Lisbon’s Alfama district is a maze of streets and alleyways. If you haven’t lost yourself there, you haven’t seen the city. Its uniqueness can be seen in its heritage and landscapes, strong identity, friendliness, safety, and diverse leisure and evening activities. Enjoy all what the city has to offer using a Lisbon travel map.
1. Visit The Alfama District
Alfama, the heart of Lisbon is where you can wander ancient streets, eat grilled sardines, and be serenaded with fado. This maze, with its narrow cobbled roads and tiny squares, is the oldest section of Lisbon. It’s also where Portuguese history started. You’ll find medieval castle walls, churches that have stood for centuries and a charming way of life that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else.
This neighborhood has the same feel as it did when it was first settled. With its narrow streets and disorderly houses, it’s like stepping into another time. Fado is a haunting singing style that originated in this neighborhood. This melancholy style of song was originally sung by sailors’ wives waiting for the return of their loved ones.
Wandering the streets of this unique district is an essential experience for visitors to Lisbon. You’ll feel a true connection to the locals as you stroll past their homes and witness their daily lives. You’ll also be able to take in the historic architecture, as many of the buildings have been beautifully maintained.
Alfama is home to the medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge. This castle overlooks the city and is a must see. The castle’s hilltop position helped it survive the 1755 quake, which devastated most of the city. You can visit the castle ruins to admire the picturesque views or the small museum which discusses the importance of this site in Lisbon’s past.
Azulejos are blue and white ceramic tile scenes depicting daily life. The tile canvas behind the Fountain Pool at Miradouro de Santa Luzia has a beautiful hand-painted panorama.
2. Visit The Castelo De Sao Jorge
Castelo de Sao Jorge is Lisbon’s most famous attraction, but this medieval citadel has much more to offer than panoramic views. It was once a defensive fort, and cannons still line the main square at the entrance to the castle. Afonso henriques, Portugal’s first king who reclaimed the castle from the Moors and the city in 1147, is also honoured with a statue.
As you explore the ruins, you will see artifacts dating back to the time of the Kingdom, such as pottery, coins and everyday life items, or even a camera obscura. You can also tour the crypt, which contains the tombs of several Portuguese monarchs.
Booking your tickets in advance is a great way to avoid long queues and ensure that you get a place on the guided tour. This is important, especially during the high season when it can be very busy.
A popular activity is “miradouro hopping”, which involves visiting different viewpoints in the city. Each one offers a different perspective. This is a great way to capture the essence of Lisbon.
Lisbon has many attractions that attract visitors, including the fado music and the castle. For example, the old city has many cobbled street and historic buildings which are popular with locals and visitors.
Consider booking a walking trip if you want to experience these historic sites up close. These tours offer a great opportunity to learn more about Lisbon’s rich history and culture. They are also a good way to make sure your visit is as stress-free possible.
3. Visit The Bairro Alto District
Lisbon’s heart is made up of two charismatic districts that capture the city’s rich history and vibrant modern life. Alfama’s medieval alleyways whisper tales from a bygone era, whereas Bairro Alto has trendy bars and restaurants. Lisbon is a great place to visit, whether you want to explore the area’s most popular sights or just soak up its cosmopolitan feel.
In the Bairro Alto neighborhood, terracotta rooftops and brightly painted walls are a vivid backdrop to azure sky. In the daytime, its ramshackle streets are nearly deserted, but after sunset the district is a socialising hub. In addition to quaint curiosity shops, there are over 200 small bars that serve up a wide range of drinks. And the area’s most famous landmark, Ascensor da Bica, is the perfect spot to enjoy a view over the neighbourhood.
In the midst of this turbulent past, you’ll discover stunning examples Portuguese architecture. From the towering Se Cathedral to the cloisters of Jeronimos Monastery, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a living tapestry that reflects centuries of Portuguese history.
While wandering through the district, admire its intricate azulejos (ceramic tiles), ornate balconies, and wrought-iron railings. The neighbourhood is a living museum where each corner reveals a new chapter of Lisbon’s tumultuous past.
Other important sights in the area are the Carmo Church and its Romanesque ruin reminiscent of Lisbon’s Great Earthquake. There is also the Sao Pedro de Alcantara view point with its two terraces decorated with sculptures. And the Miradouro de Santa Catarina with its kiosk-cafe where you can watch the sunset. The area is also home to a number of museums including the National Azulejo Museum, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and its diverse collections of ancient and contemporary art.
4. Belem District: A Must Visit
The Belem District in Lisbon is a district with many historic landmarks, and a relaxed atmosphere along the river. It has all you need for an amazing day out. From visiting the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, to enjoying pastries at Pasteis de Belem. Plus, it’s home to a range of museums and sights that will make your visit truly memorable.
Start your morning at the MAAT. A modern museum that combines technology, art and architecture into a seamless cultural experience. This museum is located on the Tagus River. It features local and international exhibitions. The best time of day to visit is early or late evening when the sun reaches its peak. You can also enjoy a stroll on the waterfront.
After that, explore the beautiful courtyards and terraces of Ajuda Palace. You can also visit the National Coaches Museum to learn more about Portugal’s rich history. From there, take the tram 15 to reach the city center, or walk back towards the train station. You can avoid the ticket price and skip the line if you own a Lisboa Card.
Lisbon weekend is not complete without a night out. The city’s balmy climate invites people to bar-hop around the neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre. The streets are lined with a mix of traditional tasca cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s also a great place to watch locals and expats interact with each other. Famous street artists such as Vhils, Bordalo II and others leave their mark with murals and sculptures.
5. Visit The Miradouro Da Graca
Situated above the Graca district, this viewpoint is named after Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, a famous Portuguese poetess who frequently gazed upon Lisbon from this spot. Her bust remains here and lines from one of her poems decorate the wall. The views from this terrace are stunning. It is shaded by parasol pins. The viewpoint is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike. The on-site café serves drinks and snack food. You can spend hours relaxing and enjoying the views.
The Miradouro da Graca offers a peaceful, pleasant atmosphere that is unlike other touristy viewpoints. The church, with its baroque details and detailed chapels, is a highlight in the area. A large garden, Jardim da Cerca da Graca, lies just below the church and offers a scenic space to walk and relax.
This neighborhood is also known for its street art, and you’ll find several pieces here, including a portrait of a woman holding a gun done by Shepard Fairey (famous for his Obama ‘Hope’ work). Two works pay tribute to renowned Portuguese writers.
A stroll through the historic streets of Graca is an experience in itself, but it is best done during the day when you can take advantage of the lovely cafes and other attractions nearby. This is a great place to see the city’s Moorish history and culture, and there are several interesting museums to explore nearby as well. A few blocks away is the grand Praca do Comercio square, which was once a site for bullfights and public executions.
