The riverside route
BUDAPEST
The No 2 tram from Margit Bridge to Vágóhíd
The mighty Danube River is shadowed by Budapest's No 2 tram where, if you grab a seat on the riverside, you'll be able to take in Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament. Also look out for the modernist Elizabeth Bridge, the liqueur factory at Haller utca and the Millennium Cultural Centre at the end of the line at Vágóhíd.
The historic trip
PRAGUE
The No 22 Vinohrady to Hradcany
Two-thirds of Prague's citizens still use the trams every day, making a trip on the no 22 an essential experience to see the places and the people who make up the city. Passing by the neo-Renaissance grandeur of the National Theatre the tram heads past the Royal Gardens at the Belvedere Summer Palace to the Prague Castle, where views of the Charles Bridge and
St Vitus Cathedral can be had.
The scenic one
LISBON
The No 28 from Largo Martim Moniz to the Estrela Basilica
An institution among in-the-know visitors and idling locals, the vintage 28 tram climbs up the cobbled alleyways of the Bairro Alto and Alfama districts squeezing past alfresco cafés, junk stores and chapels before terminating at the white-domed Estrela Basilica filled with works by the Italian masters. Alight at Graca and walk to the Castelo de São Jorge — there have been battlements here since even before the Romans arrived.
The all-rounder
BARCELONA
The T4 tram from Ciutadella vila Olímpica to Diagonal Mar
The ultra-slick Trambesòs system is one of the best examples of how cities such as Barcelona have taken the tram into the 21st century. Line T4 begins behind the city zoo at the Ciutadella vila Olímpica terminating at Sant Adrià de Besòs. Take your pick between culture or couture by hopping off at the exhibitions in the new Forum arts centre or the high fashion stores inside the Glories mall.
The retro ride
ISTANBUL
The 'nostalgic tram' from Tunel to Taksim Square
With even the conductors wearing suitably atavistic uniforms, the 'antique' tram from Tunel is a living, breathing piece of revivalism on wheels. The trams themselves are stylish replicas of the original fleet (the line was out of use from 1961 to the early 1990s) and for £1 visitors can travel the 1.6km route through the liveliest part of the European area of the city.
The merry jaunt
VIENNA
The Ring Tram starting and terminating at Schwedenplatz
Despite this route being popular with tourists, it is a fun way to see many sights on the Ringstrasse in one sitting including the Imperial Palace, Vienna City Hall and the glorious State Opera House. Seats come with built-in LCD screens.
British Airways flies to Budapest, Prague, Lisbon, Barcelona, Istanbul and Vienna. Visit ba.com.
