---

The Alfama district in Lisbon can be called the soul of the city, since it’s the oldest and most typical district of Lisbon. Moreover, the Alfama area is the one that survived the earthquake of 1755. Alfama has narrow streets and typical Portuguese houses decorated with azulejo ceramic tiles. So, what are the best things to do in Alfama?

Visiting Alfama view points

The area of Alfama is considered to be the highest in the city, that’s why you have plenty of chances to enjoy the city views. I’ve written about the best view points in this blog post. The ones not mentioned there are Miradouro Santa Luzia, Miradouro da Graça and the viewpoints of the Castle of St. George. Also worth visiting of course 🙂

Eating in local tasca and listening to fado

Tasca is a typical Portuguese restaurant with local food. In the Alfama district there are many tascas, where in the evenings you can listen to traditional Fado music. Even though, Fado music is not for everybody, as it is quite sorrowful and a bit depressive, it’s still an interesting experience. Here are my personal recommendations for Fado venues, together with some other live music bars I adore.

Shopping at a Flea Market

Meanwhile, just under the walls of the National Pantheon, there is the most famous flea market in Lisbon – Feira da Ladra. If you love vintage stuff, that’s definitely a right place for you. I have a complete guide for Feira de Ladra here.

In addition, if you’re up for a brunch in Alfama, check my favourite cafes here 💞

---

“Examine for a moment

an ordinary mind on an ordinary day.

So, the mind receives a myriad impressions—

trivial, fantastic, evanescent,

or engraved with the sharpness of steel.

From all sides they come,

an incessant shower of innumerable atoms;

and as they fall,

they shape themselves into the life of Monday or Tuesday“

#V.Woolfe