Hotels in Lisbon
Lisbon's Tram Line 28 takes you across four of the seven summits upon which Lisbon stands, in the course of a classic journey through some of the most interesting areas of this historic city. In 1873, a mass public transport company called Carris began operations, gradually introducing electric trams and new routes across the city. Although gh most lines today use modem, articulated vehicles, Line 28 uses remodelled vintage beauties, which are entered at the front and exited at the rear.
The trams depart every seven minutes or so from Largo Martim Moniz, making their way up the Mouraria hill to Largo da Graça, before trundling down through Aliama, the oldest, most beautiful and best-known part of the city. The next port of call is Baixa, the lower city, which was rebuilt in French neo-classical style after the earthquake of 1755, by the Marquês de Pombal. Climbing uphill again, the trams pass through the old city centre, replete with theatres, and on through the traditional nightlife areas, the Bairro Alto and the Bica, haunt of writers and artists. Rattling and clanking their way up and down the hills, through narrow streets, the trams pass many important sites, including handsome churches, the Parliament building and the Cathedral, before finally reaching the Cemitério dos Prazeres - Cemetery of the Pleasures - where members of Lisbon's noblest families are buried.
This trip is great fun. The trams are often crowded – people sometimes even hitchhike by hanging onto the outside as it rattles along. It's noisy with laughter, chitchat and occasional shouts of abuse at cars blocking the way. The bell rings to alert people and traffic to the tram's presence, and there are frequent stops. Your best bet is to buy a pass allowing you multiple journeys, in order to jump on and off whenever you want.
HOW
By tram
WHEN TO GO
All year round, but April to June and September to November are probably the best months.
TIME IT TAKES
45 mlnutos, theoretically, but usually more like one hour plus.
HIGHLIGHTS
Café A Brasileira - opened in 1905, this is lisbon's most famous coffee house; a bronze statue of the poet and writer Fernando Pessoa sits outside.
The Basilica da Estrela and the Estrela Gardens.
The English Cemetery, where the author Henry Fielding is buried.
The Castelo de Sao Jorge, originally the Moorish Governor's stronghold.
The Gulbenkian Museum, a superb collection of treasures.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
Fado is Portugal's traditional music, and lisbon is the best place to find it. During June, Fado singers accompany visitors along the route of Tram line 28.
