Tram 28 in Lisbon: How to Get Window Seat & Save on the Ride

What is tram 28 in Lisbon

When people talk about a Lisbon tram, they usually refer to the popular tram 28.

Tram 28 in Lisbon is one of the oldest trams in Lisbon. This historic 7 km tramway route takes passengers through Lisbon's most historic neighborhoods, including Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela.

But it is also the regular means of public transport in Lisbon area for the locals and tourists alike.

Tram 28 almost always magically basks in sunlight at this spot in front of Lisbon Cathedral. It's my favorite spot of the route.

Fun facts about the famous tram 28 in Lisbon

• Tram 28 in Lisbon (tramway 28) follows one of the most scenic routes in Lisbon, passing through historic neighborhoods.

• The tram line has been operating since 1914 and it still uses vintage Remodelado trams from the 1930s, so prepare to be shaken!:)

• The tram climbs steep hills and navigates narrow streets, which makes the experience fun!

Here are just some of the fun facts about this tram. Now let’s learn why it’s popular and its brief history.

Tram 28 is preparing for a sharp turn into a narrow street - a fun experience!

This beautiful mail coach was used in Portugal until it got replaced by trams. Would you like to learn more about this horses-drawn carriage and other famous coaches of Lisbon? Read my other post.

Look how retro the wagons look! They practically bag you to jump in, when you're out, walking in Lisbon.

When taking a ride on the tram, your experience will be much better if you secure a window seat. Learn here the strategies to get this coveted window seat.

Boarding at Martim Moniz (downtown)

Martim Moniz is the eastern start/end stop in the center of Lisbon, and it’s a convenient place to start if you’re staying in the center of Lisbon. Arriving early increases your chances of getting a window seat.

Many websites describe this stop as the best place to board if you want to experience the full route, but it is not. I never boar E28 route there, because the one time I started there, I had to wait in line for about 20 minutes for the second tram.

Instead, check out my suggestion below. However, if you need to board at Martim Moniz, get in line and be aware that locals with passes may board first.

The "ride in reverse" technique from Prazeres Campo Ourique

Start at the western start/end stop at Campo Ourique (Prazeres) and ride the route in reverse. It is less crowded  there than Martim Moniz. If you board here, you will have a better chance of getting a window seat.

When I go to Belem area of Lisbon to explore its attractions, I take either a bus, or a tram 25 from there to get to Praseres stop. Then go to visit beautiful Prazeres cemetery there, then board tram 28. You can skip the cemetery😊 and go straight to boarding tram 28.

Less crowded stops along the route

Stops in Graça (like Sapadores) or Estrela (going east) are often less crowded. While you won't ride the full route, you'll have a better chance of getting a window seat.

How to get a window seat

Best time to ride tram 28

Some times are better for getting a window seat than others.

Early morning and late evening advantages

Riding before 9 AM or after 7 PM typically means fewer tourists and more available seats.

Avoiding rush hour traffic

Lisbon's rush hours (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM) make the tram more crowded with commuters. Mid-morning or early afternoon rides can be less hectic.

Peak tourist seasons in Lisbon and why to avoid it

Lisbon's peak tourist season is from June to August. During these months, Tram 28 is exceptionally crowded. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October also see significant tourist traffic but are slightly less crowded.

Something to keep in mind: summer heat can make afternoon rides uncomfortable. Spring and fall offer more pleasant temperatures. Winter rides are less crowded but may have reduced visibility due to fogged windows. Or, the ride could be uncomfortably cold, if tourist try to keep the windows open.

If you won't start in Estrella and bord the tram in Alfama instead, you will ride in a crowded tram (see this wagon?).

Top photo opportunities on tram 28 route

Once you secured your window seat and saved money on the ride, you can enjoy the scenic ride.

Since this post is mostly about practical information related to the ride and strategies for getting the most out of the experience, I will only briefly list the top scenic stops with the best photo opportunities and architecture spots here.

You can find my extensive coverage of the Tram 28 route and all the stops and attractions nearby in another post. The route is very scenic, so there is a significant amount of information to tell. 

Graça photo spots near the tram

Largo da Graça tram E28 stop is a great spot to end you tram ride arriving from Prazeres and start taking pictures. The area is very picturesque. 

Me enjoying the views from Graca Viewpoint. It's right by the Convent of Graça, a 16th-century convent with a terrace. I think it’s my favorite viewpoint in Lisbon. I end up here a lot on my Graca walks.

A short walk away from the stop are beautiful viewpoints, including Graça Viewpoint, Senhora do Monte viewpoint, and Viewpoint at Garden of Cerca da Graça.

There are also many fun narrow alleys through which tram 28 goes. Escolas Gerais, R. São Tomé and Cç. S. Vicente are some examples of cool narrow streets where you can snap photos of the tram navigating through tight spaces.

I've heard people say Rua da Conceição holds this honor but, while it’s a very beautiful street, it’s not that narrow at all. 

My pics of Alfama narrow streets and whitewashed houses. 

Alfama photo spots near the tram 28

Alfama is another great neighborhood tram 28 goes through with a fantastic photo opportunity.

Being the oldest district, it's the best neighborhood to try to capture authentic old Portuguese ambiance. Every streets with its old buildings is picture worthy. In fact, it will be hard for you to stop taking pictures: everything looks so cool! 

Look at these 3 photos I took in Alfama  - everything looks so old and authentic!

I love walking in Alfama aimlessly, and yet I’m never far from one tram 28 stop or another to get back home. 

Miradouro de Santa Luzia tram stop will bring you to Santa Luzia Viewpoint,  which is your best bet for a photo shoot in Alfama. It is a lovely terrace with rooftops view of Lisbon and panoramic views of Tagus River.

The structure of the viewpoint itself is also photo worthy - it's covered with beautiful tiles – azulejos of different pattens.

Just one warning - there probably will be some guys trying to scam you into buying a bracelet, one of some scams to be aware in Portugal. Somehow, they are always there when I visit. 

Right next to it is viewpoint (miradouro) Portas do Sol. They both have similar views, being so close.

The castle of St, John is not far from this stop, but it's not right on the route, so I won't talk about it here. 

Or, you can just snap pictures right from the tram, like I did here.

Baixa photo opportunities

The downtown district of Lisbon, is great if you want to take pictures of  grand avenues and squares, and ornate architecture.

You’ll be able to capture the elegance of the city's main streets and many cute cafes.

You would probably want to take pictures of buildings like the Rossio Train Station and the Santa Justa Lift there. 

The Praça do Comércio is the largest plaza in Lisbon and it's pretty in yellow. 

The hills in the center close to Martim Moniz are less known, but they also offer some spectacular photo opportunities.

Look at this old cobbled alley on the picture below - it’s only 5 min away from Martim Moniz square and it looks so old and authentic!

Chiado photo spots

Places for nice pictures in Chiado are plenty, but the best known is Rua da Bica - it is right on the 28 tram’s stop.

This narrow, slanted street is famous for its pastel houses and is a popular spot to photograph another cool public transport – funiculars and Bica elevator (funicular). I see many people do this mistake - don’t confuse yellow funiculars with yellow trams – they’re not the same thing!)

There is also a great number of very picturesque streets in Chiado and nearby Barrio Alto, like this street.

Top architectural landmarks along the route

You can see exciting architecture of Lisbon from the tramway, both in older Baroque and Manueline style, the18th century Pombaline style buildings, along with some newer buildings.

I list only a few top architectural spots here, because I cover the rest of attractions along the E28 route in my other post.

Lisbon Cathedral (Sé): The oldest church in the city, dating back to the 12th century. I really like the front of the Cathedral (pic at the top of this post), and also the right side of it. There are many cute restaurants by the Cathedral's walls. 

Santa Luzia Church: Known for its beautiful tile panels and viewpoint Santa Luzia (explained above).

Estrela Basilica: Impressive Baroque-Neoclassical 18th-century basilica with a large dome and amazing marble floor.

Assembly of the Republic: Portugal's Parliament building in neoclassical style. It’s a magnificent building and a nice area to walk.

So, you will have plenty of places for photo opportunities along tram 28 route. But let's return to practical information about tram 28 for now. I'll show you a video of my ride first, though. 

Video of my tram 28 ride.

Here is a video of one of my many tram 28 rides that I've taken. Watch to better understand what you’ll see to decide if you want to ride this tram!

I wasn't planning to ride that day; I was just out for a walk in Chiado. But a few tramways stopped in front of me, looking too appealing to pass up, so I decided to board.

I didn’t get a window seat right away boarding in Chiado area of Lisbon. I had a to ride a few stops standing. But, because the tram hasn’t entered the Baihxa downtown (center) area yet, and also because it was March (read about the least crowded seasons to ride here), I got the window seat eventually.

In the video, I explain where I got on the tramway and share tips on getting a window seat to see the best of Lisbon

Perhaps, subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos?

I also hope you'll be able to take this ride soon! Don't forget to also check my post about all attractions you'll see along this tram's route.

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Related

The difference between yellow tram 28 ROUTE and tourist red tram 28

Tram 28 in Lisbon is a yellow electric carriage.

Tourist Tram 28 (Red Route):

• Red tram 28 is a tourist tram, and it follows the yellow tram 28 route closely. Tourist trams operate alongside the regular public trams 28.

• The color of the tourist trams is red.

  Red tram 28 is a bit different from tram yellow tram 28 in this:

  • Higher ticket prices.

  • Spoken guidance for tourists.

In conclusion, there are ways to make you ride maximum fun and pure pleasure!