A Day for Views Around Alfama
Lisbon, Portugal
"I've got two places I'd like to be. Portugal is one."
Ah Lisbon.
Where the sun is always shining and the wine is always flowing. A city where your tastebuds are always buzzing and your legs are probably aching from all the walking, and this Day for Views Around Alfama is no exception.
As always you will start your day off with as many Pastéis de Natas your heart desires at Confeitaria Nacional before going up up up on the Santa Justa Lift. Indulge in some local dishes during lunch at Cruzes Credo before heading back up the hill to Castelo de Sâo Jorge. If you still haven't gotten that Instagram ready post, don't worry, grab a coffee and walk over to viewpoint Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. Is it Beer-Thirty yet? Head deep into the winding streets of Alfama and keep your eye open for Ulysses Speakeasy, it's easy to miss! After visiting one of Lisbon's hidden gems, it's time for a beautiful night of tapas and Fado at Bela Vinhos e Petiscos. Finally, one last opportunity to catch the beauty of Lisbon at your local rooftop watering hole at Topo. Phew! What a day huh? We hope you enjoyed it!
We hope you find this guide useful!
Buy us a coffeeIf you did indulge in that chocolate cake and feel the need to double up on exercise and tourist attractions, head over to Castelo de São Jorge. The walk over is quite a feat in and of itself. This Moorish castle towers over the city center of Lisbon and offers beautiful views before you even cross the drawbridge. It should be noted that current day, Castelo de S. Jorge is more beautiful ruins and castle walls than an actual castle as it’s historical purpose was to house military troops and the elite in case of attack, rather than a fucntion as residence. Take a stroll around the castle walls, climb up the towers, and walk alongside the countless peacocks as you gaze over the sweeping city views.
(Click to See More on Castelo de São Jorge)
It may not look like much from the outside, but trust us, venturing over to this cozy corner in Lisbon is well worth it. This tiny cafe packs a big punch and is the perfect spot to refuel for the day. Our suggestions? Order the figs, smoked ham, and brie appetizer, the cod fish, and an ice cold Portuguese artisanal beer (I loved the Letra F, IPA). And definitely try to save room for dessert if you can. The homemade chocolate cake is to die for.
(Click to See More on Cruzes Credo)
Today really has been all about those views so we couldn’t leave you hanging at the end of the night. A rooftop bar housed in a commercial center in Martim Moniz doesn’t exactly sound like the hangout spot but as they say, don't judge a book by its cover. Once you take the elevator up to the 6th floor, you’ll see why this popular bar has become a place for both locals and tourist to kick back with a drink and a couple bites while enjoying the colorful views of Lisbon. Popular for sunsets and late night cocktails, Topo is a great way to cap off this Day for All the Views.
(Click to See More on Topo Bar)
You can’t escape all the advertisements for authentic Fado as you find yourself lost in the labyrinth streets of Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods (it wasn’t destroyed by the earthquake of 1755). Many restaurants require cover charges for Fado but Bela Vinhos e Petiscos offers you an experience just about the music, no cover charge required. The food is simple, with a few suggestions on various tapas already on your table when you arrive. You can chose to send some or all back, and additionally you can order extra small plates from the limited menu. They serve house sangria as well as red and white wine, a few beers, and maybe even some gin and whiskey. But really, the reason you come here is for the Fado. It will touch your soul.
Ps. We don't have any pictures of the actual singers as the performance is such an intimate experience, we couldn't imagine pulling out our cameras. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
(Click to See More on Bela Vinhos e Petiscos)
If coffee isn’t strong enough for your late afternoon pick me up, then we have just the spot. This teeny, tiny bar hidden in the windy streets of Alfama may be one of those last remaining hidden gems. With seating for less than you can count on two hands, this speakeasy-esq bar will definitely have a drink for every tastebud. No food. No frills, It’s all about the wine and spirits here.
(Click to See More on Uylsess Speakeasy)
Still craving more pictures? And maybe a snack? No problem. We’ve got you covered. Lisbon is no stranger to beautiful viewpoints and those viewpoints will always have a kiosk or two serving coffee, beers, and the occasional gin and tonic. Get your Instagram worthy pictures here while enjoying a hot or cold beverage at the open air cafe gazing out over the Alfama rooftops. Bonus points, you can get a great shot of Castelo de S. Jorge where you just were!
(Click to See More on Viewpoint Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen)
Forget taking the metro, ubers, and buses. Lisbon has another means of travel to help navigate through “The City of Seven Hills.” Elevators! Originally built as a mode of transportation, Lisbon really took navigating between the Baixa district and the much higher Largo do Carmo neighborhood to the next level. Literally. Today, the Santa Justa Lift, also known as the Carmo Lift, has become one of Lisbon’s greatest tourist attractions and sitting at 147 ft tall, it boasts one of the top views in Lisbon.
A couple fun facts about the Santa Justa lift. It’s the only vertical elevator operational in Lisbon (Elevator da Gloria and Elevator da Bica are funicular railways). This neo-gothic elevator might remind you of another very famous tower in a big european city. Any guesses? Here’s a hint, the engineer who built the Santa Justa Lift was a former student of Gustave Eiffel. The original elevator was powered by a steam engine but was later converted to a much cleaner and safer electrical motor which is still used today.
(Pst. The answer is The Eiffel Tower in Paris)
(Click to See More on Santa Justa Lift)
It is impossible to start any day in Lisbon without a Pastel de Nata. They are so good, we even created a “Best of” guide to help you find your favorite spot to enjoy these tasty treats. This particular day starts you off at Confeitaria Nacional, Lisbon’s oldest bakery. We recommend taking a window seat, ordering a cappuccino, and of course, a couple Pasteis de Natas before venturing out on this day!