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Neighborhood in Lisbon
Photo: VanGore, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Good viewpoint in Alfama uphill from the cathedral along tram route. Lovely view over rooftops and river.
The highest viewpoint in Lisbon, at the top of the Graça hill, spread out in front of the small Capela de Nossa Senhora do Monte (founded in 1147, remodelled in the 20th century). To the south you look down over the Castelo de São Jorge, the Mouraria and the Baixa to the Tagus estuary; to the west, from Bairro Alto out to the Monsanto forest; to the north, down the Avenida Almirante Reis valley. It sits a little further out than the viewpoints at Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol, so it is usually quieter, and it is a fine place to watch the sunset.
St. George's Castle
Humans settled on this hill as early as the 8th century BCE, and the first fortifications date from the 1st century BCE. Before the Portuguese conquest in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon, the site was successively occupied by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. Sights within the castle include the permanent exhibition of archaeological artefacts with an emphasis on the 11th- and 12th-century Moors, ruins of the former Royal Palace of Alcáçova, a garden with native forest species, and a camera obscura showing the city's sights. The castle offers great view over the city and the river. If you have the energy, get there by walking from downtown, going through the fantastic old neighbourhood of Alfama.
Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls
Started in 1582, this Mannerist monastery wasn't completed until 1629, following the reconstruction of a 1147 church under royal decree. The church houses the Pantheon of the House of Braganza, where many monarchs, consorts, and their offspring are entombed.
Sé de Lisboa, Igreja de Santa Maria Maior
Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived various earthquakes and has undergone restoration, renovation, and modification over the years. Its elements include Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It has been a national monument since 1910.
Water Museum
National Tile Museum
One of the most important national museums, dedicated to Portuguese azulejo tiles since the late 1400s. It's in the former Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 by Queen Leonor.
Lisbon Military Museum
Housed in a 16th-century foundry, this museum holds its testaments to Portuguese military history, and contains many artifacts, including a sword used by Vasco da Gama.
Museu Etnográfico da Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa
Exhibits of ethnography from Portugal's former colonies.
Roman Theatre Museum
Along the way from downtown to Saint George's Castle.
Igreja do Santa Engrácia
This is one of the most striking buildings in Lisbon. Its tall dome and white facade makes it a real landmark in Alfama/Eastern Lisbon. Excellent views from the rooftop terrace. Construction began in 1681, then halted until the dome was added in 1966 and then converted to the National Pantheon. Amália Rodrigues, queen of fado, is buried here, and fresh roses can be seen on the tomb. The church also has wide viewing platform on the rooftop all around its dome. Excellent panorama of the river and surroundings. No elevator.
Large multi-purpose auditorium for musical performances.
Authentic, cheap Portuguese dishes in a very busy, shared-table restaurant.
A charming spot with a welcoming host. A delicious prix fixe meal was €12.50.
Great views are the main feature if you reserve terrace seat in advance. Good atmosphere; international-menu food is tasty but nothing special.
Great place to have typical Portuguese food before climbing to Castelo S. Jorge.
Friendly and inexpensive; long menu of traditional Portuguese dishes.
Lisbon's source for kosher groceries.
A Mozambique restaurant on a "miradouro", viewing spot, offering a great view of the river, the Baixa area, and beyond. An elevator can bring you up and down the deep slopes, making it easily reachable from the nearby Baixa area.
It's in a former warehouse and part owned by American actor John Malkovich.
It's a place to relax, read a book, drink a coffee and plan your way around Lisbon. Also offers toasts, pastas, quiches and salads; features late breakfasts.
A cafe and bar on a "Miradouro", viewing spot, and thus offer a spectacular view over the Alfama rooftops down to the river.
formerly Alfama Patio Hostel
Two-star out-of-the-way lodging (but it's directly on the Tram line 28). Full amenities from fast Wi-Fi to free crepe breakfast only compliment the fun staff, who sometimes even go out with you at night.
Two-star, 116-room hotel. Travelers give this Ibis so-so reviews noting on the plus side the location only 5 min walk to the metro, and a good breakfast and on the minus side small rooms.
Cosy hostel. No extra costs for Wi-Fi, printing, breakfast (for private rooms).
Cozy three-star, 11-room guesthouse with welcoming common areas and well-decorated small rooms at a budget price.
Five-star, 83-room hotel in a 16th-century palace with contemporary guest rooms. The old noble rooms now serve as dining areas. Guests can enjoy of gardens, two swimming pools, spa, fitness centre, meeting rooms, business centre, and free Wi-Fi.
The four-star, 31-room Torel Palace is a boutique hotel on top of Sant'ana hill. From the carefully renovated two palaces and the outside gardens, terraces and the pool, visitors enjoy a stunning view over the city. Named after Portuguese Queens and Kings, each of the rooms is unique and offers an elegant home. Owned by a Portuguese and two Austrians. Offers breakfast all day long.
Three-star, 61-room hotel that sits in the heart of Av. Almirante Reis. Just five minutes away from Lisbon International Airport and with underground station at doorstep.
A lively outdoor market offering new and used products. Markets of this type have pleased bargain hunters since the 12th century in Lisbon and the Feira da Ladra name has been around since the 17th century.
The most popular and most fun way to travel into and through Alfama is on the and trams.
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