How to Get Around Lisbon – Trams, Metro & Walking Tips
Lisbon isn’t a car city — and that’s a good thing. The city is compact, charming, and best explored slowly, by tram, metro, or on foot. With its hills, hidden staircases, and scenic routes, getting around Lisbon is part of the experience. This 48-hour Lisbon guide lets you put it all to use. Here’s how locals do it.
1. On Foot – The Best Way to Feel the City
Lisbon’s old neighborhoods — like Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Mouraria — are made for walking. The hills are real, but so are the views. Wandering on foot means you’ll stumble into viewpoints, tiled alleys, and street musicians without even trying.
Local Tip: Wear real shoes (no flip-flops) — Lisbon’s cobblestones are beautiful but brutal.
2. Trams – Iconic and Actually Useful
Yes, they’re charming. But they’re also practical, especially Tram 28, which winds through many of Lisbon’s historic areas. Avoid boarding at tourist-packed stops like Martim Moniz — instead, catch it mid-route where there’s space to breathe.
Ticket Tip: Buy a Viva Viagem card (green reusable card) at any metro station and load it with zapping credit for cheaper fares.
3. Metro – Clean, Cheap, and Surprisingly Fast
Lisbon’s metro is small but efficient. It connects key hubs like the airport, city center, and some residential areas. Great for crossing longer distances or avoiding steep hills.
Lines to know:
- Blue Line – Baixa-Chiado to Amadora Este
- Green Line – Cais do Sodré to Telheiras
- Red Line – Airport to São Sebastião
4. Elevadores & Funiculars – Hills? No Problem
These vintage lifts and cable cars help you glide up some of the city’s steepest slopes. Locals actually use them — especially Elevador da Glória (connects downtown to Bairro Alto).
Ticket Tip: Viva Viagem card works here too, so no need to pay full fare.
5. Trains to Belém or Cascais
Need to get to Belém for pastries and monuments? Or escape to the beaches of Cascais? The Cascais Line from Cais do Sodré takes you there in under 40 minutes.
Pro move: Sit on the left side for ocean views as you leave Lisbon.
Final Tip
Skip the car rental. Skip the car rental. Lisbon’s streets weren’t built for it — these 5 local corners are better explored on foot or tram anyway.. Embrace public transport, walk when you can, and treat every ride like part of the story.
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