The Unmissable Alfama: Secrets of Lisbon’s Oldest District

Discover where Lisbon began with our Alfama and Mouraria Walking Tour, a journey through more than 3.000 years of history.

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and its story starts in the historic districts of Alfama and Mouraria. Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors once lived here, shaping the cultural identity that still defines Lisbon today. In 1147, D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, conquered the city - making a turning point in Portuguese history.

These neighbourhoods were among the best preserved after the 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake, making them essential stops on any Lisbon historical Tour.

From the Tagus River to São Jorge Castle, this guides walking tour in Lisbon allows you to:

Wander through narrow medieval streets
Admire traditional Portuguese azulejos
Enjoy breathtaking views from Portas do Sol and Chão do Loureiro
Experience the birthplace of Fado music
Discover authentic local life in Alfama

Alfama and Mouraria Tour Highlights

Praça do Comércio
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
Alfama Historic district
Portas do Sol and Chão do Loureiro viewpoint
São Jorge Castle
Casa dos Bicos
Street Art

This tour is perfect for visitors searching for the best things to do in Alfama and Mouraria.

The tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes

Available in English

Guide: Hi Lisbon Walking Tours

PRO

Guiding since 2018

Hi Lisbon Walking Tours is a local company founded to provide tours with small groups for a better experience of the city and take you out of the beaten track to show the authentic Lisbon. Our team of local guides, are very knowledgeable, well informed, entertaining and free to give their touch according to the expectation of each group. We are passionate about Lisbon and would like to share this love with you providing the best walking tours around the city and showing why Lisbon has become such a popular destination recently, with its charming streets, lovely architecture, colorful houses and fantastic weather.

11 stops

2.1 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:Casa dos BicosLook out for the orange umbrella at Praça do Comércio (the Commerce Square), between the big arch and the statue in the middleOpen in Google Maps →

Outside visit

Sé Cathedral The Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, often called Lisbon Cathedral or simply Sé de Lisboa, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Lisbon. Built in 1147, the cathedral has survived many earthquakes and has been modified, renovated and restored several times and it is nowadays a mix of different architectural styles.

Outside visit

Largo de São MiguelChurch 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.

Outside visit

Portas do Sol viewpointExperience 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 stops

2.1 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:Casa dos BicosLook out for the orange umbrella at Praça do Comércio (the Commerce Square), between the big arch and the statue in the middleOpen in Google Maps →

Outside visit

4.75

1655 reviews

Professionalism

4.83

Entertainment

4.58

Communication

4.68

Quality

4.73

Route

4.61

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Accepts bookings of up to 20 people.

Pets

Suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.