Three European cities stand out for their yellow trams: Milan in Italy, Budapest in Hungary, and Lisbon in Portugal. Lisbon, in particular, has captivated many with its charm, often depicted in tram photos that evoke a sense of wonder.

There's a saying that Lisbon is so exquisite that even its sounds seem to shimmer, and it doesn't rely on must-visit landmarks because the entire city, every alley included, is a picturesque sight.

It's not just the vintage trams weaving through its streets but also the street art adorning walls and the pervasive artistic vibe on every corner. The most famous tram route is Tram 28, from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique. You can hop on anywhere, starting from the historic center at Martim Moniz Square, passing through Graça, and heading towards São Vicente de Fora.

Then it journeys through Alfama, traversing some of Lisbon's most beautiful medieval streets and squares like Rua das Escolas Gerais and Largo das Portas do Sol. It offers a prime vantage point on the riverside hill. From here, it's a short walk to São Jorge Castle.

Continuing towards the city center, you'll find bustling Rua Augusta, a traditional shopping street cherished by locals. Tram 28 is Europe's oldest tram line, maintaining its retro charm inside and out. At over a century old, Tram 28 still wears its bright yellow coat, carrying Lisbon's old dreams as it rattles its way eastward, climbing from the commercial square by the Tagus River to the hilltop cathedral, passing by the majestic castle and through remnants of Roman walls.

The commercial square, also known as Palace Square, is the starting point of Tram 28. Before the earthquake of 1755, it housed the Royal Palace of Ribeira. It features a colonnaded building on three sides, with the glorious triumphal arch of Augusta Street in the foreground. The square bustles with people, serving as the central hub of the tram network, almost resembling the city's axis. Looking up, the sky seems tangled in a spider's web of overhead wires, lending an ethereal quality.

Legend has it that this square holds records of the glorious Age of Discovery. In the latter half of the 15th century, Cabral and da Gama set sail from this tower, charting new routes to Brazil and India, respectively. In May 1498, after four years of trials, da Gama's fleet finally reached Calicut in India, the same port where Zheng He had stopped over half a century earlier.

Lisbon's timeless allure, embodied by its yellow trams and historic charm, beckons travelers to explore its streets, where every corner whispers tales of bygone eras.