Free self-guided walk · Lisbon

Baixa, Alfama and the castle

A free self-guided walk from Praça do Comércio through the Baixa, past the cathedral and up through Alfama to the Portas do Sol viewpoint and São Jorge Castle.

Distance
1.6 km
Walking time
22 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsLisbon city guide

About this walk

Lisbon is a city of hills, and this walk climbs one of them. It starts on the riverside square, crosses the flat grid of the Baixa, then climbs past the cathedral into the old lanes of Alfama.

Tram 28 follows much of the same route if your legs give out.

  • Terrain: Flat in the Baixa, then steep and stepped. The limestone pavements (calçada) are very slippery when wet.
  • Best time: Late afternoon, finishing at a viewpoint as the light softens.

Route map

123456
Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Praça do Comércio

    Start in the great riverside square, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.

  2. Rua Augusta Arch

    Walk through the triumphal arch into the pedestrian Rua Augusta.

  3. Lisbon Cathedral

    Climb east to the fortress-like Sé, the city's oldest church.

  4. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

    A terrace with tiled panels and a view over Alfama's rooftops to the river.

  5. Miradouro das Portas do Sol

    A wider viewpoint just beyond, over the white houses and church domes.

  6. São Jorge Castle

    Finish at the castle on the hilltop, with views over the whole city (ticket needed).

Tips

  • Wear shoes with grip; the polished stone pavements are slippery.
  • Tram 28 is crowded and a favourite of pickpockets.
  • Take the metro back down if you're tired. The Santa Justa lift and the Glória, Bica and Lavra funiculars were closed when this page was last reviewed.

Prefer a guide?

Advertising disclosure: these link to Viator. If you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See all walking tours in Lisbon.

Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-11-09. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.