What can I say? Alfama won my heart and Barbara’s place was the perfect setting. Conveniently located with quick access to all the best spots + The apartment is hip, super cozy, clean, and has a vibrant vibe with the soft sun that flows in from the windows (which were great for watching the beautiful chaos outside too!). Yes, being on the 4th floor was annoying at times, but it added to the charm and got easier :). We stayed for 5 days and felt at home right away.
My only complaint is there was no soap or shampoo when we arrived. We had a long day of traveling with delayed flights so looked forward to dinner and a good shower before bed. We didn’t notice until after we returned from dinner. By then, we were exhausted and it was too late to buy from the store. The next morning we searched online for the stores Barbara recommended (a 5 min & 10 min walk to markets), but got lost when gps was off track, then had to find an atm when the cashier said cash only 😅. The trip for soap and shampoo turned into a journey taking much more time than expected.
Funny thing...
After the soap journey/adventure, we walked in a different direction and saw a little shop only a few doors up the hill from the apartment (maybe 1 min walk on the left side). It had groceries + most of what is needed (including a better selection of soap & shampoo 😂). We counted 10 more similar stores during our 15 min walk in the alleys of the Alfama neighborhood. None of them showed when we searched online, so if you need to buy basic grocery or health items then just explore the alleys of the neighborhood hills. You’ll find one rather quickly.
** Aside from that, everything was amazing and we would return to Barbara’s place in a heartbeat! **
Some Alfama Tips:
- Stay at Barbara’s place!
- take cash to the little grocery shops (most close by 22:00).
- grab a drink & bite downstairs right outside the main door of Barbara’s apartment at 👉🏼 “O Galhardo Tapas Bar & Petiscos”. it’s amazing.