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Like Rio de Janeiro's Santa Teresa tram, tramways are not just a good way of getting about Lisbon - they're great fun for tourists too. Here are the main routes and info.
Tramways are rare in Europe, but there are five working trams (eléctricos) left in Lisbon. Built in the early 19th-century, they're a distinctive sunflower-yellow colour and run on thick iron rails set into the city's steep, cobbled streets. It's a cronky, cranky ride up the hills and the trams are usually packed to bursting, but the experience is great fun. Along with Lisbon's elevadores (funiculars), they're a masterpiece of Porguese engineering and worth a second look - these tramcars are classics. Tram 28 & 12: Eastern LisbonThe most famous tram line in Lisbon is 28. It starts at Praça Luis de Camões in the stylish Chiado district up near the high Bairro Alto, then descends into downtown, climbs up through Alfama past the Sé Cathedral, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon, the old church at Graça, and finishes in Martim Moniz in the north. If you get off at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia you can walk the final few hundred metres up to the Castelo São Jorge (St George Castle). Tram 12 has a short circular route starting and ending in Rossio along with tram 15. It travels south then east through the Alfama district and the Sé Cathedral, then up to Martim Moniz and back to Rossio. It's a good way of negotiating the steep and narrow streets of Alfama. Tram 25 & 18: Western LisbonTram 25 is another classic line. It runs from near Conceição Velha (near the docks under the Sé Cathedral) along the river, then up through Lapa to the Basilica and Jardim da Estrela before ending at a huge cemetery at Prazeres. Tram 18 starts with tram 25 and runs west along the waterfront to Santos. It then travels north through the up-and-coming district of Alcântara to the cemetery at Ajuda. You can walk up to the Ajuda Palace from there. Tram 15 to BelémTram 15 has been replaced with a modern, longer, articulated tram which runs from the central Rossio square down to Praça do Comércio, west along the waterfront past Cais do Sodré train and river station and Lisbon's central market Ribeira, then under the impressive 25 de Abril bridge to Belém. Belém is the museum district, full of monuments and museums to keep you busy all day. TicketsYou can simply buy a ticket from the tram driver. However, save money with a Viva Viagem travel pass, which allows unlimited travel on trams, metro, buses and elevadores for 24 hours from the time of purchase. Just swipe your card on the electronic card reader as you board the tram. When you want to get off, search for the tiny 'stop' button near the ceiling. Tram ToursYou can also take special tours of Lisbon in historic restored tramcars. Carristur runs tours every 20 minutes between 10pm and 7pm in summer (June-September) and every 30 minutes between October and May. There's commentary in various languages and at least you'll get a seat. Tours leave from the corner of Praça do Comércio.
The copyright of the article Lisbon's Historic Trams in Portugal Travel is owned by Monica Guy. Permission to republish Lisbon's Historic Trams in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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