“The seats aren’t comfortable, but you have a beer”: readers’ favorite tram rides City breaks
The journey of victory: A little dram in a pub tram, Helsinki
Helsinki is a small and sensible tram system, except wonderful SpåraKoff “pub” tram: A bright red single trolley that travels around the city and serves passengers mostly beer and a “long drink” (gin and grapefruit drink; try a tentacle). It covers most of the city’s usual attractions without annoying comments. The seating isn’t particularly comfortable and the decor is mostly wood, but you’re on a tram with a beer, so now is the best afternoon / evening of the week. In Helsinki, drinks are reasonably priced at less than € 8 per pint and the wine list is constantly changing. To make it especially special, it has a toilet, so you may never have to leave.
Gavin
Hong Kong rumbles
The trams on the island of Hong Kong are gently known as “Ding dings” and run more than 13 kilometers on the main roads from west to east between Kennedy Town and Shau Kei Wan. Drifting along this city canyon takes about two hours and costs 25 p, and the sights are endless. From the windows of Korov’s residential monoliths in all pastel tones, satellite dishes and air conditioners strain the light outwards. Below, cardboard carts and shiny cars are transported through narrow streets in retail neon lights. From the smallest cracks, the jungle trees jump up, merging together in the parks. Floating at the towers of Bank of China and HSBC. There is no better way to relax in the most manic city in the world.
Culann Robinson
Reopened: Trieste, Italy
The tram runs between the hills in Villa Opicina, close to the Slovenian border and the lovely Adriatic town. Trieste, about 6 km away. It becomes a cable car that uses cables to help navigate the steepest sections. The views are spectacular, the experience is unusual and you have the opportunity to visit two countries on one trip. The tramway has been closed since August 2016 as a result of the accident, but authorities hope that after several scandals and accidents the line will reopen this year. I can’t wait to get back to enjoy a ride followed by beautiful food and wine in one of Trieste’s old squares.
Jennifer Cutler
Desired tram, New Orleans
Although they are not exactly city icons in the same way that trams often are, New OrleansPersonalized trams are without a doubt the best way to explore the city’s picturesque scenery and rich history. Board an old tram on the outskirts of the French Quarter, where Common Street meets St Charles Avenue, and feel comfortable in the mahogany seats. The St Charles line (the world’s oldest continuously operating tram line, opened in 1835) transports passengers to Uptown and the eye-catching Garden District, bypass iconic mansions, parks, museums and attractive local shops. For $ 1.25, this old-fashioned experience is worth the money.
Hamish Lister
Stops for hikers, Germany
If you have ever traveled by train between Dresden and Prague, you may have already noticed the magnificent rock formations of the sandstone mountains of the Elbe in the valley of the river Elbe in the so-called Saxony-Switzerland of Germany. The 8 km long tramway in the Kirnitzschtalbahn or Kirnitsch valley runs between the spa town of Bad Schandau and the Lichtenhain waterfall. The tram will take you to a waterfall or various hiking spots throughout the area – Malerweg or Painters’ Way has inspired generations of artists. The terminus of the tram is the delightfully narrowest half-timbered home Lichtenhainer Wasserfall Hotelwhich offers hikers and vintage tram enthusiasts well-deserved beer or, if desired, kaffee und Kuchen.
Robby Block
Sheffield Supertram
Reach the yellow line at Meadowhall for £ 4.60. There is a beautiful view Sheffield After Fitzalan Square as you drive over the overpass. Exit Attercliff, cross the footbridge over the canal to see another great view before heading down. Walk along Sheffield and the Tinsley Canal for as long as you want a peaceful and picturesque walk through nature through Sheffield’s old industrial center. Return home by tram to either Arena, Carbrook, Meadowhall South or even Rotherham, and all stops can be reached via the canal.
Jack Evans
From the river to the sea, Porto
Porto it has a few beautiful old refurbished trams in service on routes 1, 18, 22. We chose No. 1, which has an amazingly scenic route from Rebeira to Foz, overlooking the Douro River all the way. The route is congested and runs about every half hour. You can go earlier in the day or wait for the next one like we did. It costs € 3.50 one way or a little more return – you can pay local tax on the tram. In Foz it is wonderful to watch the mighty waves crash and admire the beautiful lighthouse.
Joy
Ancient line, Alexandria, Egypt
The extensive tram routes of this ancient city, built in the second half of the 19th century and electrified in 1902, are the best way to get to know the life, colors and people of Alexandria. At 5p you can take a 90-minute journey through the old areas of the city, including the harbors, and out into the eastern suburbs. Each car has its own conductor and the first of the blue tram is reserved for women. The conductor squeezes his way through the passengers issuing the tickets. The sellers of the goods all go through and fly their products. Outside, Alexandria’s business is conducted on and next to tram lines. If you want to see life slowly in one of the world’s oldest cities, take the tram.
Ros Canning
Cream and Green Dream, Melbourne
Three cheers Melbournea tram system that is said to be the largest urban system in the world, making travel easy for visitors and residents. It is stylish, modern, dense, reasonably priced (some zones free) and covers more than 250 km of track. We used well tree lined route 96, 13.9 km from Brunswick East to St Kilda Beach. A day ticket is a particularly good value. We also enjoy the historic cream and greens City Circle tram: a free, voice memo that takes you around the city ‘s main landmarks – a great introduction to this wonderful city.
Fi
Dinky and lovely, South East Devon
Seaton’s old three-mile tramway is sizable in size, but well worth the trip Devon countryside. The narrow-gauge line runs classic electric trams on a half or two-thirds scale. Trams moved in after Beeching closed Seaton’s branch line in the 1960s, and now the route transports vacationers and enthusiasts inland to Colyton. It runs alongside the Ax Estuary, Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve and the River Coly, so the views change with the seasons and it’s worth taking your binoculars with you if you like to spot birds. You can also book a driving experience where you can ring the bell yourself. Prices are £ 12 and £ 9.60 (children), but there are other prices for families.
Rachel Henson
This article was amended on March 24 to include a photograph of the “Ding dings” in Hong Kong. Several readers have pointed out in the comments below that the first photo involved was of a Hong Kong Peak tram, not a commotion.