Lisbon on Rails: Discovering Trams and Funiculars

Lisbon has more than one charm up its sleeve to captivate its visitors. It is a city full of stories, and for good reason: our guide tells us it was the first city in Europe to be established.

There are countless ways to discover the Portuguese capital. Exploring it on foot from end to end is undoubtedly the best way to feel the ambiance of its various neighborhoods: Baixa, Alfama, Bairro Alto... However, it would be a shame to visit Lisbon without taking its vintage trams!

A true historical heritage, the tram might be the emblem of the city. Whether red and antique or yellow and more modern, I fell under their metallic charm. The red ones are always those that were used during the early days of trams. They allow you to discover the steep alleys of the Alfama neighborhood, the oldest district in the city, which survived the terrible earthquake of 1755.

So, to travel back in time or simply to rest your feet amidst these steep landscapes, boarding a sightseeing tram seems to be the main attraction of the capital.

But trams are not the only iconic vehicles in the city that you should try during a city trip to Lisbon...

Alongside the trams, the funiculars, or elevadors, are also worth a detour. The city of seven hills has equipped itself with elevators to climb its steepest streets.

The only downside: both the funiculars (and the trams), as well as the streets they inhabit, are often victims of graffiti artists. Some streets transform into gigantic graffiti murals, detracting from the views of the vintage trams and damaging the charm of the scene.

To ensure you don't miss any of the elevadors, funiculars, and elevators, here's the list of sites to find in the maze of Lisbon's streets:

This neo-Gothic elevator, connecting the Baixa and Bairro Alto neighborhoods, is the only urban elevator that moves vertically. Also nicknamed 'Eléctrico', after the square it joins in the heights of the city (my favorite square!), it offers a fantastic view of the city rooftops and the Tagus River estuary.

Originally, this wrought iron elevator, inspired by the works of a certain Mr. Eiffel, operated on steam.

In practice: It connects, at its base, Rua do Ouro and Rua de Santa Justa, with, at its top, the Largo do Carmo square. A little tip: it's possible to reach its summit without paying the ticket, by passing through Largo do Carmo.

Put into service in 1885, this elevator was the second means of transportation in the capital at the time.

Today, classified as a National Monument of Portugal, the Glória Elevator carries the highest number of passengers.

In practice: It ascends Calçada da Glória, a street perpendicular to Avenida Liberdade (the Champs Élysées of Lisbon) and connects Praça dos Restauradores to Bairro Alto (Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara). Open until late at night.

Close to the city center, this funicular is the oldest and least known in the city. Inaugurated in 1884, its route of 188 meters faces an average slope of 22.9%.

In practice: It is located on Rua Lavra, perpendicular to Avenida Liberdade, connecting Largo da Anunciada with Rua Câmara Pestana. Open from Monday to Saturday, from 7 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Saving the best for last: the Bica Elevator is my favorite funicular. The alley it traverses, clean and open, is surrounded by beautiful colorful houses. Inaugurated in 1892, it was classified as a historic monument of Portugal in 2002.

François had a blast taking photos, from the most classic to the most peculiar... (to be continued!).

In practice: It connects Calçada do Combro/Rua do Loreto and Rua de S. Paulo.

Note for funiculars: It's best to have a ticket before boarding (via the Viva Lisboa card or a tram/metro card), because tickets purchased on board are more expensive (3.60 euros round trip).

To go further:

More articles about Lisbon:

Lisbon: Practical Information

First Impressions: Lisbon in 5 Surprises

And don't miss our favorite near Lisbon: Sintra!

6 Reasons to Discover Sintra

Sintra: Practical Information