Alfama

With its narrow passages and stunning miradouros, or vantage points, Alfama is steeped in history. The name Alfama derives from the Arabic Al-Hama, meaning spring or fountain, and this quarter’s layout still retains a distinctively Arabic influence, in contrast with the more European grid blocks of Chiado and Baixa. Built on a solid rock hill, this medieval quarter is one of the districts that suffered least from the 1755 earthquake and one really gets the feeling that you have turned back the clock to medieval times when you walk its narrow streets packed with modest grocery shops and tiny, hidden away restaurants. The best time to visit is in June, during the vibrant Saint Anthony festivities.

The best way to visit Alfama is to take the number 12 or 28 tram lines which set off from Praça do Comércio or Praça Luis de Camões. Or you could walk up Rua Madalena and Rua Santo António da Sé past the Sé cathedral and the Museu do Teatro Romano. Alfama also boasts some of the city’s most visited churches and museums, including the Museu das Artes Decorativas, Museu Nacional do Azulejo and the Convento da Madre de Deus. Another fascinating place to rummage around is the Feira da Ladra flea market (every Tuesday and Saturday), just a 5 minute walk from Santa Apolónia train station between the Igreja de São Vicente de Fora and Panteão Nacional. By the way, despite the common belief that the name of this market is in some way related to the Portuguese word for “thief”, this is disputed by many experts.