Essential Alfama - Food, History & People

Taste the food, meet the people and discover the history of Lisbon’s famed Alfama neighborhood.
As Featured In Featured on National Geographic, DW, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Virgin

As recommended by 99% of users on TripAdvisor

There is no place in Lisbon quite like Alfama…

The music, the quintessential local restaurants, the breathtaking views and all the historical treasures make an exploration of Alfama a must do when visiting Lisbon. What makes this experience unique, is that we go beyond the obvious to discover hidden corners, backstreets with the best local eats, and encounter the colorful characters like our friend Dora, who are the face of this storied neighborhood.

What you’ll Experience on this Alfama Stroll & Food Tour

  • Uncover the iconic sites like St. George’s Castle, Sé Cathedral, & Portas do Sol Viewpoint.
  • Devour the classics after taking in the amazing views of Alfama; sit down for a tasting of two traditional Portuguese dishes.
  • Sip the ginjinha with the local legend Dora & taste her homemade ginjinha served in an edible chocolate cup.
  • Capture all the best views offered of Lisbon in Alfama! You will experience the best miradouros (viewpoints).
  • Visit a Fado house where you’ll taste an exclusive dish from a Michelin-starred chef while enjoying the sounds of the Portuguese music in the background.
  • Taste the best pastry in Portugal (and arguably the world!) – the famed pastel de nata!

On this 2.5 hour walking tour, we take you to see the most iconic sights such as the Sé Cathedral and the famous Portas do Sol viewpoint and also hidden spots few tourists ever see. You will taste Lisbon’s best dishes at the places that locals cherish, and you will experience Alfama the right way, providing you with an opportunity to truly appreciate its beauty, inside and out.

It will be difficult for you to imagine that Alfama, now considered the Heart of Lisbon, was once situated outside of the city walls and known for its poverty and squalor where only the poor and disadvantaged lived. You will learn about Alfama’s rich history and transition from a deprived district where sailors and dock workers lived into the artisan and historical center of Lisbon.

And what better way to capture this history then by walking the backstreets and enjoying the local eats as you travel back in time.

Come hungry, in both body and mind, as we dive into the essentials of Portuguese food, history & culture. You’ll arrive as a curious traveller and leave feeling like a well-fed local ready to continue discovering Lisbon on your own.

This tour is not currently being offered. Please review our other great tours in Lisbon.

Free cancellation

24 hours in advance for a full refund

  • 24-Hour Cancellation Policy. Click here to read more.
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The Essential Alfama Tour Highlights Include

Stroll the maze of hilly, narrow cobblestone streets and ancient houses of the oldest neighbourhood in Lisbon

Take a break for a tasting of two traditional dishes - try one of the 365 different ways of preparing codfish - and the #1 choice for locals

Enjoy an Eating Europe exclusive traditional dish prepared by a Michelin-starred chef!

Take in some of the best hidden views in Lisbon!

Taste a homemade ginjinha served from a local's home! AND in a chocolate cup!

Pair your meal with your pick of red, white or green wine (Vinho Verde)

Don't miss the famed pastel de nata from the best bakery in the neighbourhood

Throughout your stroll, you'll see some of the best viewpoints of Alfama while also passing historic sights like the Sé Cathedral.

Memorable

Memorable

Let's make one of your favourite Lisbon memories together

Flexible

Flexible

You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour date. For further details please review our cancellation policy

Valuable

Valuable

Along with a guide to the stops you visit and a food lover's guide to the city, your local guide will give you her/his tips and picks to the best spots in town

Accommodating

Accommodating

We are here for you from the moment you book, to provide you with local tips and help with any of your questions

 

 

How to Arrive for Your Essential Alfama Tour

How you get there is up to you (transport to the meeting point is not included) - the starting location is easy to reach!

When you reserve your spot, we’ll give you the exact location of the meeting point in Restauradores Square.

At the end of our tour, our guides can point you in the right direction or call a taxi for you (or give you a recommendation of what to see next nearby)

Your Essential Alfama Tour Schedule

Departure

Departure

Our tour starts at Restauradores Square. Look for the your local guide wearing or holding an Eating Europe logo.

Cancellations

Cancellations

You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour date. For further details please review our cancellation policy.

Schedule

Schedule

This tour runs Thursday thru Monday at Noon (12pm). Tours are not held on National Holidays. Please check the booking page for available dates.

What a great way to see the sights and experience the best food that Lisbon has to offer. Simply delicious. Our guide, Camila, was absolutely lovely. Highly recommend this tour and guide!

- Christy L (TripAdvisor Review)

Lovely walk with Ricardo. Good food, good wine and beer and good conversation. Great way to get a foot in to the complex world of Portuguese food culture and history .

- Silke (TripAdvisor Review)

We had an amazing tour with Leonardo. He was so excited to be able to show us the history which we would not have discovered on our own and all the food was delicious.

- Rebecca H (TripAdvisor Review)

Private tours

If you are coming to Lisbon with your entourage and you’d like to take a private tour just for you and your group or just want a more intimate experience – we can make that happen! Just visit our private tours page and fill out the form – we’ll help you plan the perfect Lisbon tour for your needs.

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