Tram through Alfama – A Portugal Adventure
8:50 AM
Good afternoon everyone! It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my travel adventures. And today, you are in luck, as I will be sharing about my trip in Portugal! And as a first stop, we will be travelling to the oldest district of Lisbon, Portugal – Alfama – on an exciting tram ride on the infamous Electrico 28.
Point of Departure: Martim Moniz
Starting off this tram ride, really did trained my patience. I arrived at the tram station stop at 11:00AM on a Monday morning, and waited a bit more than an hour before I got on the tram. Mind you, the tram fits approximately 30 people at a time and comes at a 15 minute interval. So be prepared to wait! If you don’t want to wait however, there are these little cars that try to entice you to get on them for a small fee. But I did my cost analysis, and perhaps it will be good to share with you. For a single ride on the tram, it cost 2.85 Euros. For a 24 hour pass, it will cost 6 Euros. If you are interested in the little cars, it will cost you about 40 – 45 Euros, as this was what the folks told me. The choice is definitely yours to make, but if you want to tour the Alfama region the old fashion way, Electrico 28 is the way to go.
Stop 1: Graca - Graca Church / Miradoura Da Graca
After experiencing a bit of a roller coaster on the tram, I arrive at my first stop, Graca.
At this stop locates the Graca Church, but aside from that, there is an amazing view point that looks over at Sao Jorge Castle, Ponte 25 de Abril and more. If it’s a nice day, you can also enjoy a cup of coffee.
Stop 2: Das Portas Do Sol
If you thought the first stop had a stunning view, then you are about to see something even more stunning! Portas do Sol means Gates of the Sun. Similar to the Miradouro Da Graca, it serves as a great viewpoint of the city.
Overlooking the Alfama rooftop and Tagus River, this is a great place to hang out and have lunch / coffee before visiting the Sao Jorge Castle as it’s only a 5 minute walk from here (uphill of course).
You might also want to look for Statue of Sao Vincent that is found in Das Portas Do Sol. He holds a boat and two ravens, which is the symbol of Lisbon! And there also some other picture worth views! Trust.
Stop 3: Miradouro Sta. Luiza
This station would be the stop to visit Castelo de Sao Jorge. But I would recommend not take the tram for this. Instead, I would highly recommend to just walk to Castelo de Sao Jorge from Dos Portas do Sol as it’s a nice walk! And on my way up, I did find something interesting flower design!
And finally, here’s the view from the castle and of the castle. But hopefully you have a scarf or something, as it’s very windy!
And of course, what could a castle be without some canons?
And don’t forget to look for some peacocks while you are at the castle!
Stop 4: Se
At this stop, you will be able to visit Lisbon Cathedral. Most people usually walk over to here from Castelo de Sa Jorge, but if you do take the Electrico 28 again, be warned, the pickpockets are vicious! Be very careful and make sure all your valuables are far from reach. If you have inner pockets in your jacket remember to keep your wallets there. You have been warned!
Last stop: Chiado
My final stop was at Chiado where it is in an elegant neighbourhood of Baixa (downtown Lisbon). This place is a home to several upscale restaurants, bookshops, boutique stores and hotels.
But that’s not all. This is also where the Igreja de Sao Roque is. Don’t forget to check it out.
And this ends my first day in Lisbon, travelling back in time to the oldest part of Lisbon – Alfama. Below you can find the comprehensive list of all the stops that the Electrico 28 (http://carris.transporteslisboa.pt/en/tram/28e/ascendente/).
- Martim Moniz
- Palma (Metro)
- Igreja Anjos
- Maria Andrade
- Maria Fonte
- Angelina Vidal
- Sapadores
- R. Graca
- Graca
- Voz Operario
- Cc. S. Vicente
- Escolas Gerais
- Portas Sol
- Miradouro Sta. Luiza
- Limoeiro
- Se
- Conceicao
- Academia Nacional Belas Artes
- Vitor Cordon / R. Serpa Pinto
- Chiado (Metro)
- Pc. Luis Camoes (Metro)
- Calhariz (bica)
- Catarina
- Cc. Combro
- Poiais S. Bento
- S. Bento / Cc. Estrela
- Cc. Estrela / R. Borges Carneiro
- Cc. Estrela / R. Dr. Teofilo Braga
- Estrela (Basilica)
- Estrela – R. Domingos Sequeira
- Domingos Sequeira
- Saraiva Carvalho
- Igreja Sto. Condestavel
- Campo Ourique (Prazeres)
Stay tuned for more of Portugal. Ta ta for now!
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