Instead of paying for a ride on one of the costly tourist trams, try Tram 28. Tram (or “Eléctrico” in the Portuguese) Line 28 is one of only three traditional tram lines that still operate in Lisbon. These trams, which until the late-1980’s ran all through-out Lisbon, were manufactured between 1936 and 1947.

Tram 28 winds its way through the “Old Town” of Lisbon (dating from the 17th century) beginning in Graça then down to the Alfama and to the Baixa then up through Chiado to Bairro Alto and then down to Campo Ourique, taking you by many of Lisbon’s most famous and interesting sites including monuments, churches and gardens.

The trip is hilly, noisy and hectic but it affords many beautiful glimpses of the city. And, although the tram can sometimes be overrun with tourists, you will definitely get a flavor of the locals, as many “Lisboetas” commute daily on these historical trams.

Tickets cost a little mora than €1.05 if payed by “Viva Viagem” card and around €3 if purchased on-board or at a vending machine (note that these machines do not accept notes, and are sometime even out of change, so make sure you have the correct change!).

From start to finish the ride takes around 30 minutes.

Beware of pickpockets!