Proverbs

With a fabulous central location and set in a renovated period building, this home is simple, smart, and a little bit sassy. Painted all white, with shuttered windows and warm wood floors, it's a traditional apartment with some far from traditional wall art (we see you, Julia Roberts). A bright living area boasts a particularly squashy corner sofa and a modern dining table with chairs for up to six. The kitchen is sleek and modern, with all you could need to whip up light meals, and the bedrooms are spacious and full of natural light. You'll even have a narrow balcony here, on which to sip coffee, read a newspaper and people watch on the street below. On the lower side of Alfama, you'll get to enjoy a view of the Sé Cathedral, and all the city's sights are within walking distance – we recommend you start your tour at the nearby Praça do Comércio.

Home truths:
* Although there are no steps to the elevator, wheelchair access might be difficult due to the lift's small size
* When you're this close to the riverside and Praça do Comércio, big crowds in some of the streets are unavoidable (but this particular street is pretty quiet)
*Paid parking is available off-premises – ask the host for details
*The shower in the master en-suite is on the small side
*There are apartments above and below so you may hear some noise from neighbours