One of the oldest districts in Lisbon, the Alfama rests on the side of a steep hill, crowned by St George's Castle (Castelo de São Jorge). Visitors can also see the remains of a Moorish wall and the Jewish quarter here.
Visitors can take the famous tram 28 to the Largo das Portas do Sol opposite the Museum of Decorative Arts (Museu de Artes Decorativas). The castle lies uphill, offering spectacular views over the city. However, from the Largo the sight is just as good, and from the viewing point next to the Igreja de Santa Luzia there are some old azulejos (tiles) showing what Lisbon was like prior to the devastating earthquake of 1755.
Stop for a drink before heading down through the tangle of streets, visiting the old poor Jewish quarter, as well as the city cathedral, Sé, the National Pantheon (Igreja de Santa Engrácia), where illustrious Portuguese are interned, and the Casa dos Bicos, interesting because of the strange spikey texture of its façade.