Be it unbelievably fast maglevs or super-fast vactrains, nothing, absolutely NOTHING can take away the charm of travelling by a tram. A tram that honks at passersby every now and then, making way through the busy streets, chugging along the tracks at its own pace; it reminds us that we definitely need to slow down in our lives and see what is there to be seen.

Yes, we are talking about some vintage streetcars running on some of the world’s oldest tram networks that have been preserved from the past, so that we could take a ride down memory lane while they whiz past the locales.

Tramways have served many cities across the world with daily transport and still continue to be the lifeline for many. Here are few such cities and their tramways that have come a long way and continue to make a mark.

1. Lisbon Tram

Portugal

These trams snake through the tightest streets, steepest roads and sharpest bends of the friendly and colorful neighborhood in the Alfama region.

2. New Orleans Streetcar

USA

It is here that you will get that authentic feel of riding the oldest streetcars in the world. There are three different lines that will take you through different parts of the city while you relish your long cherished dream of riding this heritage wagon.

3. Tranvía de Sóller

Spain

Image Source: Flickr @Krzysztof_Belczyński 

There cannot be a better way to see the seaside town of Soller. These heritage wagons made of wood, iron and glass run on a 3 feet wide gauge, that is obsolete in most other parts of the world.

4. Christchurch Tramway

New Zealand

Image Source: Flickr @Al_and_Marie

Pulled by horses in its initial days, these trams took to electricity in 1905. The trams roll past some major sightseeing destinations in the city.

5. Tranviaria di Milano

Italy

The light rail system has been an important part of the public transport network of Milan since 1881 and continues to serve the natives and tourists diligently even today.

6. Melbourne Tram

Australia

This happens to be the world’s third largest tram network, and is the most interesting way to see the city’s major attractions. Though the historic tram mostly runs past busy streets, it also makes its way to the inner suburbs of Melbourne.

7. Hong Kong Tramways

China

It was one of the earliest forms of public transport in the city and the tramway happens to be the largest to run a fleet of double-deck tramcars in the world.

8. Moscow Tram

Russia

The city’s extensive tramway network opened in 1872 and since then it has been a key element of the public transport system here. Though the metro trains happen to be the busiest, vintage trams are the best way to explore the beautiful city at a slow pace.

9. San Francisco Streetcar

USA

The beautiful skyline of the city of San Francisco and the hilly terrain cannot be better explored than by these dainty streetcars and lovely period wagons.

10. Budapest Tram

Hungary

When in the Hungarian capital, do not miss the opportunity to get aboard one of its heritage streetcars that happen to be 100 years old and devour the sights of the city along the River Danube.

11. Helsinki

Finland

More of a light rail now, which is considered the best possible means for sightseeing the city, this tramway started with horse-drawn trams in the late 19th century. It passes through some of the most scenic routes in and around Helsinki.

12. Prague Tramway

Czech Republic

The tramway network has been around for more than a century now and so have some trams that have been preserved from the past and are made to run on these tracks for a historic feel.

13. Porto Trams

Portugal

This tramway uses vintage tramcars exclusively for all its routes. The three routes cover the entire length and breadth of the town and are the best means to get around while you get a taste of the past.

14. Wellington cable car

New Zealand

While the city might have grown plush and developed fast, the tram-line that has existed for the past 110 years still continues to serve the city.

Deepti Ahuja Balani

People professionally know me as a copy editor, correspondent and a writer, but writing is something I do even when I am not professionally engaged. I like to visit new places, explore, experience different cultures and share my perspective through words. Writing for food, travel and books is something that comes naturally, and is close to my heart.

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