A popular mode of transportation in Lisbon, particularly with visitors, are the trams. Four of the five tram routes are serviced by the historic “remodelado” trams. These trams date from the 1930s and were upgraded in the 1990s, with new brakes, engines and electronics. Because of Lisbon’s steep hills and narrow streets, modern trams are too large and cannot make the tight turns needed to navigate the city. Only Route E15 uses the newer “articulado” trams.
The most famous of the remodelado trams is Tram 28. Because it’s the longest route and circles through much of the tourist areas, it’s almost always standing room only. Be prepared to wait to board the tram as well. It took us over an hour before we were able to work our way through the queue and board the tram.
We rode Tram 28 because tourist guidebooks all tout it as an inexpensive way to see the sights. I would advise against it and recommend, instead, any of the other trams, which are less crowded and more relaxed than Tram 28. We rode Trams 18 and 25 and had much more enjoyable rides.
Mostly True 