Pátio de Dom Fradique

Above the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão in the upper reaches of Alfama, Pátio de Dom Fradique is a narrow courtyard of 18th-century buildings that has been beautifully restored while remaining almost completely unknown to tourists. The space is now home to a small number of local artists and craftspeople who have workshops here; on certain days their studios are open to visitors.

The courtyard opens to a terrace with sweeping views over Alfama's rooftops to the Tagus and across to the south bank. The buildings around the courtyard preserve original Pombaline architecture with iron balconies, tiled facades and wooden shutters. Reach it by climbing the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão staircase near the Portas do Sol viewpoint — there are no signs pointing to it, which is part of its charm.