Let's start with the UPSIDES: Monica's appartment is located in the heart of Alfama and from the living room you get a great view over the old part of the city and the river. It's close to Portas do Sol (2 minutes walk), one of my favorite places in Lisbon (great view, historic tram is passing, best chocolate). The appartment has unlimited wifi access which was great and it is very clean.

The DOWNSIDES: We rented the appartment in JUNE when Lisbon holds its ALFAMA FESTIVAL of 4 weeks. We've been in Lisbon in June before, so we knew what Alfama is like during this period (party, drinks, sardines, bbqs everywhere, lots of people) and generally enjoy this atmosphere.

What we didn't know: From 4 PM till 2 AM we couldn't open any window because of the bbqs right in front of the appartment. Right opposite (2 meters) to the living and bed room windows is a busy restaurant with people looking inside the appartment. 3 meters from the bedroom window are the outside speakers of the restaurant with music every night. Once the speakers are off and you're in bed (windows closed), you can still hear people talking outside when they pass the appartment. Sleeping was only possible with ear plugs. On one side the appartment is located on street level - so people are passing right next to the bathroom window 24-7. 2 meters from the bathroom window is a bar stand with people queueing. The bedroom window needs to be locked with iron bars when you leave the appartment.

All that is fine, if you know it beforehand and can decide if you wanna spend your holidays this way every night - but unfortunately Monica missed out on informing us about the limitations of the appartment during the month of June.

Conclusion: The appartment is fine from July till May but in JUNE you definitely shouldn't book unless you really want to party and be outside every single night and don't mind getting up again early in the morning.