the Portuguese Parliament. Continue along the Avenida da Liberdade and take a look at the finest and most expensive shops in Lisbon. Afterwards, discover the area around the Castelo de São Jorge and enjoy a fantastic view of the city from the famous Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Drive down towards the historic Alfama Quarter and finally reach the starting point of the tour at Handelsplatz.

B-Side of Lisbon by E-Bike: 3-Hour Guided Tour

4. B-Side of Lisbon by E-Bike: 3-Hour Guided Tour

Cycle through Lisbon on this 3-hour guided tour, and tackle the city’s 7 hills nearly effortlessly on your e-bike. Bike with a local and learn about the history of Lisbon and her people. Your ride will take you through the oldest quarters of the city. Climb to the most beautiful viewpoints that Lisbon has to offer and cycle through the narrowest streets, where only you are able to pass. Cycling in Lisbon is an amazing experience because of the city’s natural features, which make it one of the most interesting urban scenarios to explore. Discover the real Lisbon, with your guide by your side!

Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk: 2 Hour Guided Tour

5. Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk: 2 Hour Guided Tour

Discover the historical center of Lisbon on a private electric Tuk Tuk Tour. See the famous neighborhoods like Chiado, Graça, and more. Ride through the beautiful districts of Chiado, Bairro Alto, Principe Real, and Estrela. You will learn about the history and culture of one of the oldest capital cities in Europe from your guide. Your guide will take you through the narrow and cobbled-stoned neighborhoods of Alfama, Graça, Mouraria, and the contemporary districts of Chiado and Bairro Alto. Finally, marvel at the beautiful panoramic setting of River Tagus before ending the tour. 

Lisbon: 2.5-Hour Hills Tour by Electric Bike

6. Lisbon: 2.5-Hour Hills Tour by Electric Bike

Explore some of the 7 hills of Lisbon by electric bike, and see more than you would on a conventional sightseeing tour. The easy-to-drive electric bikes are eco-friendly and boast a stylish vintage design that will turn heads as you explore the hidden sights of Alfama, Mouraria and Graça, some of the most historic neighborhoods of the Portuguese capital. Cruise up to panoramic observation points, passing antique shops and enchanting restaurants along the way, and get a unique perspective of the city and its people.

Lisbon: 4-Hour Private Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

7. Lisbon: 4-Hour Private Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

This is a sightseeing tour that includes everything you must see in Lisbon. It will give you a complete overview of the most important landmarks of the city. In this 4-hour ride, you will be able to experience the old districts, visit monuments full of history and see breathtaking views. Graça, Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Belem are must-see neighborhoods of the Portuguese capital and can be explored in a relaxed and comfortable way on board of an electric tuk-tuk. And as flavors are also a great way to know a city - enjoy our offer of a traditional liquor at one of the stops. The tuk-tuk is a very versatile way to move around the hills of Lisbon, as it gets access to sites where touristic buses are not allowed, considering the geography of the city. You can also count on the live explanation of your professional storytellers. Be prepared for a fun adventure but also for lots of history and contemporary culture.

Lisbon: Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour with Hotel Pickup

8. Lisbon: Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour with Hotel Pickup

See the highlights of Lisbon in a fun and novel way, cruising around the city's streets by tuk-tuk. Your guide knows where to find the best views, the photo opportunities and the most interesting places, and will drive you from one to the next on a 2-hour tour. Stops include Lisbon Cathedral, the Church of Saint Anthony, the Castle district, the Monastery of Saint Vincent and others. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, there’s also a flea market to visit. These are just a few of the many exciting things in store for you on your tuk-tuk tour. Don't miss this opportunity to explore beautiful Lisbon in a truly unique way.

Lisbon: From East to West Private Tour by Tukxi

9. Lisbon: From East to West Private Tour by Tukxi

Explore Lisbon from East to West in a Tukxi, a small vehicle that's a mix between a tuk-tuk and a 3-wheeled scooter. This private tour combines a visit to 3 historical neighborhoods with an exploration of Belem (optional), one of the most popular districts in the city. Your tour starts in the Old Town, where you’ll travel back in time and fall in love with the colorful neighborhoods of Alfama, Mouraria, and Graça. Stop along the way to discover all that Lisbon has to offer, which is made especially easy by the Tukxis.   As an extra you can chose to add an extra hour to your tour an follow your guide over to the west of the city along the glittering river Tejo to arrive at Belem, where many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages.  Here, you can admire Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries, 3 of the most astonishing buildings in Portugal. If there’s time, end your tour with a visit to the world-famous Pasteis de Belém and try some of their delicious custard tarts.

Lisbon: Jewish History Tour of Lisbon

10. Lisbon: Jewish History Tour of Lisbon

This tour will cover the main sites of the Jewish presence in the medieval and modern Lisbon. The contemporary Lisbon presence will also be covered, including the IIWW refugees passage in the 1940's. The districts covered in the tour include the castle hill, Alfama and the Baixa, to walk all the historical sites of the Judiarias, and other historical locations. Specifically the tour will start at Praça do Comércio, pass by the Praça do Município, Rua do Comércio, Casa dos Bicos, Ribeira, Resistance museum, Mouraria, Praça da Figueira and Rossio. The tour can be tailor made and adapted to different time frames and starting points. There are historical figures that will help us threw history moments and the Jewish community legacy in Portuguese culture, science and even gastronomy. Also, find more about the world diaspora that spread from Lisbon across the Atlantic, to the Mediterranean area, Asia and northern Europe.

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What people are saying about Alfama

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 18,301 reviews

The tour was amazing! Can totally recommend it, even if you‘re not familiar with street art, our tour guide had a really nice way of explaining things and you could really feel his love for street art and the city of Lisbon! Besides a lot of cool street art pieces we also learned a lot other things about the city while walking around :)

Great car. Felt safe and secure. Fantastic guide. We were lucky to have the friendly and charming Joao guide us through the lovely Alfama area. We especially enjoyed viewing the street art and murals, and visiting his favorite local restaurants (the best recommendations!). Our little one says "Olá Tio Jo!"

excellent bike tour. the guide Simon is very knowledgeable and shared insights into local history and culture. The bikes are electric which makes them easy to get up the hills

We had such a wonderful experience and Frederico was fantastic!! He was very accommodating and knowledgeable. this tour is a must!!

Very knowledgeable! I learned so much about the history and culture of Portugal. Highly recommend!