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.

 Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument - The Leading Hotels of the World

Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument - The Leading Hotels of the World

5 out of 5
Rua Jau 54, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹27,336 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹27,336
₹29,784 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (767 reviews)
"Excellent hotel with best customer service."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument - The Leading Hotels of the World
Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is ₹20,186 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹20,186
₹22,205 total
2 Aug - 3 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! (1,112 reviews)
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Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is ₹11,616 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹11,616
₹13,120 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square are ...
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Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Locke de Santa Joana
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.
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! (984 reviews)
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Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos

Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos

4 out of 5
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 4, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (752 reviews)
Great hotel in downtown Lisbon
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Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos
VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel

VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel

4 out of 5
Praça dos Restauradores, 24, 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 bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,516 reviews)
"Just average bar advertised to stay open till midnight, had a problem getting a drink just after 11. 00 pm"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel
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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