Basil Alley

Basil Alley: Lisbon

Housed in a wonderfully renovated two-hundred-year-old building, this stylish studio apartment in Lisbon's historic Alfama neighbourhood puts you in an ideal position to soak up the city’s history and culture. Though compact, this home packs a decorative punch with beautiful bespoke details that make it feel special. From the marble-top table – ideal for starting mornings at over fresh coffee and pastéis de nata – to the bed’s wooden headboard and frame, there are splashes of fun, colourful vibrancy that create a welcoming and memorable stay. Our favourite feature, however, is the apartment’s pretty red Juliet balconies that invite people-watching over a glass of wine at sunset. Factor in the marble-accented bathroom and the sleek kitchenette and you have everything you need to live Lisbon life to the fullest. Outside of your home, the Alfama district invites you to get lost amidst its labyrinthine maze of narrow streets packed with fado bars, restaurants and boutiques, while São Jorge Castle is an eight-minute walk away. The waterfront Praça do Comércio is also just twelve minutes away on foot and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol (a three-minute walk) offers stunning panoramic views across the city. With your host able to organise sunset cruises and sailing tours on the Tagus River, food and wine tours and trips to Sintra, there's no end to the excitement in store.


Home truths:
*As it's a studio apartment, there's no separation between the living and sleeping areas
*This home is on the second floor of a building with no lift – you'll need to climb thirty steps to reach it
*The building's entrance is shared with the other residents and the staircase up to this home is quite steep and narrow
*There's a sleeper sofa in the living area for more flexible sleeping arrangements
*There's a laptop-friendly workspace
*Your host can arrange sunset cruises, sailing tours, food and wine tastings, events and local trips – just ask when booking
*As with most homes in Alfama, the internet is on the slow side
*Due to the narrow pedestrian streets there's no vehicle access to the doorstep and there's no parking