By Tram in Lisbon

Lisbon's elétrico system, operated by the public transportation company Carris, is one of the most amusing and enjoyable ways to get around, especially if you can board one of the clunky old wooden ones (and remember to secure your bag and wallet against pickpockets). The sleek new supertrams are emblazoned with ads. For a taste of the old days, catch Tram 28 for an inexpensive tour of the city from the Alfama; Tram 15 will take you to Belém, passing by or near many of that district's sights; Tram 18 runs right to the Palácio de Ajuda, also in Belém. Stops are indicated by paragem" (stop) signs on the sidewalks, and every stop has a route indicator for each tram that passes that way. Buying tickets in advance at Carris kiosks will cost you half as much as paying the fare in cash when you board. The system operates 6:30 AM to midnight; insert your ticket in the ticket-punch machine by the driver.

Contact

Carris (21/361-3054. www.carris.pt).