Old Lisbon: Alfama & São Jorge

Step back in time on a 3-hour tour of Alfama and São Jorge, exploring Lisbon’s historic past. Discover Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and the vibrant local culture.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Casa dos Bicos-Museu de Lisboa - 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.

  • Lisbon Cathedral - 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.
  • Alfama - 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.

  • Torre Da Igreja Do Castelo de Sao Jorge - Visit Castle’s quartiers
  • Cidade Baixa - 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.
What's Included
  • Professional guide
  • Liability and personal accident insurance
  • Entrance and guided tour at Lisbon Cathedral
  • Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) - Mask and Desinfectant gel
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Embark on a journey to the neighborhood of Castelo São Jorge (Saint-George’s Castle) and the Lisbon Cathedral, located atop a hill overlooking the Tagus River and the oldest district of Lisbon.

This guided walk transports you to the era of the Romans, featuring an amphitheater and the thermal baths of Alfama, later renamed “Al-Hamma” by the Moors.

This unique corner of the city retains its original charm with a maze of narrow lanes, inner courtyards, stairways, and petite plazas.

Judaism, Islam, and Christianity continue to dominate as the main religions in Portugal.

Once a fisherman’s quarter, Alfama still breathes its distinctive ethos at every turn, where the sounds of Fado music fill the air. This walking tour introduces you to the city’s most genuine local lifestyle.

  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • Tour available in multiple languages, please select at time of booking
Location
Casa dos Bicos / José Saramago Foundation
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros
Directions: Campo das Cebolas: Casa dos Bicos...It is the house covered in spikes
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(52 Ratings)
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Cgandin2016
Jun 29, 2024
Great visit - Raquel was very competent to tell us the Alfama district and the history of Portugal, it was a very good time, thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andrew
Jun 19, 2024
Great experience - Great tour. Very knowledgeable and friendly guide. It was a worthwhile experience. There was a fair bit of uphill walking so may not be suitable for very young children.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q7753qtalbertog
Jun 13, 2024
Up and down the streets of Alfama - We participated in this tour masterfully led by Elvira, who guided us to discover the most hidden corners of this suggestive neighborhood of narrow streets and squares in the most intimate and "landscaped" area of Lisbon, telling us many secrets of this splendid corner of the city that usually they do not appear in tourist guides. Elvira passed on to us her love for the city, revealing to us the most secret aspects not only of the places but also of the Portuguese people who animate them, accompanying us to taste local delicacies from a friendly granny who lived in those areas and who we really appreciated! A splendid experience that, if we had stayed another day, we would certainly have continued. Heartfelt congratulations to Elvira and thank you again from the bottom of my heart! Alberto and Claudia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emmanuelle
May 30, 2024
Great documented excursion - Thanks to our guide Xavier, very considerate and passionate. We loved this excursion. Electric bikes allow us to climb the streets of Lisbon. The equipment is in good condition. We recommend 200%
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amy_e
May 23, 2024
Glad we used a guide for the Old City! - Alex did a great job on this tour. It was a nice way to see the old city. With the many dead end streets and maze like streets you will save a lot of time and learn a lot more with a guide!
Review provided by Viator
Rhys_j
Apr 18, 2024
Joao was very... - Joao was very knowledgeable and a likeable guide. Would have no hesitation recommending for anyone with an interest in the history and culture of the city
Review provided by Viator
Robert_d
Feb 14, 2024
As well as a history... - As well as a history lesson on Portugal and the old town sites Lucie also gave us a list of recommended restaurants and Fado bars
Review provided by Viator
42jacopom
Feb 9, 2024
LISBON with ANDRÉ - Hi, my girlfriend and I decided to take a guided walking tour of Lisbon, we were VERY HAPPY. ☺️ ANDRÉ, our guide, in addition to describing the beauties of his city, also managed to convey to us the Portuguese soul that can be felt in the streets. This is because he managed, while explaining the tour, to give a chronology to the events and a connection with the current Portuguese situation, thus making us realize how much our past can be visible in many things we experience in the present. Always available to discuss opinions even if not strictly related to the tour. Aah he showed us a place to eat a pork sandwich (Bifana)... Mouth-watering 😋😋 In short, we APPRECIATED it, so much so that the next day with ANDRÉ we did a tailor-made private tour to various villages in Portugal. Thanks for the great experience André and thanks to Lisboa Autentica. Simona & Jacopo
Review provided by Tripadvisor
249adelheidm
Dec 4, 2023
Absolutely sensible and worthwhile. - The guide through Alfama and São Jorge had very deep and rich knowledge of the history of Lisbon. The way she explained everything showed a great love for this city. She was very open on many topics. For me, the 3 hours were absolutely enriching. Adélaïde
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nick_g
Nov 24, 2023
Awesome tour - Joao is local, he showed us corners and told stories from his childhood most other guides would not know. We kept meeting his friends and neighbors on the way.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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