Only if you board at the starting terminal (Martim Moniz) at 7:00 AM. Otherwise, it is so crowded you won't see anything and you'll be a prime target for thieves.

Do I need to speak Portuguese?

No. English is widely spoken in the hospitality industry, though learning 'obrigado' (thank you) goes a long way.

A Perfect Weekend in Lisbon

Spend your weekend focusing on one neighborhood per day to avoid Lisbon's intense hills. Use the historic tram network for transport and prioritize sunrise at the viewpoints to beat the massive cruise ship crowds.

Master the public transport. Buy a 'Viva Viagem' card at any Metro station and load it with 10 euros for 'zapping' credit. It works on the Metro, buses, and the iconic yellow trams, saving you 1.50 euros per ride compared to paying onboard.
Navigate the hills. Lisbon is vertical. Wear sneakers with non-slip soles; the polished limestone cobwebs (calçada portuguesa) are incredibly slippery, especially when it rains.
Eat at the right times. Lunch is the main meal for locals, usually between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Dinner starts late; aim for 8:30 PM to avoid being the only person in the restaurant.

Is Tram 28 worth it?: Only if you board at the starting terminal (Martim Moniz) at 7:00 AM. Otherwise, it is so crowded you won't see anything and you'll be a prime target for thieves.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?: No. English is widely spoken in the hospitality industry, though learning 'obrigado' (thank you) goes a long way.