Viewpoints above the old town · the castle and Alfama's alleys · a slow last morning
Lisbon rewards a slow approach. This route begins high above the old town, where the rooftops and river open up, then drops into the castle and the narrow streets of Alfama below it, and ends with a light morning in the old centre. The days stay short, which leaves room for long pauses, unhurried walks and the habit of sitting down when a view asks for it.
A sample trip planned by Triptic.
Classic viewpoint above the old town with sweeping panoramas of Lisbon and the river - an easy, relaxed first afternoon after arrival.
Go here first, and go late in the afternoon. The walk to the second miradouro runs gently downhill, which makes the whole first day an easing-in.
Afternoon · 1 hrScenic lookout at Largo da Graça with lovely views over the Alfama district and the river - an easy, relaxed stroll from Senhora do Monte to start the trip.
A short stroll on from the first lookout, with a view over Alfama and the river. It frames what the next day holds.
Afternoon · 45 minArrive at the first lookout in the late afternoon, when the light softens over the river, then walk down to the second one. The descent between them is part of the pleasure.
The defining anchor of classic Lisbon - hilltop castle with old-town Alfama views and the city's best panorama; explore at a relaxed pace and wander down through the alleys.
Two and a half hours suits a relaxed pace. Leave time to walk out through the gates and down into Alfama rather than returning the way you came.
Morning · 2 hr 30 minWander the charming narrow streets of Alfama right below the castle, with miradouros and pastel de nata stops.
Stay below the castle walls and let the streets lead. The miradouros along the way are where the walk naturally slows down.
Afternoon · 2 hrTake the castle slowly in the morning, then wander downhill into Alfama. The alleys reward unhurried walking and a stop for pastel de nata on the way.
Relaxed central square in the old town with the statue of Dom João I and pastelaria terraces - a light, easy morning before departure, close to the riverfront.
A square to sit in rather than pass through. The statue of Dom João I stands at its centre and the pastry terraces face it.
Morning · 1 hr
A light, relaxed browse at the market hall right on Praça da Figueira - perfect for a slow departure-day stroll, close to the anchor.
It sits right on Praça da Figueira, so it suits a slow browse before leaving. Keep it light and close to the square.
Morning · 1 hrKeep the last morning light. Sit on a terrace at Praça da Figueira, then browse the market at the same easy pace before moving on.
Late afternoon in May, when the light softens over the river and the old town. The two lookouts sit close together, so a single slow afternoon covers both.
Roughly two and a half hours at a relaxed pace, with time to walk out through the gates and drop into Alfama below instead of retracing your steps.
The streets are narrow and steep in places, but the route from the castle runs downhill, which keeps the afternoon stroll gentle. The miradouros give natural places to pause.
Keep the morning slow around Praça da Figueira, with a seat on a terrace and a light browse at the Baixa Market right beside it. It stays close to the riverfront and never rushes.
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