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Free tour

Free Tour of Lisbon's Old Town (Alfama)

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian
Guru: Take
Quality Verified Registered on July 16, 2021

At Take Free Tours, we believe in the power of exploration and the joy of discovery. Our mission is to make the world accessible to everyone, offering free, immersive walking tours that unveil the hidden gems and rich histories of cities around the globe. Led by passionate, knowledgeable guides, each tour is a unique journey, blending storytelling with culture and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or exploring a new city for the first time, Take Free Tours invites you to see the world through new eyes, connect with fellow explorers, and create unforgettable memories without the barriers of cost. Join us and embark on a journey of wonder!

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Embarking on the Alfama Free Tour, or the Free Tour of Lisbon's Old Town, is akin to stepping through the pages of a richly illustrated storybook, where each turn of the page reveals a new chapter in Lisbon's illustrious past. This journey is not just a walk; it's an invitation to wander through time, where the stones underfoot whisper the tales of ages, and the walls echo the songs of history.

Each Alfama Free Walking Tour offers a distinct journey. The highlighted stops mentioned may vary based on the tour guide's discretion and factors like weather or local happenings. If there's a specific highlight you're keen on, please consult with your guide at the start of the tour to ensure it's included in the day's itinerary.

In the heart of Lisbon lies Alfama, a district that maps the soul of the city, inviting travelers to discover its deepest secrets and most enchanting tales. With every step through its labyrinthine alleys, you're not merely a visitor but a participant in a centuries-old narrative that continues to unfold to this day.


Casa dos Bicos – House of Spikes
Your journey begins at the Casa dos Bicos, an architectural marvel with its unique façade studded with diamond-shaped stones. This house tells the story of resilience, surviving earthquakes and the test of time, now standing as a beacon that lights the path of Portugal's literary son, José Saramago. Here, amidst the spikes, you'll find inspiration in Saramago's words, a reminder of the power of literature to transcend stone and mortar.


Áurea Museum Hotel
As the tour guides you to the Áurea Museum Hotel, you're drawn back to the pivotal moment when D. Afonso Henriques claimed Lisbon. The ground beneath whispers of the myriad cultures that have called this place home – Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, and others, each layer a testament to the city's enduring allure. This spot is not just a point on a map but a crossroads of civilizations, where history's heartbeat is felt most strongly.


Chafariz d’El Rei
At the Chafariz d’El Rei, nestled in the Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, you're introduced to a square that pulses with the lifeblood of Lisbon's history. Once the city's heartbeat, it now serves as a gateway to Alfama's soul. The Fado Museum nearby is not just a collection of artifacts; it's a portal to the heartache and joy of the Portuguese spirit, encapsulated in the melancholy strains of Fado music.


Judiaria Street
Wandering through Judiaria Street, the aroma of traditional foods envelops you, a sensory reminder of the Jewish and Arabic heritages that weave through Alfama's fabric. The sound of Fado in the air is not just music; it's the voice of the city itself, singing of love, loss, and longing.


Church and Square of São Miguel and Santo Estêvão
The Churches and Squares of São Miguel and Santo Estêvão are more than architectural landmarks; they are the keepers of stories, from the oldest houses in Lisbon to the emotive depths of Saudade and Fado music. Here, history is not just observed but felt, a visceral connection to the past that tugs at the soul.


Square of Salvador
The Square of Salvador brings to life the joyous spirit of Alfama's festivals, where traditions like the Marchas Populares and the Weddings of Santo António paint the streets with the colors of community and celebration. These festivities are not mere events but a vibrant expression of a culture that thrives on unity and joy.


Beco do Garcês and Norberto Araújo Street
In the shadows of Beco do Garcês, the history and symbolism of the azulejos tiles unfold, a mosaic of Portugal's aesthetic and cultural narrative. At Norberto Araújo Street, Nuno Saraiva’s mural invites contemplation, challenging visitors to see Portugal's history through a lens that is as unconventional as it is enlightening.


Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia Viewpoints
From the vantage points of Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia, Lisbon stretches out in a tapestry of color and light, the Tagus River a shimmering thread winding through the city's heart. These viewpoints offer not just breathtaking vistas but a moment of connection to the city's enduring beauty.


Lisbon Cathedral
The tour's culmination at the Lisbon Cathedral is a moment of reflection, where the tales of St. Anthony and the city's traditions bring the spiritual heritage of Lisbon to life. Here, in this sacred space, the past and present of Lisbon converge, offering a sense of belonging to those who wander within its embrace.

The Alfama Free Tour is an invitation to fall in love with Lisbon, to see beyond the surface and connect with the city's soul. It's an exploration that combines elegance with wit, history with emotion, inviting travelers to become part of Lisbon's ongoing story. This tour is not just about visiting; it's about experiencing, feeling, and ultimately, understanding what makes Lisbon truly magical.


So, to the traveler seeking not just sights but stories, not just roads but revelations, the Alfama Free Tour awaits. It promises not just a journey through Lisbon's old town but a voyage into the heart of what it means to truly experience a city. As the sun sets over the Tagus and the Fado singer's voice rises in the twilight, you'll find that in Alfama, every cobblestone, every whispering corner, every breath of sea air, tells a story. And this is your invitation to become a part of it.

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    R. dos Bacalhoeiros 12, 1100-070 Lisb...
    R. dos Bacalhoeiros 12, 1100-070 Lisboa, Portugal
    View on map

    In front of Casa dos Bicos | Blue umbrellas // Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 14A, 1100-070 Lisboa, Portugal

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Casa dos Bicos

    Discover the captivating story behind the Casa dos Bicos, also known as the House of Spikes, renowned for its distinctive diamond-shaped exterior. Delve into its significance today as the home of the José Saramago Foundation, a tribute to the celebrated Nobel Laureate from Portugal.

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Áurea Museum

    Learn about the historical conquest of Lisbon by D. Afonso Henriques in 1147 and explore the rich tapestry of cultures and civilizations that have made this hill their home, from the Phoenicians and Romans to Celtic tribes, Visigoths, and Muslims.

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Chafariz d'El-Rei

    Chafariz d’El Rei in Largo do Chafariz de Dentro: Discover this historic square in Lisbon, situated near the Fernandina wall, which was once considered the most pivotal area of the city. Today, it serves as an entrance to the essence of Alfama and houses the Fado Museum. Gain insights into the unique significance of this particular fountain.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Rua da Judiaria

    Judiaria Street: Alfama boasts a rich Jewish heritage alongside Arabic influences, the latter even reflected in its name. Wander through its maze-like streets, where the scent of traditional cuisine lingers and the melodies of Fado music frequently resonate.

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Largo de San Miguel

    Church and Square of São Miguel: Uncover the oldest residences in Lisbon and learn the distinctive features that mark them. Embark on a journey to visualize life as it was 500 years ago.

  • 6
    Outside visit
    Largo de Santo Estêvão

    Church and Square of Santo Estêvão: Discover the profound connection between Saudade and Fado music in this ideal setting. Saudade, a distinctively Portuguese term that eludes direct translation into English, deeply resonates through the soulful melodies of Fado.

  • 7
    Outside visit
    Largo do Salvador

    Square of Salvador: Alfama is celebrated for its vibrant festivities, notably the Marchas Populares and the "Os casamentos de Santo António" or Weddings of Santo António. This tradition was initiated to assist couples who lacked the means for a conventional wedding ceremony.

  • 8
    Outside visit
    Beco do Garcês

    Beco do Garcês: Discover the rich history and symbolic significance of the Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos.

  • 9
    Outside visit
    Rua Norberto de Araújo

    Norberto Araújo Street: Explore Nuno Saraiva's mural, which offers a unique portrayal of Portugal's history, serving as an excellent catalyst for conversation.

  • 10
    Outside visit
    Mirador de las Puertas del Sol

    Portas do Sol Viewpoint: Experience one of Lisbon's most breathtaking panoramas from this vantage point. Ideal for admiring the city's distinctive luminosity, the Tagus River, and the expansive urban landscape. Discover the stories of ravens, Saint Vincent, and the boat – all emblematic of Lisbon.

  • 11
    Outside visit
    Mirador de Santa Luzia

    Santa Luzia Viewpoint: From this lookout, soak in the stunning vistas of the tranquil, azure Tagus River, encapsulating the quintessential charm of Lisbon.

  • 12
    Outside visit
    Sé Catedral de Lisboa

    Lisbon Cathedral: The Alfama Free Walking Tour concludes at this location, where stories of St. Anthony and the traditions of Lisbon illuminate the spiritual heritage of the city.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Accepts reservations up to 15 people.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
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