Pelourinho de Lisboa

Our walk begins in Praça do Município, (Lisbon City Hall) where a modest stone column stands quietly in the center of the square—the Pelourinho de Lisboa, or Lisbon’s pillory. Though easy to overlook, this column carries a weighty past. It’s believed to be a replica of a Manueline-era original destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The current version was installed in the late 18th century and, for a time, was mistakenly thought to be part of a gallows. In reality, pillories weren’t used for executions—they were instruments of public shaming. Criminals were chained to the column and left to face the crowd’s scorn.

Chiado

Welcome to Chiado, one of Lisbon’s central neighborhoods known for its mix of shopping, culture, and history. Rua Garrett which is included in the central Lisbon Walk runs through the middle, lined with everything from international brands to long-standing Portuguese shops. It’s a good place to browse or grab a coffee while taking in the street life.

If you’re interested in art, there are a few smaller galleries tucked into the side streets worth checking out. One spot that stands out is A Brasileira, a historic café that’s been around since the early 1900s. It’s known for its connection to Portuguese writers and artists—especially Fernando Pessoa, whose statue sits just outside.

As you continue, you’ll pass a couple of churches, but I recommend stepping into the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation (Igreja da Encarnação). It’s easy to miss from the outside, but inside you’ll find a striking altar, painted ceilings, and classic Portuguese tilework. It’s a quiet, worthwhile stop in the middle of a busy area.

Bica

This part of the walk brings you to the Bica Funicular, a short tram line that climbs one of Lisbon’s steepest streets. It’s a well-known spot, especially among photographers, thanks to its dramatic incline and the classic Lisbon backdrop of tiled buildings and laundry-draped balconies. If you’re interested, you can ride it up or down—tickets are available onboard, but you’ll pay less if you’re using a transport card like Viva Viagem.

Chirch of Santa Catarina

As you continue through this stretch, you’ll come across the Church of Santa Catarina, a solid example of 16th-century baroque architecture. It’s a large, understated building from the outside, but inside you’ll find a few standout features—especially the rococo-style stucco ceiling and the gilded pipe organ, which is worth a look even if you’re not usually drawn to church interiors.

If you’re doing this walk in the afternoon and feel like taking a break, there’s a rooftop bar nearby called Park. It’s not obvious—it’s actually on top of a parking garage. Look for the elevator just inside the garage entrance and head up to the top floor. You can take the stairs to the fifth and then the lift, or just ride the elevator all the way. The views over the city and river are solid, and the drinks are reasonably priced. It’s a good spot to rest your legs and take in the skyline before continuing on.

Estrela

The Estrela neighborhood isn’t always on the typical tourist route, but it’s home to one of the most impressive sights along the Tram 28 line—the Estrela Basilica. Built starting in 1779, this massive church stands out with its twin bell towers and large dome. The interior is worth a look, especially the detailed marble work and the nativity scene, which includes over 500 hand-crafted figures.

Right across the street is the Jardim da Estrela, a quiet public park that’s a good spot to take a break. It’s not flashy, but it’s well-kept and peaceful, with shaded paths and benches. There’s a small kiosk café inside the park—Banana Cafe—where you can grab a coffee, cold drink, or a light snack. It’s a solid place to rest your feet before continuing on toward Campo de Ourique.

Prazeres Cemetery

And here you are—the final stop on the Tram 28 walking tour. The main site to check out here is the Prazeres Cemetery, the largest in Lisbon. It was established in 1833 following a cholera outbreak, but over time it’s become something of a national cemetery, with many notable Portuguese figures buried here. The entrance area includes a small chapel that sometimes hosts exhibitions, but even if that’s closed, it’s worth walking through the grounds. The cemetery is well-maintained, quiet, and surprisingly scenic. If you make it to the far end, you’ll get a great view of the 25th of April Bridge and the Tagus River—a solid way to wrap up the walk.