INTRODUCTION
Lisbon breathes history at every corner, and its trams have been charming visitors and locals for over a century. The legendary Tram 28 is often held up as the city’s must-see icon: it winds through Alfama, Graça, Bairro Alto and Campo de Ourique, threading together stairways, cobbled lanes and tiled façades. But if you prefer to slow down, feel the textures, eavesdrop on conversations and take photos at your own pace, there’s a simple, more immersive option: walk a route that mirrors Tram 28’s spirit, connecting the same viewpoints, churches and markets using your own two feet.
Contenu de l'article
This post lays out a detailed “tram-on-foot” itinerary with exact addresses, opening hours, indicative prices in euros and practical local tips. You’ll visit the highlights — Praça da Martim Moniz, the Castelo de São Jorge and the Elevador de Santa Justa — as well as lesser-known stops, panoramic lookouts and tasty breaks. The route is designed to be doable in a full day of walking (allow 5–7 hours depending on stops) and offers an authentic alternative to the crowds onboard the tram.
Walking lets you notice details often missed by hurried passengers: marble plaques on walls, unexpected azulejo designs, bakers shaping pastéis de nata at dawn, and market vendors setting up for the day. This guide also includes practical tips — how to buy a transport card, when to visit to avoid crowds, where to drink and eat without breaking the bank, and how to handle the hills and cobbles. Bring sturdy shoes, a water bottle and your camera: Lisbon’s classic tram experience is still there, but slower, tactile and more real when explored on foot.
1. Start at Martim Moniz: tram history and your first panorama
The natural starting point for this route is Praça da Martim Moniz (Praça da Martim Moniz, 1100-341 Lisboa), where Tram 28 traditionally begins. The square is a multicultural hub and gateway to Alfama, bustling with food stalls, Turkish restaurants and small shops. From here you can head east into Alfama’s first narrow lanes and quickly gain lovely views over the city and the Tagus river.
Practical tip: the square is lively all day; avoid the early morning rush hour if you want a quieter start. For transport, get a Viva Viagem card at any metro station: the plastic card costs about €0.50 and you can load trips onto it; a single urban journey with Viva Viagem typically costs around €1.55. If you prefer paying on board the tram (less recommended), the ticket purchased from the driver is often more expensive, around €3.00, and doesn’t integrate with the wider network.
To begin walking, take Rua da Palma then turn toward Largo São Rafael to climb into Alfama. You’ll quickly find stairways, tiny squares and tiled façades. Walking this route lets you get up close to workshops, traditional houses and street art, and stop at the first accessible miradouro for a sweeping view of the red-tiled rooftops.
2. Alfama: cathedrals, markets and fado
Descending gently from Alfama, one mandatory stop is the Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral), located at Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa. The cathedral is usually open from 09:00 to 19:00. Entry to the nave is free, but visiting the cloister and treasury costs extra: around €4.00 for the cloister (hours 09:00–18:00). Take time to soak up the Romanesque architecture and Gothic details: worn stone, massive arches and stained glass filtering golden light.
Continue to the Feira da Ladra (address: Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-472 Lisboa), the traditional flea market held on Tuesdays and Saturdays (main market on Saturday). Hours: it starts early, around 08:00 and quiets down after 14:00. Expect old books, postcards, bric-a-brac and textiles. Carry small change and watch your belongings — crowds can attract pickpockets.
A short walk away the Fado Museum (Museu do Fado, Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisboa) is a great cultural stop: usually open 10:00–18:00 (Tuesday to Sunday), adult entry about €6.00, reduced ticket €4.00. The museum traces the soul of fado, its origins, and sometimes hosts live performances. After visiting, opt for a light lunch in a small casa de fado where rice, bacalhau (cod) and grilled sardines are staples.
Click here to buy your ticket for Lisbon Cathedral
3. Up to Castelo de São Jorge and Graça viewpoints
Next, climb to the Castelo de São Jorge, at R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa. The castle offers one of the most complete views over Lisbon and the Tagus. Hours: generally 09:00–21:00 from April to October and 09:00–18:00 from November to March. Price: adult entry around €10.00, reduced about €5.00. Inside, walk the ramparts, listen to the bell chimes and notice Mediterranean plants tucked into the towers.
From there, descend toward the Graça neighborhood to reach two essential lookouts: the Miradouro da Graça (Largo da Graça, 1170-165 Lisboa) and the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Largo da Senhora do Monte, 1170-107 Lisboa). These viewpoints are open 24/7 and free. Morning and late-afternoon light transforms the roofs and river — ideal times for photos. The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is a bit more tucked away and often quieter than Portas do Sol or the castle viewpoint.
Practical tips: take lesser-used stairways to reach these miradouros and stop at a taberna for a coffee. The slopes are steep: plan a break, bring water and wear shoes with good grip. Houses in Graça reveal authentic azulejos and small artisan workshops.
Click here to book your skip-the-line ticket for the castle
Click here to book access to Graça Church
4. Descent to Baixa and Chiado: lifts, squares and cafés
Head down toward the historic centre through Graça and Alfama to reach Baixa and Chiado. A must-see is the Elevador de Santa Justa (Rua do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa), a neo-Gothic lift that delivers sweeping views over Baixa. Hours: often 07:30–23:00 depending on the season; the lift plus terrace costs around €5.15 (single ticket), though if you use a Viva Viagem card the cost can be comparable to a regular journey ~€1.65.
The Praça do Comércio (Praça do Comércio, 1100-148 Lisboa) is the large riverside square dominated by the Rua Augusta arch. It’s a great spot to pause, watch boats and enjoy the river breeze. Nearby Rua Augusta is pedestrianised and filled with shops and cafés. The Convento do Carmo (Carmo Archaeological Museum), Largo do Carmo 2, 1200-092 Lisboa, with its airy Gothic ruins, is usually open 10:00–18:00 and entry is about €5.50.
Chiado is the literary and artistic quarter: historic cafés like A Brasileira (Rua Garrett) invite you to sit and soak up the atmosphere. For a focused foodie experience, walk down to the Time Out Market (Avenida 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa) for diverse gastronomic options; hours typically 10:00–00:00 (vary by stall), with dishes starting around €6–8.
5. Alternate option: extend to Campo de Ourique or return by tram
You can extend the walking route westward to the neighborhoods where Tram 28 traditionally ends, such as Campo de Ourique. A worthwhile stop is the Mercado de Campo de Ourique (Rua Coelho da Rocha 104, 1350-075 Lisboa): a contemporary covered market with fresh stalls and small tables. Hours: typically 08:00–21:00 (varies by section). You’ll find local snacks for a well-earned break.
If your legs are getting tired, hop on a tram for a few stops: take a local line or board a tram for a short ride (ticket from the driver about €3.00, but cheaper with Viva Viagem). Returning by tram lets you compare perspectives: on foot you’ve absorbed the surroundings, on the tram you feel the speed, sway and passersby’s reactions.
Final practical tips for this section: plan your day around the light (morning for Alfama, late afternoon for the miradouros), keep your phone charged (expect to use down to 10–15% for photos), and leave room for surprises — an artisan shop, an impromptu fado performance, or a churros vendor. Public toilets are scarce; use cafés and museums for comfort stops.
CONCLUSION
Walking Tram 28’s route is more than a pleasant fitness challenge: it’s a full immersion into Lisbon’s culture. By walking, you give yourself time to explore details, chat with shopkeepers, taste local food and choose your favorite photographic angles. Key addresses — Praça da Martim Moniz (Praça da Martim Moniz, 1100-341 Lisboa), Sé de Lisboa (Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa), Castelo de São Jorge (R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa), Museu do Fado (Largo do Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lisboa), Elevador de Santa Justa (Rua do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa), and Mercado de Campo de Ourique (Rua Coelho da Rocha 104, 1350-075 Lisboa) — form a rich, accessible itinerary.
To sum up the practical essentials: Viva Viagem card €0.50; single trip approx. with card ~€1.55; ticket bought from the driver ≈ €3.00; Castelo de São Jorge entry ≈ €10.00 (hours vary by season); Fado Museum ≈ €6.00 (generally open 10:00–18:00). Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, avoid tram rush hours if you mix walking with rides, and respect local routines in residential areas (some neighborhoods get quiet after 22:00).
Finally, remember that Lisbon reveals itself best on foot: trams tell the story quickly, walking tells it in detail. Whether you climb to the Castelo, take a break at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, or savor a pastel in a neighborhood pastelaria, every detour will enrich your discovery. Safe travels, good boots, and enjoy the stroll through the lines and stones of the seven-hilled city.
