Lisbon Hills Red Tram by Tram 28 route

If you’re visiting Lisbon and want a window into the city’s colorful neighborhoods, this vintage tram tour along the famous Route 28 might be just what you’re looking for. For about $29.53 per person, you’ll hop aboard a charming, old-fashioned tram for roughly an hour and a half, traveling through Lisbon’s iconic quarters like Baixa, Alfama, Chiado, and Bairro Alto. The tour begins at Praça do Comércio—a lively square facing the Tagus River—and takes you through winding, steep streets that reveal the city’s character and history.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are the opportunity to see Lisbon from a local’s perspective aboard a vintage tram, which adds both charm and authenticity, and the inclusion of an audio guide through headphones, making it easier to learn about the sights without straining to hear or rely solely on a guidebook. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the route can feel repetitive if you’ve already seen the main sights, and the experience varies depending on the time of day and crowds. Still, if you’re after a relaxed way to get your bearings and enjoy scenic views, this tour suits travelers who prefer a leisurely, informative ride over long walks or bus tours.

Those who will find the most value here are first-time visitors eager to orient themselves, history buffs interested in Lisbon’s neighborhoods, or anyone looking for a comfortable way to explore the city’s hills. Let’s explore what makes this tram ride both charming and, at times, a bit inconsistent, so you can decide if it’s right for your Lisbon itinerary.

Key Points

• Authentic vintage tram experience through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods.
• Audio guide included, making it easy to learn about sights without missing details.
• Flexible 24-hour ticket grants access to trams, funiculars, and Santa Justa lift.
• Stops at key neighborhoods like Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa.
• Cost-effective way to see a lot in a short amount of time, with good reviews on scenery and narration.
• Potential downsides include route repetition and variable crowd levels.

An Authentic Ride Through Lisbon’s Hills and Neighborhoods

This tour is a perfect way to get a panoramic sense of Lisbon’s unique topography and diverse neighborhoods without breaking a sweat. For around 30 dollars, you get a ticket valid for 24 hours, giving you the freedom to hop on and off at various spots or just enjoy a scenic, narrated ride through the city’s seven hills.

Starting at Praça do Comércio, you’ll climb aboard a vintage tram that channels the city’s past, giving you a nostalgic feel with its historic charm. The tram’s slow pace and open windows—or in some cases, covered stops—allow you to soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of Lisbon’s lively streets. Riding through narrow alleys in Alfama, home of Fado music and Roman remnants, offers a glimpse into the city’s layered history. Meanwhile, Bairro Alto’s vibrant nightlife and bohemian cafes come into view, with some passengers noting that this area was a real highlight for its colorful facades and lively atmosphere.

The audio guide, delivered via complimentary headphones, is a thoughtful touch. It’s generally well-received, providing interesting stories and cultural context as you pass landmarks like São Jorge Castle and the Lisbon Cathedral. Several reviews highlighted how the narration enhanced the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing ride.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The tour’s starting point at Praça do Comércio is a perfect launching pad. This grand square is flanked by historic buildings and bustling cafes, setting the tone for your journey. The tram then meanders through Baixa, Lisbon’s downtown rebuilt after the catastrophic 1755 earthquake, with its neoclassical architecture and lively streets.

Next, you’ll head uphill into Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon. Here, the tram climbs steep, cobbled streets where Roman and Arab influences mingle. Travelers often comment on how this neighborhood is the core of Fado music, with the soulful tunes inspiring many songs. You’ll see remnants of medieval walls, tiny squares, and the **12th-century cathedral, which is often passed by on the tour, offering a sense of the city’s deep past.

Bairro Alto follows, known for its hip cafes, bars, and bohemian vibe. Many appreciate the chance to see this lively, eclectic area from the comfort of the tram, especially since it’s difficult to explore on foot during busy evenings. The views from various vantage points along the route are often praised, especially at XII Cent Monument and Lisbon’s most famous viewpoints, where the landscape stretches out in all directions.

The tour then loops back through the city’s winding hills before returning to Praça do Comércio. Although the route does revisit some streets, this is part of the charm—giving you a chance to absorb the sights and sounds at a relaxed pace.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $29.53, you get a one-hour-and-a-half scenic tram ride with an informative audio guide, plus access to public transport such as funiculars and the Santa Justa lift during the ticket’s validity period. You also receive a Lisbon map and discount vouchers for local attractions and eateries, which can be handy for future exploration.

However, food and drinks are not included, and there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan accordingly. Some reviews mention the importance of pre-booking to avoid queues, especially during peak times, and others note that the ticket must be redeemed on board the tram, so arriving early helps.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tram Ride

• Board early or pre-book to secure a good seat and avoid wait times since departures are every 30 minutes.
• When boarding, enter on the left side of the tram for the best views, as some reviewers suggest this position offers superior scenery.
• Use the audio guide headphones to enrich your understanding of the sights, especially since commentary is available in multiple languages.
• Be mindful that routes might feel repetitive if you’ve already explored parts of Lisbon, but many find the ride relaxing and scenic enough to justify the repetition.
• If you’re short on time, hopping on the tram for a quick overview can help you decide which neighborhoods to explore more deeply later.

Authentic Passenger Perspectives

Many travelers rate this tour around 3.3 to 3.5 out of 5, with several noting the value for money and scenic views as key positives. Rebecca_S called it a “beautiful way to see areas of the city”, enjoying the comfortable ride and history narration. Juliette_S appreciated it as a “good way to discover places to visit later”, highlighting how it helps orient visitors.

On the downside, some reviews mention the route feeling incomplete or confusing—particularly if the information provided isn’t comprehensive or if tram cancellations occur unexpectedly**. For instance, one traveler experienced a tram cancellation that was only communicated after waiting, which was frustrating. Others pointed out that the journey could be cut short or duplicated, leading to some disappointment.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Take This Tour?

This vintage tram ride is best suited for first-time visitors who want a gentle overview of Lisbon’s neighborhoods with scenic vistas and engaging narration. It’s ideal for those who prefer a relaxed, seated experience rather than walking steep hills or dealing with crowded buses. If you’re interested in a nostalgic journey through the city’s historic districts, this tour offers good value and memorable views.

However, if you’re seeking a comprehensive, detailed guide or a fully personalized experience, you might find this tour somewhat limited. The route repetition and occasional service hiccups suggest that it’s more of a scenic overview rather than an in-depth exploration.

FAQs

Does my ticket include entry to any attractions?
No, the ticket grants access to the tram, funiculars, and Santa Justa lift during the 24-hour validity but does not include specific entry fees for landmarks.

Can I hop on and off at any time?
Yes, the ticket is valid for 24 hours, so you can hop off at neighborhoods to explore more deeply and then reboard later.

What is the best time to ride for good views?
Most reviews recommend boarding on the left side for the best views, especially during daylight hours when the cityscape and river vistas are clearest.

Are there any restrictions or special requirements?
Most travelers can participate. Service animals are allowed, and pets in carriers are welcome. The tour is suitable for most ages.

Is this a guided tour?
While there is an audio guide, the experience is self-guided—meaning you listen to commentary via headphones while enjoying the scenery.

What should I do if the tram is canceled or there’s an issue?
Some reviews mention unexpected cancellations or breakdowns. It’s advisable to pre-book and plan for alternative ways to explore neighborhoods if needed. For issues, contact the operator directly via the provided email.

A ride on Lisbon’s vintage tram along Route 28 offers a charming, nostalgic glimpse of the city’s most famous districts. It’s a comfortable and scenic way to familiarize yourself with Lisbon’s hills, historic neighborhoods, and vibrant street life—all while enjoying an audio guide that enriches the experience.

While it’s not a perfect or comprehensive tour, its value lies in simplicity and charm. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a relaxed introduction or anyone eager to see Lisbon from a classic, moving viewpoint. Just be prepared for the possibility of route repeats or minor service hiccups, and always consider pairing this with more in-depth explorations later on.

Overall, the Lisbon Hills Red Tram Tour is a delightful way to spend an hour or so, offering a blend of history, scenery, and local flavor—all from the comfort of a vintage tram.