ТРАМ 28

Tram 28 is the most iconic tram route in Lisbon and also the most overrated if you approach it wrong. It runs through the city’s oldest neighborhoods, including Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela, offering a compact way to see historic Lisbon. The appeal is simple: a small vintage tram with a traditional wooden interior—floors, benches, and window frames, moving through narrow streets, sharp turns, and steep hills that modern transport can’t easily navigate. It’s less about getting from point A to point B and more about the atmosphere.

The route runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique and takes about 40–50 minutes end to end. A single ride costs around €3.10 if you pay onboard, though it’s cheaper with a Navegante card using “Zapping” credit. Timing matters more than anything: early morning (before 8:30) or late evening gives you a much better experience.

During the day, the reality is different. The tram is often extremely crowded: standing room only, tightly packed, and not ideal for actually enjoying the views. It’s also one of the most common places for pickpocketing in the city.

A more practical approach is to start at Martim Moniz, where you have the best chance of getting a seat, and ride only part of the route—especially through Alfama, before continuing on foot. If you want a similar experience with less stress, consider Tram 12, which follows a shorter loop through historic areas and is usually less crowded.

In the end, Tram 28 is worth doing once, but only if you manage expectations and timing. Otherwise, it can feel less like a charming Lisbon experience and more like a crowded commute.