Lisbon: Tram 28 Alternatives With the Same Views
Tram 28 is one of those Lisbon things that sounds perfect on paper.
A little yellow tram. Rattling up steep streets. Tiles and laundry lines and miradouros popping up like postcards. You hop on, you glide through the old neighborhoods, you get the photos, done.
And then you arrive and… yeah. The line. The crowd. The “is this even worth it” feeling while you’re standing there in the sun watching tram after tram roll up already full.
So this guide is basically for that moment.
Because the truth is, Tram 28 is not the only way to get those views. Not even close. Lisbon is a city built for dramatic angles, sudden lookouts, and scenic routes that feel like you accidentally wandered into a movie set.
Below are the best Tram 28 alternatives that give you the same kind of scenery, sometimes better, and usually with less waiting and less stress.
First, what exactly are we trying to “replace”?
Tram 28 is famous because it strings together a bunch of Lisbon’s classic sights in one ride. It cuts through (or near):
Graça and São Vicente
Alfama’s edges
Baixa
Chiado
Bairro Alto
Estrela / Basílica da Estrela area
So the real goal is not “a tram.” It’s:
Old Lisbon streets, tight and slightly chaotic
Hills, viewpoints, and tiled facades
A route that feels scenic without you planning every step
Keep that in mind. Because some of the best replacements are not trams at all.
1) Ride Tram 12E: the “mini 28” through the historic core
If you want the closest thing to Tram 28 without actually doing Tram 28, Tram 12E is the move.
It loops around some of the most atmospheric parts of Lisbon, especially near Alfama and the Sé Cathedral area. It’s shorter than 28, but it hits that same vibe: creaky tracks, sharp turns, old buildings right up against the windows.
Why it works:
Similar narrow-street experience
Great for Alfama edges and cathedral area
Often less hyped than 28, so it can be easier to board
A small reality check: it can still get crowded in peak season. But in my experience it’s usually more manageable, and because it’s a loop, you can be a bit strategic with where you get on.
Tip: Try boarding earlier in the loop rather than at the most obvious tourist stops.
2) Take Tram 24E instead: Príncipe Real to Praça Luís de Camões (and beyond)
Tram 24E doesn’t get the same fame, which is exactly why it’s a good alternative.
It runs through areas that feel very Lisbon, but with a slightly calmer, local rhythm. Think: elegant streets, little parks, and those classic viewpoints that sneak up on you.
Why it works:
Scenic neighborhoods without the Tram 28 crush
Connects areas people already want to visit (Príncipe Real, Chiado)
Feels like a “real” tram ride, not a theme park queue
Pair it with: a wander around Príncipe Real’s gardens, then drift down toward Chiado for cafés and bookstores.
3) Hop on the public elevators and funiculars (seriously, they’re basically scenic transit)
Lisbon’s hills are the whole point. And the city has been dealing with them forever, which is why the funiculars exist in the first place.
These aren’t gimmicks. They’re legit public transport. And they deliver that same “climbing through Lisbon” feeling you want from Tram 28, just in shorter bursts.
The big ones:
Elevador da Bica: the classic photo line with the steep street view
Elevador da Glória: connects Restauradores up toward Bairro Alto area
Elevador do Lavra: quieter, less touristy, still charming
Why it works:
You get the steep-street visuals everyone wants
It’s quick, fun, and very Lisbon
Perfect for building your own scenic route between neighborhoods
Tip: Ride one up, walk down a different way. That’s where Lisbon gets good. You turn a corner and suddenly there’s a miradouro, or a tiled façade you end up staring at for too long.
4) Do the miradouro route instead of the tram route (the views are the point anyway)
This is the alternative that actually feels like cheating because it’s so good.
Tram 28 gives you glimpses. Miradouros give you the full scene. River, rooftops, bridges, domes, the whole layered city.
Here’s a simple, very doable miradouro chain that scratches the same itch:
Miradouro da Graça (Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen)
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (one of the best panoramic views in Lisbon)
Miradouro de Santa Luzia (tiles, bougainvillea, Alfama rooftops)
Miradouro das Portas do Sol (right next door, more open viewpoint)
Why it works:
Better views than you’ll get from inside a packed tram
You control the pace
You can stop when you want, sit, snack, breathe
And yes, it’s uphill. But Lisbon is always uphill. That’s the deal.
For those considering making multiple trips around this beautiful city and want to save some money while enjoying its charm further beyond these routes - the Lisbon Card could be a great option to explore its vast offerings without burning a hole in your pocket.
5) Book a vintage tram tour (same look, less chaos, more guaranteed “I’m actually riding”)
If what you want is the yellow tram experience specifically, but you don’t want the unpredictability, then a dedicated tram tour can make sense.
Not because it’s “more authentic” (it’s not), but because:
you usually have a reserved spot
the route is designed for sightseeing
you’re not playing the platform lottery
This is especially nice if you’re short on time, traveling with family, or just… tired. Some days you want the city to come to you.
Citylio typically curates handpicked Lisbon experiences, so if you’re comparing tram style tours, tuk tuk routes, or private viewpoints tours, it’s worth checking Citylio’s Lisbon page to quickly filter what’s actually well rated and bookable without hidden fees. Less tab chaos. More actual planning.
6) Try a tuk tuk route that mimics Tram 28 but adds viewpoints (and doesn’t require knees of steel)
I know, I know. Tuk tuks can feel touristy.
But in Lisbon they can also be genuinely practical. The hills are steep, the streets are uneven, and if you want to cover Graça, Alfama, and a couple of miradouros in one go, a tuk tuk can do in an hour what takes you half a day on foot.
Why it works:
You get the old neighborhoods plus the viewpoints
No waiting lines
Great if you’re visiting in heat, or with limited mobility
What to look for:
Small group or private options
Routes that include Graça and Senhora do Monte
Good reviews mentioning the guide’s driving skills (Lisbon streets are not a joke)
This is one of those cases where paying a bit can actually upgrade the whole day.
7) Do the “Alfama and Graça” walk with one strategic ride (bus, Uber, or Bolt) up top
If you’re okay letting go of the “single vehicle does it all” concept, you can build your own Tram 28 day like this:
Take a quick ride up to Graça (Uber/Bolt or a bus)
Hit Senhora do Monte viewpoint
Walk downhill through Graça into Alfama
End near Sé Cathedral and wander toward the river
Finish with sunset at a viewpoint or a terrace
Why it works:
You get the best parts of the Tram 28 area, but in the right order
Downhill walking is easier and more enjoyable
Alfama feels better when you’re not rushing
And the downhill streets are where Lisbon’s details live. Little courtyards. الأزulejos everywhere. A random fado soundcheck behind a door. Cats in windows. It’s slower, but it’s the kind of slow you remember.
8) Use buses that quietly deliver great views: especially the “hill” lines
Lisbon buses do not get enough credit. Some lines climb and snake through the same hills, but with bigger windows and fewer tourists treating it like a ride at a theme park.
The exact “best” bus can change depending on city updates and route tweaks, so I’m not going to pretend one number is always perfect. But the general strategy is solid:
Look for routes that climb from Baixa up toward Graça, Estrela, or Campo de Ourique
Use Google Maps transit mode, then choose the option that looks like it follows the ridgelines, not the tunnels
Why it works:
Similar city scenery, often less stress
Practical for getting from viewpoint to viewpoint
A good backup when trams are blocked or delayed (which happens)
Also, buses can be a lifesaver at the end of the day when your feet are done negotiating cobblestones.
9) Ride Tram 15E for the riverfront, then pivot to viewpoints (a different Lisbon, still gorgeous)
Tram 15E is not a Tram 28 substitute in the “old alleyways” sense. It’s a different slice of Lisbon.
But it’s still scenic, especially if you like the river, the monuments, and that open, bright feeling along the waterfront. It takes you toward Belém, which is basically Lisbon’s greatest hits area for architecture and pastries.
Why it works:
Easy, frequent, efficient
River views and big landmarks
Pairs well with a day split between old town and waterfront
Do this if you want variety: morning in Alfama and viewpoints, afternoon along the river in Belém.
How to actually avoid the Tram 28 pain if you still want to ride it
Maybe you’re reading all this and thinking: ok, but I still want Tram 28. Fair.
If you do, here are a few practical ways to make it less miserable:
Go early. Like actually early. The first departures are calmer.
Start at a terminal stop so you’re not trying to squeeze in mid route.
Avoid the peak midday window when everyone is doing it between breakfast and lunch.
Have a plan B. If the line is ridiculous, don’t force it. Do Tram 12 or a miradouro route instead and you won’t feel like you “lost” the day.
Also, keep your stuff close. Lisbon is generally safe, but Tram 28 is famous for pickpocketing because it’s crowded and slow and tourists are distracted. That’s just reality.
A simple “same views” one day itinerary (no Tram 28 required)
If you want an easy plug and play day that feels like the Tram 28 highlight reel:
Morning
Start at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Walk to Miradouro da Graça
Continue downhill into Alfama
Midday
Lunch in Alfama (pick a place slightly off the main lanes)
Stop at Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol
Afternoon
Wander toward Baixa, then Chiado
If you want a transit moment, ride Tram 24E or take Elevador da Bica area for photos
Evening
Sunset viewpoint or a terrace in Bairro Alto or Príncipe Real
If you’d rather not stitch this together yourself, that’s where a curated tour can be worth it. On Citylio, you can compare Lisbon experiences like guided Alfama walks, tuk tuk viewpoint tours, and day itineraries, then book through trusted partners. It’s less guesswork, more doing.
The quick takeaway
Tram 28 is iconic, sure. But it’s not sacred.
If you want the same views, the same charm, the same Lisbon feeling, you have options. Better ones, sometimes. Tram 12E and 24E are the closest “real tram” alternatives. Funiculars give you that steep street magic in short bursts. And the miradouros, honestly, are what you’ll remember most anyway.
So if Tram 28 is packed. Skip it. Do Lisbon your way. The city doesn’t punish you for changing the plan, it rewards it.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What makes Tram 28 in Lisbon so popular and what are its main highlights?
Tram 28 is famous for its iconic yellow trams that rattle up Lisbon's steep streets, passing through classic neighborhoods like Graça, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Estrela. It offers a scenic ride through old Lisbon streets with tiled facades, laundry lines, and miradouros (viewpoints) popping up like postcards.
Why might some travelers want to avoid Tram 28 despite its popularity?
While Tram 28 is picturesque on paper, it often gets very crowded with long lines and packed trams, especially during peak tourist seasons. This can lead to a stressful experience where you might spend more time waiting in the sun than enjoying the ride.
What are some good alternatives to Tram 28 for experiencing scenic routes in Lisbon?
Great alternatives include taking Tram 12E, which offers a similar narrow-street vibe around Alfama and the Sé Cathedral area; Tram 24E that runs through elegant neighborhoods like Príncipe Real and Chiado with fewer crowds; using Lisbon's public elevators and funiculars such as Elevador da Bica or Elevador da Glória for steep street views; or exploring the chain of miradouros (viewpoints) like Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro de Santa Luzia for panoramic city views.
How does Tram 12E compare to Tram 28 for tourists seeking an authentic Lisbon tram experience?
Tram 12E is often called the 'mini 28' because it loops through atmospheric parts of historic Lisbon near Alfama and the cathedral. It's shorter but offers a similar creaky track experience with sharp turns and old buildings close to the windows. It tends to be less crowded than Tram 28, making boarding easier during peak times.
Can I combine tram rides with other modes of transport to enhance my sightseeing in Lisbon?
Absolutely! Using public elevators and funiculars like Elevador da Bica or Elevador do Lavra can complement tram rides by providing quick climbs up steep hills with fantastic views. You can ride one up and walk down different routes to discover hidden miradouros, tiled façades, and charming neighborhoods at your own pace.
What is the benefit of doing a miradouro route instead of riding Tram 28?
Miradouros offer uninterrupted panoramic views of Lisbon’s rooftops, river, bridges, and domes—often better than glimpses from inside a crowded tram. Walking between viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro das Portas do Sol lets you control your pace, stop to relax or snack, and fully soak in the city's charm without the stress of waiting in queues.
