Alcântara Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lisboa Region showing outdoor art and street scenes as well as an individual female
Lisbon District which includes outdoor art
Lisbon District showing street scenes as well as a small group of people
Lisbon District featuring outdoor eating as well as a couple
Lisbon District which includes street scenes and outdoor art as well as an individual female

Alcântara is a district located towards the southwest of Lisbon, along the Tagus River. It is one of the liveliest nightlife spots in the city.

History

Alcântara means ‘bridge’. The name originated due to the existence of a Roman bridge in the area. The region was well known for being rich in agriculture as well as limestone.

The damage of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake led to extensive rebuilding of parts of the city. Luckily, however, the Alcântara area did not suffer much damage. As a result the King and the seat of government relocated to this area, resulting in an abundance of palaces.

In the 19th Century, industrialisation turned Alcântara into an important industrial area with factories devoted to leather tanning, manufacture of textiles and chemical production especially that of lime.

However, the dwindling economic fortunes of the region resulted in several strikes and industrial conflicts, and the factories were slowly abandoned. In the early 1990s, Alcântara switched tack. It became home to several popular clubs and pubs, and this gentrification lead to the developments of new holiday apartments, taking advantage of the central, picturesque riverside location.

Orient Museum

This Museum, displays the cultural ties between PortugalOpens in a new window and the countries of the East, with Chinese, Indo-Portuguese, Japanese and East Timor art collections on display. There is also a garden, an auditorium and a restaurant with nice views of the river.

Saint Amaro Chapel

This National Monument was built in 1549 by one of the most highly regarded architects of the 16th century, Diogo de Torralva. The walls of this chapel are decoratively tiled with Mannerist style images of Saint Amaro in the polychrome tile tradition.

Valle Flor Palace

The Italian architect, Nicola Bigaglia, built Valle Flor Palace in the late 19th Century. Pestana Hotels Group acquired the palace in 1992 and now it acts as exclusive accommodation for those looking to spoil themselves rotten. Highlights of the palace include French-influenced royal suites with marble fittings, stained glass windows and frescoed walls and ceilings.

Carris Museum

Carris is the largest public transportation company serving Lisbon. On top of its usual journeys across the city, it also offers visitors a journey back into time, through exhibits displaying transport related documents like bus tickets, uniforms, historic trams and buses.

Tapada das Necessidades

This green area evolved from a favoured hunting spot of Portuguese monarchs to a National Forest Reserve area. Nearby you can also visit the beautiful Necessidades Palace, built in the 18th Century by order of King D. João V. After the proclamation of the Republic in 1910, it became the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Aqueduto das Águas Livres

Built in 1731 by order of King João V to provide water to the Lisbon area, Aqueduto das Águas Livres it is one of the longest spanning stone arches in the world and a city landmark. There are walking tours that allow you to navigate parts of the aqueduct on foot, with the promise of breathtaking views.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Due to its proximity to the sea and the Port of Lisbon terminal, you can find a variety of restaurants bars, outdoor cafés and nightlife venues especially in the Alcântara Docks area.

For shopping head to Lx Factory, a 19th century iron building which works as a multifunctional space, housing shops with designer labels, musicians, a dance school, restaurants, outdoor cafes and a bookstore.

Hyatt Regency Lisbon

Hyatt Regency Lisbon

5 out of 5
RUE DA JUNQUEIRA 63, Lisbon
The price is ฿8,147 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
฿8,147
฿8,938 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (182 reviews)
"The staff was very accommodating and welcoming. The hotel was very clean and the rooftop was the cherry on top of the stay. It was very lovely overall."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Hyatt Regency Lisbon
Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is ฿8,133 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
฿8,133
฿8,925 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,164 reviews)
"Great location and hotel"

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,798 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿3,798
฿4,329 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,037 reviews)
Value
"Great value hotel. Very clean and maids cleaned the room daily, made the bed and replaced towels. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge

Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge

4 out of 5
38 Rua Nova do Carvalho, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Rossio Square and Avenida da Liberdade ...
9/10 Wonderful! (125 reviews)
Cool place to stay!
"Interesting experience!"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge
Upon Lisbon Prime Residences

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences

4 out of 5
Rua Luciana Stegagno Picchio, 12, Lisbon, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Pro: Our family enjoyed our stay for 1 week. Rooms were clean and it was great to have breakfast options. Supermarket across the street. Beach towel provided and repairs addressed promptly. Thoughtful welcome gift! Con: Was hoping the rooms would be ready prior to 3pm, but it was ready after 3:30pm. ..."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2025

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
The Visionaire Apartments

The Visionaire Apartments

4 out of 5
Praça da Figueira, 5, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (355 reviews)
"Great value"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

The Visionaire Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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