Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its buildings and architecture reflect its history, having been occupied by many conquering peoples, including the Germanic tribes of the 5th century, the Moors of the 8th century, through to its recapture by the Crusaders in the 12th century.

The historic Tram 28 connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique. It passes through the popular tourist districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela.

This is the classic Lisbon tram journey, although in reality be prepared for a crowded, uncomfortable noisy ride as the traveller is jostled and rattled through the narrow twisting hilly streets of Lisbon and its outer suburbs. Comfort issues aside, this is one of the best tours of the city. Tram 28 is not the only tram in Lisbon, simply the oldest and best known.

Lisbon city centre is relatively compact and easily explored on foot although the hills do make this a challenge.

To the North West of the main tourist centre (Rua Augusta) head towards Praca Rossio and onto the Avenida da Liberdade, the centre of designer shopping and high end hotels. Following the Avenida da Liberdade to it northern end is the Parque Eduardo VII, named after King Edward VII who visited in 1902.

At the top of the parque, with stunning views over downtown Lisbon and the Tejo River, is a monument and fountain commemorating the 25th April Revolution (by Joao Cutiliero).

Following the Tejo westwards from Lisbon is the town of Belem, long associated with seafaring and the early Portuguese explorers (Henry the Navigator et al). The Padrao dos Descobrimentos monument celebrates these adventurers from the “Age of Discoveries”.

Further westwards is the iconic Torre de Belem which actually dates from the “Age of Discoveries” and was part of the defences of Lisbon and the Tejo River. The tower was originally built on a small offshore island, but is now much closer to the shore following the redirection of the Tejo by the earthquake of 1755.

Sintra, a 45 minute train ride westwards from Lisbon, is a tourist trap at the edge of the coastal plain. The National Palace is in the village centre, a Moorish castle atop a hill a short bus ride from the centre and the Romanticist Pena Palace atop a neighbouring hill overlooking the Moorish Castle. Built in 1854 by King Ferdinand II, its origins date from much earlier in the Middle Ages following an apparition of the Virgin Mary.

The Pena Palace is built in a confusion of styles, including Neo-Gothic, Neo-Moorish (The Tiled Turret) and Neo-Renaissance (the Mythological Triton depicted in Neptune’s Window). The cooler coastal climate saw the palace used as the summer residence of the Royal family.

The Bairro Alto is an elevated area dating from the 15th century. Due to the hilly nature of the city, access from the low coastal areas to the higher inland areas can be difficult. An early solution to this problem is provided by a number of furnicular railway carriages. One such is the Ascensor da Gloria which runs from the Praca Rossio to the Bairro Alto.

The Bairro Alto is a residential and commercial area, somewhat bohemian in character, with crowded apartments, bustling restaurants, quaint lanes featuring eclectic shops, open squares, popular with itinerant musicians, a profusion of bars and the Theatre da Trinidade, home to traditional Fado.