Starting from the Cais do Sodré area and crossing the majestic Praça do Comercio in our Sitways, we will visit the Old Town district of Alfama.

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest quarter. Spread over the south-eastern slope of the hill crowned by Castelo de São Jorge, the picturesque neighbourhood is composed of a maze of narrow streets, winding alleyways, and steep flights of steps. Its Kasbah-like layout is deliberate – this is the city’s ancient Arab district. Alfama derives from the Arabic word Al-Hama that means “source of good water”.

One of the few areas of Lisbon that wasn’t destroyed by the big 1775 earthquake, Lisbon’s old quarter offers many things to see. The tightly-packed lanes, small archways, and stone-paved terraces are full of atmosphere and great fun to explore. Besides the castle, there are several historic 17th-century churches in the vicinity, as well as the city’s impressive cathedral.

Alfama also wakes up at night. Some of the city’s most authentic restaurants open their doors to serve delicious traditional cuisine and plenty of bonhomie, with traditional Fado houses where this unique Portuguese musical expression can be appreciated in romantic surroundings.

Price per person 25 Euros

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Old Town Tour of Alfama on a Sitway

Old Town Tour of Alfama on a Sitway

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