Neighborhood Overview
Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Europe after El Pópulo in Cadiz. It’s like a small village, standing as a time capsule to the years before Lisbon was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, as it remained standing thanks to its rock-solid foundations. Put away your map and wander aimlessly through its “becos” (alleys) and “largos” (small squares), allowing your senses to be the guides. You’ll see magnificent river views and laundry out to dry from balconies, smell fish being grilled in a corner, hear the sounds of Fado coming out of a restaurant, taste authentic traditional meals, and touch some dazzling tilework. Set in a visually stunning hill that extends to the neighborhood of Graça, this is Lisbon at its most picturesque and the very soul of the city. The apartment it’s located near “Casa dos Bicos”, the spikes house, this unusual building was inspired by the palaces of Venice. It was built in 1523 as the home of the Portuguese viceroy of India, Afonso de Albuquerque, and is one of the few survivors of the 1755 earthquake. Its curious façade features over 1000 spikes, while the two upper floors have Manueline-style windows. It’s been turned into the home of the José Saramago Foundation to hold the Nobel Prize-winning author’s library and to host special literary events. It includes exhibition spaces and a small auditorium used for sociocultural debates. There’s also an archaeological site on the ground floor, showing finds from Roman times, as well as parts of Lisbon’s medieval wall.
From 3 minutes walking distance you can find Lisbon’s grandest square faces the river and was originally used to welcome those arriving in the city by boat. This is the 18th century version of the original square which was named “Terreiro do Paço” and home to the royal palace. It was all destroyed by the 1755 earthquake and rebuilt with a triumphal arch facing the river. The arcaded buildings that surround it hold government offices while in the center is a monument to King José I. It is also home to one of the city’s most historic cafés (“Martinho da Arcada”) which stands under one of the arcaded buildings. On another side of the square is a tourist office and shop, while opposite those is the Lisboa Story Center which presents the history of the city. Next to it are cafés and restaurants with tables on the terrace outside.
Casa dos Bicos
Casa dos Bicos, Lisbon, Portugal
Its façade features over 1000 spikes and Manueline-style windows.
Sé de Lisboa
Sé de Lisboa, Largo da Sé, Lisbon, Portugal
The old church. It was built over an old mosque in the 12th century.
Conceição Velha Church
Rua da Alfândega 114, 1100-016 Lisboa, Portugal
An impressive 16th-century portal of the Manueline architectural style.
Lisbon Story center
Praça do Comércio 2, 1100-083 Lisboa, Portugal
This space telling the story of city through models and multimedia.
Santos António Church
IGREJA SANTO ANTÓNIO DE LISBOA, Rua Pedras Negras, Lisbon, Portugal
Built on the site where St. Anthony was born.
Augusta Arch
Arco da Rua Augusta, Rua Augusta, Lisbon, Portugal
A triumphant arch with a terrace offering beautiful views of the waterfront.
City Council
Câmara Municipal, Praça do Município, Lisbon, Portugal
A beautiful palace in one of the most elegant squares of the city.
Mude - Design Museum
MUDE - Museu Do Design E Da Moda, Rua Augusta, Lisbon, Portugal
Some of the biggest names in the world of fashion and design.
Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal
One of Europe’s biggest squares, where you may relax at any time.
Campo das cebolas
Campo das Cebolas, Lisbon, Portugal
Little square front of Casa dos Bicos, your meeting point near the apartment.
Augusto Rosa Garden
Jardim Augusto Rosa, Lisbon, Portugal
A little square in front of Old Church. You have the 28 tram stop there.
Rua Augusta
Rua Augusta, Lisboa, Portugal
One of the main streets in Lisbon with lots of stores and coffees.
Taberna do Vilarinho
Taberna do Vilarinho, Rua Canastras, Lisbon, Portugal
Typical Portuguese snacks “petiscos” and good wine right in front of the door.
Taberna Moderna
Taberna Moderna, Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
The concept here is sharing Spanish and Portuguese flavors at the table.
Museu da Cerveja
Museu da Cerveja, Lisbon, Portugal
Serves steaks and beer, while upstairs it presents the history of beer.
Maria Catita
Maria Catita - Restaurante e Loja Regional, Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
This space is all about traditional Portuguese products.
Chefe Cordeiro
Restaurante Chefe Cordeiro - Tributoradical, Lda, Lisbon, Portugal
Contemporary Portuguese cuisine by one of the best chefs in town.
Café do Rio
Café do Rio - Hamburgueria Gourmet, Rua da Alfândega, Lisbon, Portugal
Organic meat hamburgers and curious choices of veggie and fish burgers.
Martinho da Arcada
Martinho Da Arcada, Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s oldest café, which is also a arestaurant, in Praça do Comércio.
Lust Lisbon
Lust, Lisbon, Portugal
This is an exclusive club with a strict door selection.
Silva & Feijó
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 117, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal
Traditional gastronomic products and vintage home collection.
Loja dos Descobrimentos
Loja dos Descobrimentos, Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
Handicrafts shop displays beautifully painted ceramics and tiles.
Conserveira de Lisboa
Conserveira de Lisboa, Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, Lisbon, Portugal
Old-fashioned shop that has been offering cans of fish since the 1930’s.
Pelcor
Pelcor Lisboa, Rua Pedras Negras, Lisbon, Portugal
Offering everything from handbags to umbrellas made with cork.
Capitão Lisboa
Capitão Lisboa, Rua dos Fanqueiros, Lisbon, Portugal
This shop is packed with fun and original objects.
Aldeias do Xisto
R. Augusto Rosa 23, 1100-532 Lisboa, Portugal
Specializes in products from the Schist Villages in central Portugal.
O Voo da Andorinha
O Voo Da andorinha, Rua do Barão, Lisbon, Portugal
Dedicated to local creativity, mixing creations by the owner with others.
Espaço Açores
Espaço Açores, Rua de São Julião, Lisbon, Portugal
This shop offers the islands famous cheeses, jams, and canned foods.
Subway Station
Av. Infante Dom Henrique 1, 1100-016 Lisboa, Portugal
Bus Stop
Av. Infante Dom Henrique 1, 1100-016 Lisboa, Portugal
Bus Stop
Praça do Comércio MB, 1100-083 Lisboa, Portugal
Bus Stop
Rua de S. Julião 127, 1100-154 Lisboa, Portugal
Bus Stop
Rua da Conceição 44, 1100-026 Lisboa, Portugal
Bus Stop
Largo Santo António da Sé 1, 1100-404 Lisboa, Portugal
Bus Stop
Rua da Alfândega 7, 1100 Lisboa, Portugal
28 Tram Stop
Tv. Do Almada 16, 1100-500 Lisboa, Portugal
28 Tram Stop
Rua da Prata 71, 1100-415 Lisboa, Portugal
Tourism Board
Praça do Comércio MB, 1100-083 Lisboa, Portugal
Supermarket
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 117, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal
Police Station
Rua do Arsenal 1, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal
Pharmacy
R. dos Fanqueiros 109, 1100-415 Lisboa, Portugal
Post Office
Rua do Arsenal 27, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal
