If you belong to the strict type of people who should have everything in their places and everything be done in time, then you might also want to have prior planning of your stay in Lisbon. If you do and you don’t want to make any spontaneous and crazy decisions, then here is one option of exploring the Portuguese capital – the tram tour.
Opting for this option is both interesting and unique. You will hardly have such a chance in say Spain or Paris. But trams are popular in Lisbon and Portugal and are part of their nicest culture.
The tram tours are available on daily basis. The very first tour starts at 9.20 in summer, more precisely within June 1 to September 30, and at 9.30 – from October 1 to May 31. The trams leave each 20 minutes during June 1 – September 30 and each 30 minutes during October 1 – May 31. The great difference between the “summer” season and the rest of the seasons is more observed in case of the last tour for the day. During the “summer” season the tram tour will be available until evening, with 7 p.m. being the last hour of departure, while during October 1 – May 31 the last tram will leave before the evening at 5.30 p.m.
The price of the tour is EUR 16.20 for adults. If you are traveling with children (aged 4-10) you will pay slightly more than the half of the set price – EUR 9. As to children 3 and under, they can enjoy the tour free of charge. The price includes a Lisbon map, a discount book and earphones as there is an audio guide. Note that the price does not include food and drinks, but if you want to be served then you should make them know in advance. Now, the most important part – where will the tram take you? Well, overall it takes you to the major attractions and destinations in Lisbon and even less popular ones. Some of the most notable venues include:
- Praça do Comércio – It’s the starting point and one of the most popular places to visit in Lisbon. All the ways and roads in Lisbon seem to start from exactly this square where the statue of Jose I of Portugal rises.
- Elevador de Santa Justa – Elevador de Santa Justa is an elevator located in the historical city of Lisbon. It connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo.
- Praça da Figueira – Praça da Figueira translated from Portuguese means The Square of the Fig Tree. It should be noticed that the square has quite a recent history. Prior to it there was a hospital which severely suffered from the notorious earthquake in 1755. After that the area was converted to an open market square which remained on the historical pages of Lisbon starting from 1949. Since then, it has been just a square with King John I’s statue in the middle.
- Martim Moniz – Martim Moniz is where multicultural Lisbon can be found. The area, however, often remains “ignored” by the majority of Lisbon tourists.
- Graca – Graca is a district in Lisbon and one of Lisbon’s oldest suburbs located on top of her highest hill.
- Alfama – The District of Alfama is one of the oldest ones in Lisbon and one of the most beautiful parts of Lisbon. It’s located on the slope between Sao Jorge Castle and Tajo River.
- Portas do Sol (St. George Castle) – Great views and one of the top places for wonderful pictures.
- Sé – Sé (Lisbon Cathedral) is a Roman Catholic Cathedral and the oldest one on the city. The construction of the church dates to 1147.
- Conceição – It’s not the oldest site in Lisbon but still it’s worth being seen, especially the entrance.
- Chiado – Chiado is a square more known as a shopping area.
- Camões – Camões is where most local people and visitors tend to meet. There are two Baroque churches worth a visit.
- Calçada do Combro – Calçada do Combro provides great views to Tagus River.
- Estrela – Estrela is a Portuguese parish.
- Bica – Bica is a funicular in Lisbon.
