Lisbon’s Unique Remodelado Tram Number 28

Open a Lonely Planet Pocket Guid To Lisbon and the city is described as “a roller-coaster city of seven hills, crowned by a Moorish castle and washed in an artist’s pure light” Lisbon is cinematically beautiful and the Remodelado trams make Lisbon very unique. No other European city employs such old trams which originally date back to the 1930’s. These Remodelado trams are still used today as the modern longer trams cannot cope with the tight twisty inclines, narrow streets and undulating terrain. Classic Remodelado Trams routes not to be missed include:

Remodelado Tram number 12 is a one-dimensional loop (Clockwise) through Baxia, Mouraria and Alfama districts, following part of the route of the Tram 28 and makes a good alternative at busy times.

Remodelado Tram number 24 route connects the Prac Luis Camoes Plaza with Campolide, to the north of the city, passing through Bairro Alto, the affluent district of Principle Real.

Remodelado Tram number 28 connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique, passing through the popular districts of Alfama, Baixa, Estrela and Graca.

All three of the above routes deserve exploring and although Tram 28 is just a normal line of public transportation in Lisbon, it happens to go past many of the city’s most significant landmarks in districts like Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela. Because the route also uses some heritage-style tram carriages, it’s become the most popular tourist attraction in the city, so in order to get a seat you need to be up early in the morning. Should you be lucky enough to get a window seat, (we were) it’s far better than any hop on and off tourist bus if you want to see the main sites in Lisbon and costs a fraction of the price.

Fran and I boarded tram 28 at its starting point at Martim Moniz, ridding the trams entire route from start to finish which can take 40 minuets to an hour. The end of the route is Campo Ourique, but the front of the tram will read (Prazeres) As the internal tram windows can raised and closed, this makes it ideal for photography or videography. Passing through each of the distinct districts, the ride is a photographic goldmine, from watching people go about their daily life, to the sunlight blasting through the narrow streets and passages. Riding the entire route to the end at (Prazeres) also had another purpose, I wanted to visit the Cemitério de Prazeres. This cemetery is described as one of the most beautiful in the world and I will be covering Cemitério de Prazeres in another blog.

Practical points

We purchased a 24-hour public transport ticket from one of Metro stations which is exceptional value as you can use it on trams, buses and the Metro for 24 hours, allowing you to explore Lisbon and give your feet a rest.

All of the images we took were with a 24mm – 105mm. I personally find this focal range very practical when traveling.