Want to ride Tram 28 without the crowds? Then this blog post is for you! I share my 5 tips to ride Tram 28 like a pro: discover the ideal routes, learn pro techniques for securing a coveted seat, and master the art of avoiding long queues.
To ride, or not to ride, that is the question!
Lisbon’s iconic trams serve as both as beautiful backdrop and an essential mode of transportation in Lisbon. Their distinctive squeaks and rattles echo through the narrow streets of the city while the famous yellow trams have become emblems of the city. But Beyond their tourist allure, Lisbon’s trams are a lifeline for locals, offering convenient connections across the city’s sprawling terrain, including its notorious hills.
Riding Tram 28 in Lisbon is one of the most iconic things to do in the City, but it can also be a flop if not done right.
Keep Reading // 11 Amazing Things to do in Lisbon
But fear not, I have uncovered the secrets to enjoying this classic adventure to the fullest. Drawing from my own experiences, I share some tips and tricks to beat the crowds and savor every moment aboard these nostalgic trams.
So, is Tram 28 really worth the hype? The answer yes, but you need to do it right!

HERE ARE 5 TIPS TO RIDE TRAM 28 LIKE A PRO
… BUT FIRST, SOME HISTORY
The Lisbon tram system entered service on 17 November 1873 as a horsecar line. At the time, the “trams” were only available in the flat parts of the city where horses were capable of hauling their passenger loads. However, if you know anything about Lisbon, you’ll know that it is nothing but flat…
Keep Reading // To learn why Lisbon as the nickname “City of Seven Hills” check out the blog post about 14 Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon
To remediate this problem, the City Council proposed the use of funiculars : the first one came into service in 1884. This marked a significant milestones in the city’s transportation history.
In 1890, the first cable tram route was put into operation. This was a 1,7 kilometer route between Praça Camões to Largo da Estrela. This innovative technology offered an alternative to funiculars for navigating Lisbon’s longer and curved routes. A few years later, in 1901, Lisbon’s first electric tramway commenced operations. Within a year, all of the city’s routes had been converted to electric traction.
But what about route 28?
Trams 28 dates back to 1914 when horse drawn carriages were replaced by the now iconic yellow trams. If some lines use newer trams cars, Tram 28 looks very much the same as it at the beginning of the 20th century with wooden floors, timber window frames and yellow bodies.
But why is this route so popular? The 7km long route passes through the districts of Graça, Alfama, Baxia, Chiado, Santa Catarina and Estrela : basically all the popular districts of Lisbon. It takes about 50 minutes to travel the entire route between Largo do Martim Moniz and Campo Ourique.

TIP 1: DON’T WAIT TO GET ON THE TRAM TO BUY YOUR TICKET
To save both time and money, and to avoid feeling like everyone is annoyed with you, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Of course it is possible to buy your ticket on the tram itself for a fee of €3 in cash. But imagine if all the passengers did that… what a hassle.
Instead, consider buying a Viva Viagem card from any metro station, allowing you to preload your tram journeys beforehand. For maximum convenience and value, adding a 24-hour unlimited pass to your card for just €6.60 provides unlimited access to all public transport for a full day, including the picturesque Elevador de Santa Justa and Elevador da Glória funiculars.
Alternatively, if you anticipate using public transport less frequently, you can opt for the “zapping” option, loading a cash balance onto your card at €1.65 per tram ride. All you need to do is tap your card when you get in the tram.
If you have the Lisbon Card public transportation is free, including Tram 28.
TIP 2 : DON’T GO AT THE SAME TIME AS EVERYONE ELSE
It’s 10am on a Saturday, should I ride tram 28? Absolutely not!
Fun Fact // Did you know that it is estimated that Tram 28 transports around 4,5 million passenger every year? But get this… each tram can sit 20 people and about another 25 standing. If you do the math, that means very cramped cars.
Knowing when to ride Tram 28 is a bit complicated because peak time is anytime between 9am and 7pm. And conductors often skip stops when there is no more space for additional passengers…
During peak time, particularly at Praça Martin Moniz, it can take an hour or more to get in, particularly in the busy summer season.
So when should you get on? Try early in the morning, before 9am or at the end of the night around 9pm.


TIP 3: GO THE OPPOSITE WAY AS EVERYONE ELSE
To maximize your chances of securing a seat on the often crowded trams in Lisbon, consider boarding at one of the start or end stops of the line, such as Campo de Ourique in the west or Martim Moniz in the Alfama district. Riding the full route without hopping on and off in the middle allows you to experience all the sights.
However, as I’ve mentioned above, Praça Martin Moniz can get extremely busy since it’s right in the middle of the city center. That is particularly true in peak tourist season where the wait time can be more than an hour.
For that reason, I highly recommend riding in the opposite direction. Rather than waiting in endless lines at Martim Moniz, start your journey at the other end, in Campo de Ourique. By starting in Campo de Ourique, a square in a less touristy neighborhood of Lisbon, you’ll be able to get a seat next to the window and enjoy the entirety of the Tram 28. Get there by taxi, on the #25 tram, or enjoy the 45-minute walk from Chiado.
Warning // Tram 28 is renowned for being a hotspot for pickpockets. Make sure you hold on to your belonging, especially if you are doing the ride standing.
TIP 4 : KNOW WHERE TO SIT
When boarding the tram, choose your seat strategically to optimize your sightseeing experience. If you’re starting your journey at the Martim Moniz stop in Alfama, opt for the left-hand side of the tram to enjoy panoramic views of the oceanfront and key tourist attractions as you travel downtown.
On the other hand, if your journey begins at the Campo Ourique stop in the west, select the right side for the best sightseeing opportunities. Keep in mind that the seats on the right side of the tram are typically singles rather than benches. If you’re traveling with friends or family, sitting on the right may mean sacrificing sitting together as a group.
TIP 5: WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, TRY ANOTHER ROUTE
If all of the tips above have not worked, consider opting for tram 12 instead of the iconic tram 28. Both trams use charming historic trams carts, but the number 24 typically has shorter queues and more available seats, allowing for a more relaxed journey.
Tram 12 follows a similar route to tram 28, but does not cover as much ground. Instead of the 7km route of Tram 28, Tram 12 covers only 4km and the entire route takes around 20 minutes.
Still, tram 12 offers a delightful journey along some of the same tracks in Alfama as the famed tram 28, making stops at iconic landmarks such as São Jorge Castle, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the Se Cathedral, and more.

READ THESE POSTS BEFORE VISITING LISBON!
LISBON GUIDES | 11 Amazing Things to do In Lisbon; 14 Things to Know Before Visiting Lisbon; How to make the best of your visit to Belém; 1 day, 3 castles: How to make the best of your day in Sintra; Where to Stay in Lisbon?
LISBON PHOTOS | 30 amazing photos of Lisbon
THE REST OF PORTUGAL | 11 amazing things to do in Porto; 9 amazing things to do in Lagos
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Did you know Matera has been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years? 🤯 That means people have been watching sunsets from these ancient cliffs since before Rome even existed!
📌 SAVE & SHARE this reel for your next Italian adventure! 🇮🇹✨
What makes Matera so special?
🏛️ One of the oldest cities in the world – It’s the 3rd oldest continuously inhabited settlement after Aleppo and Jericho. If you move into the Sassi di Matera, you’d be living in the same cave homes as people from the Middle Ages!
🪨 Matera is literally carved into stone! – The word Sassi means “rock” in Latin, and most of Matera’s dwellings are dug directly into limestone cliffs. That’s why the cave hotels here are some of the most unique stays in Italy!
⛪️ 155 hidden cave churches! – Matera is home to an underground world of frescoed churches and monasteries, carved into the rock centuries ago.
😳 Once abandoned, now a UNESCO site! – In the 1950s, Matera was called the “shame of Italy” due to extreme poverty. Families were forced to relocate, leaving the city in ruins.
✨ But by the 1990s, everything changed! Matera was revived and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Today, it’s one of the most breathtaking and unique places in Italy!
Visiting Matera = stepping back in time!
Between its ancient history, unreal landscapes, and magical golden-hour views, this place is unforgettable.
Would you visit Matera? Or have you already been? Drop a 🏛️ in the comments if this is on your bucket list! 👇
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#Matera #ItalyTravel #VisitItaly #SassiDiMatera #HiddenItaly #CaveHotels #UNESCOWorldHeritage #AncientCities #TravelEurope #historicplaces

Would you stay in a cabin so remote, you have to hike to get there… Trust me it’s 100% worth it.
Looking for a secluded winter getaway near Toronto? Meet Lavender Landing, a hidden off-grid cabin in Creemore, Ontario, just 1.5 hours from the city. No cars, no crowds—just snow-covered trees, a crackling fireplace, and total privacy.
🚶♀️ Getting there is part of the adventure – You’ll hike 1km through the forest to reach this cozy retreat, but don’t worry, the owners provide snowshoes and a sled for your trek.
🔥 Cozy perks:
✔ Heated by a wood-burning fireplace (because nothing beats the sound of crackling fire in winter)
✔ Gorgeous views over the snowy forest—no neighbors, just nature
✔ Off-grid, but still has WiFi & power outlets
✔ Mini fridge, camping burner & BBQ for simple meals
✔ Heated outhouse just steps from the cabin
🌲 Endless trails & a hidden waterfall!
This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a winter adventure. You’ll have access to scenic trails, including one leading to the largest privately owned waterfall in Ontario.
📌 SAVE this post for your next Ontario cabin getaway! Would you hike 1km in the snow for a morning like this? Let me know in the comments! 👇
📍 Lavender Landing | The Hollow Mill | Creemore, Ontario
*invited stay*
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#OntarioCabins #WinterGetaway #CozyCabin #SnowyEscape #HikingOntario #OffGridCabin #WinterHiking #CreemoreOntario #HiddenGems #CabinInTheWoods #cabinvibes

If you don’t love winter, you’re just not going to the right places. ❄️😉
Not everyone gets winter—the cold, the snow, the shorter days. But these places? They’ll make you wish winter lasted longer. Whether it’s frozen waterfalls, cozy cabins, scenic hikes, or outdoor skating rinks, these are the best winter destinations in Ontario for a perfect snowy escape.
🌊 Indian Falls – A breathtaking frozen waterfall near Owen Sound, where ice formations change with the season.
🏡 The Hollow Mill – A secluded off-grid cabin in Creemore, where you snowshoe 1km through the forest to get there. But trust me, it’s worth it.
❄️ Jones Falls – A waterfall in Owen Sound: snow-covered bridges and frozen cascades that make winter hiking magical.
🍷 Three Dog Winery – Think snowshoeing hike in a vineyard! Because winter wine tasting > summer wine tasting.
🏖️ Sandbanks Provincial Park – A frozen beach? Yes, please.
🧊 The Grotto (Bruce Peninsula) – Turquoise ice, frozen caves, and rugged Georgian Bay beauty—without the summer crowds.
⛸️ Kingston – Skating in front of historic City Hall feels straight out of a holiday movie.
🌲 Frontenac Provincial Park – One of the best places for winter hiking & snowshoeing near Kingston, with frozen lakes and peaceful trails.
🪨 Bon Echo Provincial Park – Mazinaw Rock dusted in snow? Unreal. Winter transforms this Ontario park into a quiet, icy wonderland.
🌿 Silent Lake Provincial Park – No motorized boats, no noise—just snow-covered forests, cross-country ski trails, and pure tranquility.
🍁 Mono Cliffs Provincial Park – A classic winter hike near Toronto, with snow-covered cliffs, frozen lookouts, and towering trees.
Winter in Ontario isn’t just bearable—it’s breathtaking. You just need to know where to go.
📌 SAVE this post for your next Ontario winter getaway! Have you been to any of these? Or do you have a go-to winter spot? Drop it in the comments! 👇
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#WinterInOntario #OntarioHiking #FrozenWaterfalls #OntarioCabins #WinterAdventures #SnowyEscape #HikingOntario #HiddenGems #DiscoverOntario #WinterMagic #ExploreCanada

Winter hiking can be magical… unless you make these mistakes. ❄️
I’ve made my fair share of winter hiking mistakes, and trust me—some made my hike way harder than it needed to be. Avoid these 5 common mistakes (and don’t miss the 3 extra ones at the end!👇).
1️⃣ Overdressing & Overheating
I was afraid of being cold, so I layered up too much. Big mistake. Once you start moving, your body warms up fast—and sweating in the cold makes you freeze later. Wear breathable layers you can easily remove.
2️⃣ Skipping the Snowshoes
The trail looked packed, so I thought I didn’t need them. Two minutes later, I was sinking knee-deep in snow. If there’s fresh or soft snow, bring snowshoes.
3️⃣ Not Checking Trail Conditions
Deep snow, ice, or even surprise closures can ruin your hike. Check trail reports before heading out and bring microspikes or snowshoes if needed.
4️⃣ Starting Too Late in the Day
Winter days are short, and the sun sets fast. Start early so you’re not racing against daylight.
5️⃣ Forgetting a Second Pair of Gloves
Wet gloves = cold, miserable hands. Whether from snow or sweat, a dry backup pair is a lifesaver.
🚨 And here are 3 mistakes most people don’t think about… but definitely should! 👇
6️⃣ Not Protecting Your Phone from the Cold
Cold weather drains your phone battery FAST. Keep it in an inside pocket close to your body and bring a portable charger.
7️⃣ Ignoring Wind Chill
-5°C might sound fine, but with wind chill, it can feel like -15°C or worse. Dress for the “feels like” temp, not just the forecast.
8️⃣ Not Telling Anyone Your Plan
Winter hiking conditions can be unpredictable. Always tell someone your route and expected return time.
📌 Save this post so you don’t make these mistakes! Have you ever had a winter hiking fail? Tell me in the comments! 👇
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#WinterHiking #HikingTips #OutdoorAdventure #WinterHikes #HikingOntario #WinterExploration #StaySafeOutdoors #DiscoverOntario #HikingFails #coldweatherhiking

Spend the weekend with me at Pearadise on West Lake 🏡✨
You know that perfect kind of weekend? The one where you actually slow down, breathe a little deeper, and let yourself just be? That’s exactly what I found at @pearadiseonwestlake, a cozy winter Airbnb in Prince Edward County.
Some days, I stayed wrapped up in a blanket by the fireplace, book in one hand, coffee in the other—fully leaning into my cozy retreat mode. Other times, I ventured out to explore PEC’s charming cafés, wineries, and scenic winter views, knowing I had the most peaceful space to return to.
It’s the kind of stay that makes you feel at home the second you walk in the door.
✔️ Cozy winter retreat? Check. (Fireplace, reading nook, and big windows to watch the snow fall? Yes, please.)
✔️ Romantic winter escape? Definitely. (Slow mornings, candlelit dinners, and a dreamy atmosphere.)
✔️ Family-friendly Airbnb? Absolutely. (Spacious common areas, a playroom, and a cozy space to make memories.)
Located right by West Lake in Wellington, Prince Edward County, this winter getaway spot is perfect for those who want to explore PEC at a slower pace—or stay in, light a fire, and enjoy a quiet, peaceful weekend.
📍 Looking for a cozy winter escape in Ontario? Tag someone you’d love to bring here! 💫
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*invited stay*
#PrinceEdwardCounty #VisitPEC #CozyWinterGetaway #OntarioAirbnb #OntarioStaycations #WinterInOntario #RomanticWinterEscape #WestLake #PECWineries #WeekendGetaway #BestAirbnbOntario #WinterRetreat #FireplaceVibes #pecadventures
