Tram 28

Tram 28 is a historic streetcar line in Lisbon, Portugal, and one of the city's most iconic public transportation routes. Operated by Carris since 1928, it winds through the city's oldest neighborhoods—particularly the steep, winding streets of Alfama, Baixa, and Chiado—connecting Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique across approximately 7 kilometers.

The line is famous for its distinctive yellow wooden trams and the breathtaking views it offers of the Tagus River and the city's historic architecture. Riding Tram 28 has become a rite of passage for visitors and residents alike, threading through centuries of Portuguese history as it navigates tight medieval alleyways and sharp gradients that test both the engineering of the tram itself and passengers' balance.

The route exemplifies urban Landscape Architecture adapted to extreme topography, with curves so tight that the tram requires skilled operators and specialized gauge adjustments. It remains largely unchanged since its inauguration, making it a living museum of early-20th-century urban mobility.

In recent years, overcrowding from tourism has raised questions about preserving this working heritage monument while serving actual commuters.

Related

Lisbon, Streetcar systems, Urban history, Historic preservation, Alfama, Public transport heritage