Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district, generally escaped the great earthquake of 1755. For the same reason, the district has retained its anarchist imprint with labyrinths of small strange streets and paths. Here it is really easy to lose track on the way around the beautiful old town, but it is definitely recommended to just be tempted to stroll around, because you can always take one of the many trams, should you get too far away.

Diasshow - Alfama

Wanted

Line 12 on the way down to the center of the city - Spring 2015

It may be that the castle - Castello de Sao Jorge - is Alfama's biggest tourist attraction, but a walk around the neighborhood is definitely just as interesting and rewarding. Just like in Bairro Alto, there are restaurants, cafes and fado singing here, but the winding streets and the old buildings that can often be dated back to the Moors are perhaps the most rewarding as they provide a very special atmosphere.

Should the legs get too tired, there is no shortage of alternative transport options.		In addition to the famous old trams, which unfortunately often are too crowded....
	...there are a large number of tuk-tuks as shown on the pictures.

Alfama - Spring 2015

In the past, Alfama's residents consisted primarily of the poor, but in recent years developments have reversed and many of Lisbon's better off have bought houses and flats and left their mark on the area. This has meant that many of the houses have been renovated, which is positive and much needed, but it has also meant that many of the original occupants have been pushed out. However, this issue is not specific to Alfama or other parts of Lisbon, it is also known from other parts of Europe's major cities.

There may not be much space in the trams in Lisbon, but they come frequently. However, one should be aware that Line 28 is often completely filled up primarily by tourists who want to drive along the famous route.