Lisbon: Hills Red Tram Tour by Tram 28 Route 24-Hour Ticket

If you’re visiting Lisbon and want to truly understand the city’s character—its winding streets, scenic vistas, and lively neighborhoods—taking a tram tour is an excellent choice. This Lisbon Hills Red Tram Tour on the classic Tram 28 route offers a flexible, immersive way to explore some of Lisbon’s most iconic areas. For $28 per person, you get a 24-hour ticket that lets you hop on and off a vintage tram as often as you like, riding through districts like Alfama, Mouraria, and Baixa, with the opportunity to see landmarks such as Castelo São Jorge and Sé Catedral.

What sets this tour apart is the authentic vintage tram experience combined with a comprehensive audio guide available in 12 languages. Plus, you can enjoy the Santa Justa Lift, a highlight for panoramic views of the city, included in your ticket. We love how this tour offers a relaxed way to see Lisbon’s hills, especially because it allows you to avoid the fatigue of walking up steep streets. Being able to explore at your own pace, with a convenient ticket valid all day, makes this a great choice for those wanting flexibility.

However, a small caveat is that some travelers have found the meeting point details a little confusing, and the ticket exchange process isn’t always clearly signposted at the tram stop. Also, the tour is primarily about sightseeing and does not include entrance to monuments, so budget for additional visits if desired. Still, this experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want a comfortable overview of Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods and stunning viewpoints without the hassle of navigating public transportation independently.

Key Points

Flexible 24-hour ticket allows unlimited hopping on vintage trams, funiculars, and the Santa Justa Lift.
Authentic tram experience with comfortable seating and open windows, avoiding the crowds of the original Tram 28.
Informative audio guide in 12 languages enriches your understanding of Lisbon’s landmarks and districts.
Scenic viewpoints like Miradouro da Graça and Portas do Sol provide excellent photo opportunities.
Includes entrance to the Santa Justa Lift, funiculars, and public trams, adding convenience.
Reviews highlight good value, knowledgeable drivers, and the benefit of avoiding crowded, packed trams.

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A Deep Dive into the Lisbon Hills Tram Tour

This tour is more than just a ride; it’s a chance to see Lisbon from a perspective that combines comfort, history, and photo-worthy views. You start your journey in Praça do Comércio, facing the grand arch, where your ticket is scanned, and you hop aboard a lovingly maintained vintage tram. This isn’t the modern, crowded bus you might expect; it’s a charming, authentic vehicle that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

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The Route and Neighborhoods

As you wind through neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria, you’ll notice the narrow streets, colorful buildings, and traditional life that define Lisbon’s character. These districts are known for their old-world charm and fantastic viewpoints—perfect for snapping photos of the city’s terracotta rooftops and river vistas. The tram route closely follows the legendary Tram 28, but with the advantage of more space and comfort—a big plus during peak tourist seasons.

The tour’s stops include Miradouro da Graça, Miradouro Senhora do Monte, Portas do Sol, and Miradouro de Santa Luzia—each a lookout offering sweeping views of Lisbon’s historic center and the Tagus River. Deborah’s review captures this well: “The elevator ride was great and I was able to get picture postcard pictures,” emphasizing how this tour makes scenic spots easily accessible.

Landmarks and Landmarks’ Insights

Along the route, you’ll see Castelo São Jorge, perched atop the hill, giving you a sense of Lisbon’s layered history. The Sé Catedral is another highlight, showcasing the city’s medieval past. Many travelers mention the audio guide as a key feature—informing you about these landmarks in a variety of languages, so you don’t just look at sights but learn about their stories.

The Views and Photo Stops

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the viewpoints (Miradouros). They are perfect for postcard shots and catching your breath after wandering the streets. Michelle mentions her appreciation for the scenic commentary and her “nice and accommodating driver,” which shows the added value of having a friendly person behind the wheel. But it’s the views from Miradouro da Graça or Santa Luzia that truly steal the show—they give a panoramic perspective that’s hard to beat.

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Comfort and Convenience

One of the biggest advantages is the comfort. Unlike the crowded Tram 28, which can become packed, especially in summer, this vintage tram offers more space and windows that open, making the ride more enjoyable and less claustrophobic. The ticket’s inclusion of funiculars and the Santa Justa Lift means you can also access Lisbon’s hilly terrain easily, without the physical toll of walking.

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The Audio Guide and Multilingual Support

The audio guide enhances the experience, providing insightful commentary in 12 languages. Several reviews appreciate this feature, noting that it makes understanding Lisbon’s history and districts much easier, especially if you’re not fluent in Portuguese. Kara mentions that the alternative tram ride was perfect because “our boys were freaked out by the crowded number 28,” and the audio guide added educational value without the stress.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

Start early: The tour begins at 9:30 am and runs until 5:30 pm, with trams every 20 minutes, so aim to arrive at Praça do Comércio a bit before your first ride.
Pick a comfortable spot: While seating is generally good, arriving early can help you grab a preferred seat with the best views.
Bring earphones: The audio guide is a great feature, so ensure your device is charged and earphones are handy.
Be aware of ticket exchange: Some travelers found the ticket exchange process at the tram stop unclear; look for staff or signage.
Plan a few sightseeing stops: Use the freedom of the 24-hour ticket to hop off at viewpoints or landmarks you want to explore more deeply.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors looking to get a broad, comfortable overview of Lisbon’s hills and neighborhoods. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid the fatigue of walking uphill and enjoy scenic viewpoints without the hassle. Families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate historical commentary and authentic transport will find it particularly rewarding. If you’re after good value and an authentic local experience rather than just a quick ride, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The Lisbon Hills Red Tram Tour offers an inviting, relaxed way to see the city’s most photogenic spots while savoring the charm of vintage transportation. For $28, the 24-hour access to trams, funiculars, and the Santa Justa Lift** makes it a cost-effective, flexible option that’s especially beneficial if you want to explore at your own pace. The audio guide in multiple languages enriches the experience, helping you connect with Lisbon’s history and neighborhoods.

This tour is perfect for those who prefer comfort over crowds and want a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation. It provides a solid introduction to Lisbon’s hills, viewpoints, and districts, and many reviews highlight the knowledgeable drivers and stunning vistas as key highlights. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to see Lisbon’s hills and enjoy a taste of local life, this ride is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most ages. The vintage tram offers comfortable seating, and the route is designed for sightseeing rather than strenuous activity.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons. You can reserve your ticket online and even cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Where do I start the tour?
The meeting point is in Praça do Comércio, facing the arch. Be sure to check your ticket details for the exact location, as some reviews mention confusion about the starting point.

How long does the entire route take?
The tram ride itself takes about an hour, but with unlimited hop-on, hop-off access, you can spend the whole day exploring different neighborhoods and viewpoints at your own pace.

Is the audio guide available in my language?
Yes, the audio guide is available in 12 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese.

Are there any additional costs?
The ticket includes the tram tour, funiculars, Santa Justa Lift, and the audio guide. Meals, drinks, and entrance fees to monuments or museums are not included.

In all, the Lisbon Hills Tram Tour balances comfort, authenticity, and flexibility. It’s a fantastic way to get to know Lisbon’s hills and neighborhoods without getting worn out. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography lover, or just want an easy way to see the sights, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable experience.