El Guide Lisbon: Alfama & Castelo

HISTORICAL LISBON | ALFAMA & CASTELO

Inside the neighbourhood, there are narrow streets and clothes drying below the windows, the sound of the Portuguese guitar escaping the glass and a life that seems like it has stopped decades ago. But wander towards the river and you’ll find a very different scenario: buildings may be old, yes, but they are renovated in style: beautiful nice restaurants where the elites gather in a hip ambience that could not differ more from the typical places in Alfama, and one of the best nightclubs in Europe are some of the places you’ll find. Because it is grounded in a firmer rock than other parts of the city, it survived the Great Earthquake of 1755 nearly unscathed: it is like a rare time capsule in a place that is centuries-old like Lisbon.

Enjoy the ride in the famous 28 cable car.

Visit the São Jorge Castle and linger for a while to really let the view sink in.

Discover all the historical streets and squares.

Find the Amália Rodrigues piece by Vhils, honouring the Fado diva.

Hang around at one of these viewpoints: Portas do Sol, Santa Luzia, Recolhimento, Santo Estêvão, Graça or Senhora do Monte.

Visit one of these churches: Graça, Santiago, S. João da Praça, S. Miguel, Santo António (Patron saint of Lisboa), Santo Estêvão, and Menino de Deus.

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