Alfama
- Address:Largo do Chao da Feira, Lisbon
- Admission:Free
Cultural Experience, Walking/Hiking, Castle, Monument - Historical
2:37 AM Sunday, May 27
Clear. Cool.
7 day forecast »
Wander down (to save your legs) through Alfama's steep, narrow, cobblestoned streets and catch a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon before it too is gentrified. Linger in a backstreet cafe along the way and experience some local bonhomie without the tourist gloss. Early morning is the best time to catch a more traditional scene, when women sell fresh fish from their doorways. For a real rough-and-tumble atmosphere, visit during the Festas dos Santos Populares in June.
As far back as the 5th century, the Alfama was inhabited by the Visigoths, and remnants of a Visigothic town wall remain. But it was the Moors who gave the district its shape and atmosphere. In Moorish times this was an upper-class residential area. After earthquakes brought down many of its mansions (and post-Moorish churches) it reverted to a working-class, fisherfolk quarter. It was one of the few districts to ride out the 1755 earthquake.
Latest Reviews All Alfama Reviews »
I was truly sad when the trip came to an end! I have rated this trip as Excellent simply because there wasn't a 6 star rating.
I have been to Lisbon several times before on business and never seen much of the city or felt it was a place to return to.
Having done the half day tour I now think Lisbon is a beautiful, old and relaxing city with great architecture, hidden gems and a place I would return to again.
From making an initial enquiry to meeting Daniel at the cruise terminal to ending the trip, it was all done with ease, professionalism and I just can't recommend his trip highly enough.
He knew all the places to show me, took me to a great coffee house (which I then went back to 3 more times with colleagues) and gave me good pointers for the rest of my week.
The bike itself was something to be seen in with several people saying to me - Wow, did you see the bike and sidecar outside - I smirked and said yes, that was my trip which I then effused about.
So if you are in doubt about a bike and sidecar trip, don't be - It was relaxing, a great way to see the city and ideal for one or two people. If you are worried about the guide and his abilities, don't be - probably one of the best I have had. If you are worried he might not turn up or be hard to book/work with, don't be - After some simple emails I found him outside my boat (early) waiting for me! "Book and go" would be my motto. Thanks Daniel.
First I have to gripe about other Viator reviewers: Please write more than just "it was excellent" as this tells me
nothing about the tour. Please please please write details, be more descriptive for heavens sake. ***This was a nice orientation of Lisbon. I think it toured around letting you see some of the major monuments, can't exactly remember since I did a tour everyday. Definitely took us to some coach museum, I loved that it took us to Belem to see both the tower and the exploration monument (my two favorite things but didn't have enough time for each) but was still a surprise as I did not know we were headed there. I paid 5 euro for the tower and sprinted up all the way to top and took some pictures really quick and then ran back down to make the bus. For the monument there is a huge globe in front but too many bozos blocking u from taking a clean shot. Also took you to some huge church where Vasco Da Gama is buried. Then took you to some old art of town that was awesome cuz u walk up this cobbled stone road and see tons of restaurants, some are Fado, and end up in a nice souvenir shop that sells tons of different things I wanted to buy it all, plus you get to taste some wine there and buy bottles if you like. The only reason I didn't buy the wine is because I knew I was being dropped off in the city not at my hotel. The tour guide spoke maybe 4-5 languages, too many different languages were accommodated, throw out the italians haha.
An excellent way of being introduced to Lisbon. The guide was knowledgable and seemed to be able to answer any question we threw at her. Highly recommended
Continue Reading »Practical Info
The best way up the hill is the number 28 tram from Martin Moniz Square, look at the views, then enjoy the wander back down.
