One of the cool things about Lisbon is it's variety of public transportation options. It's way easier to use them, to get places farther than you want to walk, rather than trying to drive a car here. There are two distinct types of trams the Remodelado (the quaint yellow ones that rattle and screech their way through the narrow streets) & the modern Siemens Articulado (which are confined to the flat sections of the city). The most famous one is the yellow Tram 28 which winds it's way through much of the historic center and narrow cobblestone streets. There are often VERY long lines to experience this so one morning I headed out first thing and grabbed a seat by the window.
The best way to ride these is to get a Via viagem card at a metro/train station and load a set amount on it. Then every time you ride something (bus, tram, ferry, train) you just hold the card up to the reader and it deducts the amount of that ride and purchases your ticket. It's also at a reduced rate if you do it this way verses paying with cash as you board.
Tram 28 really is unique to ride as it winds it's way through the super narrow historic streets. At times you are so close to the pedestrians (as this woman is showing her reaction to that as we passed) and buildings that you could touch them if you stretched out your arm.
I rode it to the end of the route, where everyone has to get off, and decided to walk around and see a few things since this was all new area and quite a ways from our apartment. That included the incredibly unique Cemitério de Prazeres which is the largest cemetery in Lisbon. I spent a little time meandering past rows of mausoleums and baroque tombstones. The jacaranda trees were in full bloom here creating a very parklike feel. Afterwards, I headed to the Park of Necessidades where I walked past old abandoned structures, chickens, ducks, geese and a peacock to see some pretty views of the bridge and pink façade of the Palace.
Then I hopped on a bus and got off at the Basilica da Estrela (whose construction began in 1779). I thought it was really pretty as we passed by on the tram and I'm glad I returned because I was able to pay 4 euros and climb a steep little staircase up to the top for some wonderful views. There was even a little door where you could go inside the main dome and look down into the cathedral. I was the only one up there and loved it. Next to this was a really beautiful park where I sat and had a coffee and saw a Black-crowned Night Heron.
Another cool thing to ride is a funicular. There are three of them to choose from and they climb the cities steepest hills. Originally, they ran on water but are now powered by electricity. We took the Elevador da Glória, which opened in 1885 as the second of its kind in the city. Although it was only electrified in 1915, it still retains its original characteristics and was the perfect way to get up to the views at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara which has some of the best views we've found. Afterwards we wandered a bit and ended up having a yummy meal and catching some golden hour lighting as we walked home.
I've never heard that word– funicular! What a picturesque couple of days. I absolutely LOVE that photo of you taking a picture of the mural with the red flower boxes in the foreground and the hills in the distance. Feels like it really captures the feel of these last few posts. ❤️ Nice shot, Dad!!