Ride Tram 28 through historic neighborhoods

Tram 28 is not just transportation but a moving monument that offers one of the most authentic Lisbon experiences. This iconic yellow tram winds through the city's historic quarters, passing major landmarks including the Sé Cathedral, Graça neighborhood, and São Jorge Castle. The tram retains its original 1930s features with polished wood interiors, brass fittings, and charming dials, providing a nostalgic journey through time. It serves both as a functional public transport route and a beloved tourist attraction that captures the essence of traditional Lisbon.

Things to Know

Welcome aboard Tram 28, Lisbon's most famous and charming historical tram that takes you on a magical journey through the city's most picturesque neighborhoods. Experience the romance of old Lisbon as you rattle through narrow streets and climb steep hills.

Opening Hours

Monday

6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Tuesday

6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Wednesday

6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Friday

6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Saturday

6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Sunday

6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

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Scenic Journey Through Alfama

Starting in Martim Moniz, Tram 28 takes travelers on a scenic journey past Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. Known for its narrow winding streets and traditional Fado music venues, Alfama invites visitors to soak in centuries-old history while enjoying colorful buildings and quaint shops.

As the tram moves forward, it passes through Graça, a neighborhood with beautiful panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the city and the Tagus River, perfect spots for capturing memorable photos or simply relaxing.

Exploring Baixa and Estrela

Continuing the ride, the tram traverses the Baixa district, Lisbon’s downtown heart reconstructed after the 1755 earthquake. Here, travelers get to see grand plazas and neoclassical architecture, punctuated by vibrant cafés and shops.

Next up is Estrela, another district known for its stunning Basilica and peaceful parks that contrast with the bustling city center.

Affordable Sightseeing

For visitors on a budget, riding Tram 28 is a smart and cheap activity in Lisbon, Portugal, combining transportation with sightseeing in one. It’s an excellent alternative to taxis or expensive tours, offering an affordable way to cover a lot of ground.

Plus, it's incredibly convenient as the tram stops in many places where travelers can hop off to explore further or grab a bite.

A Must-Do Experience

This ride is often regarded as one of the top things to do in Lisbon, Portugal, especially for first-time visitors. The tram cars themselves retain a vintage charm, adding to the ambiance and making the journey feel like stepping back in time.

While it can get crowded during peak tourist hours, the experience remains worthwhile for those eager to dive into the authentic Lisbon vibe.

Planning Your Tram Ride

For travelers planning their trip to Lisbon, Portugal, considering this tram ride is a must. Alongside finding cheap flights and other budget-friendly activities, adding Tram 28 to the itinerary enhances the overall adventure without breaking the bank.

It’s one of those unique activities in Lisbon, Portugal, that combines history, convenience, and affordability into one memorable experience.

Leveraging Travel Tools

Frequent travelers and travel enthusiasts can make good use of a Trip Planner App or consult an AI Travel Agent to efficiently organize their day around this iconic tram route.

These tools can help in syncing tram schedules with other cheap activities in Lisbon, Portugal and offering personalized recommendations, ensuring a smooth and enriching travel experience. This kind of AI travel assistance is particularly helpful for those who want to maximize their time and explore the city’s historic neighborhoods in a relaxed yet informed way.

Conclusion

Tram 28 offers a quintessential Lisbon experience, blending historic exploration with affordability. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned visitor, incorporating this iconic tram ride into your Lisbon journey promises a delightful and memorable adventure.

Amenities

Vintage tram cars
Scenic city views
Historical interior features
Regular service throughout day

Reviews

Excellent

11.8k reviews

An absolute must-do in Lisbon! The ride through the narrow streets and steep hills is thrilling and offers incredible views of the city. The vintage tram with its wooden interior and brass fittings feels like stepping back in time. It's crowded but worth every minute for this unique experience.

Location

Praça Martim Moniz 577, 1100-341 Lisboa, Portugal

Annual Visitor Count

1,500,000

Tram 28 is one of Lisbon's most iconic and popular tourist attractions, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. This historic tram route offers a scenic journey through the city's oldest neighborhoods, providing a unique and charming way to experience Lisbon's rich history and architecture. Its popularity stems from its authentic vintage character and the breathtaking views it offers of the city's hills and landmarks.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to ride Tram 28 is early morning (before 9 AM) or late evening (after 7 PM) to avoid the largest crowds. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for the open windows experience, while weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Avoid peak commuting hours (8-9:30 AM and 5-7 PM) when the tram is used by local residents traveling to work.

Accessibility Notes

Tram 28 has significant accessibility limitations due to its historical nature. The vintage trams feature high steps, narrow doors, and no wheelchair ramps or lifts. The interior has limited space for mobility devices, and the crowded conditions can make navigation challenging. For visitors with mobility issues, alternative accessible bus routes cover similar areas, or consider taking a taxi tour of the same route for a more comfortable experience.

Cultural/Religious Notes

Tram 28 is a cultural icon rather than a religious site, but respectful behavior is expected as it functions as regular public transportation. Dress comfortably for the weather as the trams can get warm in summer. Be mindful that locals use this route for daily commuting, so avoid excessive noise and respect personal space. Offer seats to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers as per Portuguese public transport etiquette.

Famous Events and Dates

While Tram 28 operates daily without special event schedules, it features prominently during Lisbon's Santo António festivities in June when the city celebrates its patron saint. The tram becomes part of the festive atmosphere, decorated and crowded with revelers. During the annual Lisbon Marathon, parts of the route may be temporarily altered. The tram also gained international fame through numerous travel documentaries and films that showcase its picturesque journey through the city.

Historical Significance

Tram 28 represents Lisbon's rich transportation history, operating with vintage Remodelado trams dating back to the 1930s. These trams are among the last of their kind still in regular service in Europe, preserving the charm of early 20th-century urban transport. The route itself passes through centuries of Lisbon's history, from the medieval Alfama district to the elegant Estrela neighborhood. It survived the modernization of Lisbon's transport system due to its ability to navigate the city's narrow, steep streets where modern vehicles cannot operate.

Kid/Family Friendly

Tram 28 is generally family-friendly though challenging with strollers due to high steps and crowded conditions. Older children will enjoy the exciting ride and views, but the crowded nature requires close supervision. The vintage design lacks modern safety features like air conditioning or seat belts. Families with young children may prefer to ride during off-peak hours for more space and comfort. The experience is educational for children learning about historical transportation and urban geography.

Photography Allowed

Photography is permitted and encouraged on Tram 28, though flash photography is discouraged as it may disturb other passengers. The tram's vintage interior and the scenic views through the windows provide excellent photo opportunities. Be mindful of other passengers when taking photos and avoid blocking aisles or doors. Tripods and professional equipment may be cumbersome in the crowded space and are best avoided during peak hours.

Time Required to Explore

The full Tram 28 route takes approximately 45-60 minutes one way without stops. Most visitors spend 2-3 hours total, allowing time to board, complete the journey, and explore some points of interest along the route. Many passengers choose to hop on and off at various stops to visit attractions like the São Jorge Castle or the Basílica da Estrela. For photography enthusiasts or those wanting a more leisurely experience, planning half a day for the tram ride and exploring adjacent neighborhoods is recommended.

Transportation and Accessibility

Tram 28 begins at Praça Martim Moniz, easily accessible by metro (Martim Moniz station on the green line) and multiple bus routes. The endpoint in Campo Ourique is served by several bus connections. The route passes through major tourist areas with good public transport links. Due to the historical nature of the trams, accessibility is limited – visitors with mobility challenges should consider alternative transportation options that cover similar routes with modern, accessible vehicles.

Weather Sensitivity

Tram 28 operates in all weather conditions, but the experience varies significantly. Summer rides can be hot and crowded as the vintage trams lack air conditioning – open windows provide ventilation but also street noise. Rainy days offer cozy interior views but limited photography opportunities through wet windows. Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable conditions with mild temperatures. The tram's wooden interior can become slippery during rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended for wet weather riding.

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