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Alfama Free Tour

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Alfama Free Tour

Alfama Free Tour

Lisbon's Old Town Exploration

Join the top-rated Alfama Free Walking Tour. Discover the ancient, picturesque streets of Lisbon’s oldest section. Experience the culture, legends and stories.

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Lisbon’s oldest district, with the Alfama Free Tour. This tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and local charm, spanning over three thousand years. This tour peels back the diverse layers that form Lisbon’s rich tapestry revealing remnants of Phoenician settlements and echoes of Roman and Arabic influences.

We go deep into the heart of old town, a labyrinth of narrow streets where the soulful strains of Fado music float from every corner. This is where you’ll truly discover Alfama’s essence and its most ancient roots. Later in the tour you will see extraordinary panoramic views or the Tagus River from Santa Luzia.

This is an immersive experience into the soul of the city. It’s like stepping into a living, breathing storybook of Lisbon’s Old Town. Architectural marvels blend with the pulse of Lisbon’s most authentic neighborhood giving you an opportunity to understand the essence of Lisbon, its people, and the true meaning of ‘Saudade’, that uniquely Portuguese feeling of longing and nostalgia.

You will be led by an enthusiastic expert local guide who loves to show off Lisbon’s iconic landmarks and authentic hidden gems and will recommend plenty of things to do for the rest of your stay. This is truly and unforgettable experience.

Duration: Approximately 2hr 30min

Your Alfama Free Tour meets at:

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Alfama Free Walking Tour

Exploring Lisbon's Ancient Heart

You’ll heading into the heart of old Lisbon, a labyrinth filled with the soulful strains of Fado music coming from every corner and the best sardines you’ll ever eat. The Alfama Free Walking Tour reveals the authentic essence of Lisbon; its most ancient roots.

We begin at the intriguing Casa dos Bicos known as the House of Spikes because of its unique diamond-shaped façade. Here you’ll discover the secrets of this historical gem, now home to the José Saramago Foundation, dedicated to Portugal's only Nobel Prize-winning author in literature.

Up next is the Aurea Museum Hotel where you’ll learn about the 1147 conquering of Lisbon by D. Alfonso Heriques. So many cultures that have inhabited this area going so far back in time.

We make our way to the Chafariz d’El Rei the oldest fountain in Lisbon with an important history. Fountains have a special place in Lisbon including the origin of its name.

We then move on to Judaea Street where you will experience the unique labyrinth like layout of this neighborhood its Jewish heritage and its Arabic influence.

The stunning views at Portas do Sol are worth the moderate climb. The iconic Tram 28 chugs along above us, the São Vicente de Fora church stands proudly in the distance and below, the Tagus River stretches out, its waters shimmering under the warm Lisbon sun. Up next is the Santa Luzia viewpoint which is equally breathtaking.

We end at the Lisbon Cathedral, the perfect spot to share stories about St. Anthony and the city's rich traditions and festivities.

This tour is a deep dive into the history and traditions that make up the Lisbon spirit.

By the end of this tour, you’ll have explored the heart of Lisbon’s Old Town and grasped the true meaning of ‘Saudade’, that uniquely Portuguese feeling of longing and nostalgia.

So, come along on the Alfama Free Tour. It’s an invitation to step back in time and experience the authentic soul of Lisbon. You’ll leave with stories to tell, memories to cherish, and perhaps a bit of Saudade in your heart.

Highlights of Your Alfama Free Walking Tour

Each Alfama Free Walking Tour is a unique experience. The stops listed in the highlights may change due to the guide leading the tour and other conditions such as weather and local events. If you are particularly interested about a specific item please ask your guide before the beginning of the tour to confirm it is on the agenda.

Casa dos Bicos

Learn the history of this striking building, the House of Spikes, with its unique diamond-shaped façade and its current role as the José Saramago Foundation, honoring Portugal's Nobel Prize winning author.

Áurea Museum Hotel

Hear how D. Afonso Henriques conquered Lisbon in 1147 and the many cultures and civilizations have occupied this hill including Phoenicians, Romans, Celtic tribes, Visigoths and Muslims.

Chafariz d’El Rei in Largo do Chafariz de Dentro

This significant square in Lisbon's history, located by the Fernandina wall was once the city's most important. Now it is a gateway to the heart of Alfama and home to the Fado Museum. You’ll learn about this particular fountain and why it is significant.

Judiaria Street

There is a great Jewish heritage in Alfama as well as Arabic influences from which it derives its name. These labyrinthine streets are filled with the aroma of traditional food and the sounds of Fado often fill the air.

Church and Square of São Miguel

You’ll discover the oldest houses in Lisbon and what makes them recognizable as we imagine life 500 years ago.

Church and Square of Santo Estêvão

A perfect place to explore Saudade and Fado music and how they are emotionally linked. Saudade is a unique Portuguese expression that has no counterpart in English and finds its expression in Fado music.

Square of Salvador

Alfama is know for its many festivities including the Marchas Populares and the “Os casamentos de Santo António” or Weddings of Santo António, which was a tradition to help support couples who couldn’t afford a traditional wedding.

Beco do Garcês

You’ll learn about the history and symbolism of Portuguese tiles, azulejos.

Norberto Araújo Street

Nuno Saraiva’s mural is the history of Portugal represented in a non-traditional way and is a great way to prompt discussion.

Portas do Sol Viewpoint

One of Lisbon's most incredible views. A perfect spot to appreciate Lisbon's unique light, the Tagus River and the sprawling city. You’ll hear of ravens, Saint Vincent and the boat. All important symbols of Lisbon.

Santa Luzia Viewpoint

Breathtaking views of the serene blue Tagus River from this vantage point, capture the essence of Lisbon's beauty.

Lisbon Cathedral

Your Alfama Free Walking Tour Comes to an end here with tales of St. Anthony and Lisbon's traditions bringing life to the city's spiritual past.