Old Lisbon: Alfama and Sao Jorge neighborhood 3-Hour Walking Tour
Description
Join us on a trip to the Castelo São Jorge’s (Saint-George’s Castle) neighborhood and the Lisbon Cathedral overlooking the Tagus River and the oldest quarter of Lisbon. This tour takes you back to the Roman times with its amphitheater and the thermal waters of Alfama, named later on “Al-Hamma” by the Moors. This quaint part of the city remains an authentic labyrinth of alleys, interior patios, stairways, and tiny squares. Judaism, Islam, and Christianism are still the three major religions in Portugal. Alfama was also a fisherman district. Its spirit oozes on every corner where Fado sings. This walking tour takes you to the most authentic local life of the city.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood on a half-day tour of Alfama, following the path of the city walls and Moorish castle of São Jorge. Meet at the historic Casa dos Bicos (“House of the Spikes”), built around 1523 and a rare survivor of the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. See evidence of the old Roman salting tanks at the Cetária.
Next, go to Lisbon Cathedral, built in the 12th century and modified in a mix of architectural styles. Enjoy panoramic views from the Portas do Sol belvedere.
Travel back to Roman times, when Lisbon was known as “Olisipo,” and learn how the Romans discovered the thermal waters of Alfama before the Muslims gave them the name “Al-Hamma.” Wander a labyrinth of alleys and interior patios to discover secret stairways and hidden squares that lead to what used to be Lisbon's Jewish Quarter. Learn about the birth of Fado music, and experience one of the city's oldest customs as you pass through Largo do Chafariz de Dentro.
Visit Castle's quartiers
Along the way, learn about the origins of the city and experience the daily lives of its residents. Your guide will also advise you on the best places to visit for the rest of your stay.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Tour available in multiple languages, please select at time of booking
Reviews(62)
Our guide was wonderful- so informative and a great storyteller. He gave us an appreciation of the rich history of Lisbon and of Portugal overall. The small details he pointed out as we walked the Alfama neighborhood made the tour very enjoyable - we would highly recommend this tour as a great introduction to the area.
Eleanor was very knowledgeable about history and sensitive to our elderly slow walking needs. We covered a lot of ground but it didn't feel that way. She led us to a terrific restaurant where we had dinner. We highly recommend this tour
It turned out that, due to the threat of rain, we were the only ones on the tour which was conducted by Eleanor. We covered a lot of ground. Eleanor , from Lisboa Autentica, was an excellent guide. She was very knowledgeable and very sensitive to our elderly slow walking pace. She led us to a terrific restaurant where we had dinner. I highly recommend this tour if you're interested in seeing the old parts of Lisbon.
Great visit to the old town filled with anecdotes.a guide speaking a top French. Point of charm with the panoramas... To do absolutely.... with good shoes 😁
We had a great time on our walking tour. Beatrice was an excellent and very knowledgeable tour guide. She had a great sense of humor and made the three hour tour very enjoyable. Just a heads up, the tour had a lot of uphill time, but the downhill part went very quickly.
Even though the tour was three hours, I wasn’t bored for a second! Our guide Agathe did an excellent job explaining the neighborhood’s history to us, while showing us all the off-the-beaten-path spots we would’ve missed on our own. If you come to Lisbon, this should be your first activity.
The castle is located in the upper part of Lisbon but taking bus 727 you get off right in front of the entrance. With the Lisbon card entry is free. It deserves a nice ride inside; the castle park is immense and there are everywhere peacocks that roam freely and, beware, fly from the trees. The castle is very well maintained, you can go around the walls and admire the roofs of Lisbon from the battlements.
Melanie was a very appreciated guide during this walk combining history and traditions. She has adapted to our rhythm and our desires. A lot of good advice was given to us. A walk to recommend and a guide to plebiscite
My husband and I booked last minute and enjoyed a private tour with our guide, Luna. She was outstanding and we would definitely request her again if possible! She is extremely knowledgeable about the history of Portugal and was so informative as we walked the hills and narrow streets of old Lisbon. 5 stars!
We are glad that you enjoyed this experience! We hope to see you again! All the best, Lisboa Autêntica.
We had a very pleasant and extremely interesting time with our Guide Melanie, very friendly who introduced us to the history of Lisbon and the small streets typical of Alfama. We highly recommend.
Merci beaucoup d'avoir choisi «LisboaAutentica» pour votre passage a Lisbonne et merci beaucoup d'avoir laisser un avis positif sur le site. Revenez nous voir ! A bientôt, Lisboa Autêntica
