Lisbon – Peak of Public Transport an Misbehaviour

Lisbon is a city that has a unique charm, and one of the best ways to experience it is by using the public transport. Especially the trams are something special. The city has a big tram network with both modern and old-looking trams. Some of the older ones look like they are from another time, but in reality, they are newly built. They still have the traditional driving handles called „Einheitsfahrschalter,“ which give a nostalgic feeling¹.

Another thing that never fails to catch my attention is the bold wiring of Lisbon’s electricity supply. Thick bundles of cables stretch confidently across streets, clinging to building facades like urban ivy. It’s both impressive and slightly terrifying to see such creative electrical solutions in action, a sight that reminds me I’m definitely not at home.²

Visiting Lisbon in January was a good decision. One my last day the blue sky stretched above the city, and the slightly warm winter air was filled with the scent of freshly baked Pastéis de Nata. These creamy custard pastries, with their crispy, caramelized tops, are impossible to resist and make for the perfect snack while exploring the city adn riding through the small streets of Lisbon in one of these trains. It feels like traveling back in time, but at the same time, you see the modern life of the city outside the window.³

However, this nice experience was sometimes ruined by the behavior of other passengers. It was not the tourists, but often the local people who played voice messages loudly, talked on the phone, or watched videos without headphones. This made the ride noisy and less enjoyable. It’s always fascinating to observe how different cultures approach public spaces, but it still surprises me how comfortable some people are with sharing their entire phone conversations with an entire tram.⁴

When I was in Tokyo two years ago, I noticed a big difference. In Japan, people are very respectful in public transport. They don’t talk loudly, don’t watch videos without headphones, and even put their phones on silent mode. It was a very pleasant experience, because everyone respected each other’s space.⁵

Even though the noise in Lisbon trams was annoying, I still think the city is worth visiting. The trams, the buses, and the funiculars give a great way to explore the city. If you love old transport, you will enjoy it for sure.