Santa Justa Lift

Transportation service · Baixa

Santa Justa Lift

Transportation service · Baixa

R. de Santa Justa, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal

Highlights

Lisbon's 1902 neo-Gothic Santa Justa Elevator, crafted in intricate cast iron, serves up historic charm with dramatic city views.

R. de Santa Justa, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal Get directions

carris.pt

@carris.pt

@atlasobscura

16 Hidden Gems to Visit in Portugal

"Hills: they’re great to look at and to look from, but climbing them can be a drag. For a city like Lisbon — which has, according to its well-worn nickname, no fewer than seven hills comprising its setting — this has long been a consideration when designing intracity transportation systems. The Santa Justa Lift is a gorgeous fin de siècle solution to this problem that is still in use to this day. In the heart of Lisbon, the lower Baixa Pombalina district is separated from the higher Bairro Alto by a sudden elevation change of 45 meters (147 feet). As early as the 1870s, a lift system was proposed to facilitate the climb. First consisting of an animal-powered inclined rail lift, work began in 1900 to replace that with a vertical elevator. Inaugurated by King Carlos in 1901 and fully operational in 1902, the Santa Justa Lift has been shuttling people up and down ever since. The elegant Neo-Gothic iron tower was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an engineer from Porto who was a student of Gustave Eiffel. Originally powered by a steam engine, the elevator motor was converted to cleaner electric operation in 1907. Lisbon still has some older funiculars (i.e., inclined tramways) still in operation, but Santa Justa is the only remaining vertical urban lift. Today, the Santa Justa Lift operates almost 16 hours a day, seven days a week, with one of its two steampunky wood-and-brass cars departing every few minutes. A platform above the upper terminus can be reached by a spiral staircase, where one can find a cafe offering commanding views of Rossio Square, the Baixa, and some of the cool stuff (like a castle!) on Lisbon’s other six hills." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/portugal-unique-places-to-visit

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@cntraveler

The 15 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

"This might just be the world’s most beautiful elevator. Designed by Portugal native Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, the vertical lift—also known as the Elevador do Carmo—made its debut in 1902. Mesnier du Ponsard was a student of Gustave Eiffel, so it’s not surprising that the public elevator, crafted from cast iron and embellished with filigree, flaunts a distinct turn-of-the-century French style. A seemingly endless queue translates into a frustrated crowd; still, though, visitors stick it out—the gorgeous sliver of transportation and architectural history is well worth it." - Alia Akkam, Chadner Navarro

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-lisbon

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@afar

"Santa Justa Lift The Santa Justa lift and its adjacent platform offer direct sight lines into downtown Lisbon . You can look down at Rua Áurea as it bustles with locals and tourists alike, observe residents of nearby apartments reading or enjoying a chat out on balconies, and take a deep breath amongst the endless sea of terracotta roofs. By Afar Magazine"

The Best Things to Do in Lisbon

View Postcard for Santa Justa Lift

David Thomas

Google

Very good views, we were lucky as the queue was very short. If there is a long queue it will be very hot. Good views. And an interesting few minutes.

Balakrishnan Subramanian

Google

It’s a nice construction with quaint interiors of the lift. It is free for Navegante card members till the first viewing point. And then charged 5 Euros. I think first level is good enough. Exits on the other side to the museum. It’s a worthwhile visit

Mauyeeyee

Google

This 19th century industrial era lift has a beautiful structure as it’s the same style as Eiffel Tower. The vintage lift cabin is elegant, decorated with brass and wood. 🙂 At the top of Santa Justa Lift, you get one of the finest viewpoints of central Lisbon. 😃

noel medina

Google

The Santa Justa Lift is a stunning Lisbon landmark—elegant ironwork and dramatic views from the top. I skipped the actual elevator ride and walked up from the Carmo Convent side instead, which saved time and gave the same amazing panorama without the queue. It gets crowded around midday, but the platform is worth it for the views alone. Even just admiring it from the street feels like stepping back in time. Great spot for photos and a quick historical stop.

Tony A.

Google

6 euros for a lift/elevator that can be accessed for free at the top by the convent. No one will talk to you when you ask questions, and the signage is not clear on how to get tickets. Also, the line was painfully slow. In the end we used our contactless bank/credit card, but there was nowhere to tell us that. The view from above was admittedly nice, but but not something that couldn't be done from other high level vantage points nearby.

David Chomistek

Google

Great sightseeing spot! If you aren't in it for the actual elevator ride then go around it and you can get the same viewpoint through a secret (told how to get there by both our hotel and walking tour) route which isn't too complicated once you get told the general route cause honestly lots of people are walking it. The views are nice but only if you go the free route, I don't think it's worth it if you pay and definitely not worth it if you have to wait forever as there are many other FREE views in the city.

Gabriele Daverio

Google

It’s one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks and definitely worth a visit. The historic iron lift, with its beautiful neo-Gothic design, is both charming and impressive. The ride to the top is short but fun, and the viewing platform offers stunning panoramic views over the city, including Rossio Square, the castle, and the river.

Alex Luk

Google

I didn’t find it special enough to justify paying for the lift or spending time in the queue. Instead, I chose to walk to the upper level, which worked just fine for us.

Si Si L.

Yelp

Tips: 1) You can use the 24 hr metro/bus ticket for the elevator. 2) SKIP THE LINE! You can walk to the observation deck that the elevator takes you to next to Carmo Convent (the museum) free of charge, and take the elevator down instead of up. No line to go down the elevator My friends and I went to the elevator during the day and at night. We didn't go up the elevator during the day, and just walked up to the observation deck for the view. I read later that our 24 hr metro pass was good for the elevator, so I went back at night. The line was still super long, and I didn't want to wait in it. We decided to go to the observation deck to check out the night view and asked the elevator operator if we can go down. He said yes, and we had the elevator to ourselves vs being squished in there like sardines for those going up.

Steph H.

Yelp

This was part of the Lisbon Card which I had purchased for other attraction. The elevator functions as a mode of transportation so you can take it one way or round trip for a fee (or with the Lisbon card). I took the elevator up, but then walked down the nearby stairs. While most of the day there seems to be a short line, I was able to time things right to avoid much of a wait. The elevator ride itself is uneventful, but the views are great! To be fair, based on Lisbon's hilly nature, you can find similar views throughout the city. Since it was included with the tourist cars I had, it was still worth it for me.

Katherine H.

Yelp

Santa Justa is a popular spot, and while many reviews mention it, I want to share a helpful tip. You do not need to pay to get to the viewpoint. If you're interested in riding the elevator, be ready for a wait and to pay. However, if you want to skip the line, just map to Carmo Convent. There's a path that leads you straight to the viewpoint. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the crowd, but I don't think the elevator ride is worth it. The view from the top is what truly matters!

Jeff K.

Yelp

lol, i can't believe i wasted about 45 minutes waiting in line to ride the elevator up. Its just a simple elevator and there really isn't anything special about the ride itself. As for the view, yes, i would agree with most people that you should go up just to see the skyline view of lisbon and the tagus river. Here's the trick to get to the top for free. walk around to the Carmo Convent and walk towards the top of the lift. simple, and i just saved you 5 bucks. if you're dying to take the lift (again, not worth it)... take it down instead of up. you'll save yourself the line as there is no one waiting up at the top. i guess this review is biased, since the observation desk at the very top was closed. i know if you have the lisboa card or the 24 hour metro pass, this lift is free... but you definitely should not be waiting in line at the bottom.

Bruce K.

Yelp

I'd love to say that I've never reviewed an elevator before but there was the one over in Almada yesterday https://www.yelp.com/biz/elevador-panorâmico-da-boca-do-vento-almada?hrid=Ztj6OG4a4GgLXTsqADxRVA. This one is five stars because a) it's working and b) it's designed by one of Eiffel's architectural students. You can see the Eiffel and French influence for sure. Lisbon is a city of hills and some of them are quite steep. It's a significant effort to go from Pombaline-Baixa up to Carmo Square. You can do it, but why, when there's technology. This elevator was opened in 1899 and climbs 148 feet (45 meters) to the top. The view from the lookout at the top is pretty darned awesome and the view of the elevator from Rua de Santa Justa at the base is just as awesome. [Review 16642 overall - 157 in Portugal - 153 of 2022.]

Richard S.

Yelp

An unusual structure that was designed by French engineer Raul Mesnier, who apprentice under Gustave Eiffel built in 1902. There long lines for a view that you can see from other vantage points without paying.

Spencer Q.

Yelp

So the cost to go up isn't worth it so much. It's cash only or takes metro ride cards. The line gets long and takes a while to move. Once and done. The top actually you can walk into from the public located near Carmo Convent. The view is totally nice from the top but the elevator isn't totally necessary.

Steve M.

Yelp

It's an old as dirt elevator with a crazy person yelling at people in line. We spoke to the local nut ball and he said for the low price of 7 Euros, he will get us in front of the line. I accepted, and he told us just take the mall elevator across the street. He was right! Take the elevator DOWN, it's the same experience, no wait in line! I gave him 5 Euros - sucker There's a "Portugal Experience" at the top that offers a fish stick and wine. Wine is good. The fish stick I keep trying again thinking maybe THIS bite I'll like. It's like a La Croix of fish stick (very mediocre on a good day)

Adam C.

Yelp

This is very cool although the ride is only up a hill. You learn to appreciate that Lisbon is a series of hills somewhat like San Francisco. The ride is included if you buy a daily subway ticket and costs practically nothing.

Tanja N.

Yelp

Elevador de Santa Justa or Carmo Lift is one of those attractions that are so quirky, you have to at least pass by and take a look. Since we wanted to visit Carmo convent ruins first, we passed by the elevator (with a line of people already at 9 am), and walked uphill to the entrance of the ruins. While there, waiting for it to open, we mingled around and access the elevator from the top (street on the right from the ruins). There is a platform that overlooks Baixa neighborhood and you can see all the way to the Tagus River. There was no line upstairs, so I would definitely recommend if you don't mind brief walk uphill, take the elevator down. The elevator is 45 m (147 ft) tall, and it was originally powered by steam engine, but replaced by electric engine more than 100 years ago. The architect that designed the elevator, Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, was admirer of Gustave Eiffel, that is why you might find that the elevator reminds you of Eiffel Tower in Paris. If you're deciding between the ride in this elevator or the Lisbon streetcars, I would definitely recommend the second, but if you have plenty of time and don't mind spearing $6 for a 15 sec ride, do both.

Vlad V.

Yelp

The Elevador de Santa Justa is a stunning structure. Unfortunately, due to its popularity, and logistical pains, it's not worth the time and effort. Alas, there's a hack available for you to get around all of this. The Elevador is a visually-appealing elevator that brings you up high to a large platform that provides great views of Lisbon. If you wait to take the elevator up, you're going to wait a long time for a very short elevator ride. There was a large line when I was there which seems pretty standard. I'm not about that life so I'm happy I read some Yelp reviews before making my decision. While it's a little tough to find, instead of waiting in line, make your way up to the top by walking the streets at an incline. You can get to the platform yourself, by walking, and not wait in line for ages as you'll have no wait at the top. It's true that you won't take the elevator ride up, but you'll get a workout out of it. Plus, the most important part of this attraction is the views and you'll be getting that. If you're like me, and you hate waiting in lines, or you're short on time, you know what to do.

Rita L.

Yelp

go from upstairs!! don't wait on the line downstairs..... it takes forever to go up and is the same when you take it down. If you have a day pass, it's covered and you can take the elevator for free :) you can go up from the back by the museum and restaurant instead of waiting on the line for 30 minutes to take the elevator up, it's way faster! Day pass works for bus, tram, lift and funicular! totally worth getting it for 6.5 euro if you're exploring the city :)

Tiffany D.

Yelp

Interesting site to see! Nice architecture and a lot of people here usually. Admirably design and one of a kind!

David J.

Yelp

The Elevador de Santa Justa is an historic public vertical lift, which functions as part of Lisbon's public transport system. It runs from Rua Santa Justa on the edge of the Baixa district, up to the Largo del Carmo Square. Designed by Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, it's a wonderfully flamboyant neo-Gothic structure, with elaborate ironwork. At the top, there's a viewing platform (accessible only to those who've paid) with great views. But if you want to go up, this is one of those attractions best experienced very early in the morning. After that, there's a long queue, and the journey takes just a minute. Alternatively, if you walk up to the Largo del Carmo, you can access the connecting balcony for free, and the queues to go down are usually much shorter. If entering at the top, follow the trickle of visitors walking along the right of the Carmo archaeological museum, walk up the stairs through the restaurant patio, and you're on the balcony. There's a turnstile to the lift and viewing platform ahead of you. Public transport tickets are valid on the lift.

Heather M.

Yelp

As Cher would say " if I could turn back time " I would not have waited to ride the elevator up for 5 euros but instead took the back way across the pedestrian bridge and had the same experience. The wait was about an hour at 10am on a Wednesday for the ride and it is not very stimulating. There are no good views during the ride. If you take the back stairs( of course you will have to climb some stairs first to find these) you can pay a euro and change to get to the lookout point on top of the elevator which is stunning. If you still prefer to ride the elevator , only cash is accepted and you will pay the attendant inside the lift. This structure was built over 100 years ago by Raoul Mesnier, a student of Gustave Effiel, which is apparent in the neo-gothical architectural style. It was made to connect residents from the lower city in Baixa to Barrio Alto. Evidently, the Portuguese were sick of climbing hills on a daily basis and on opening day over 15,000 tickets were sold for rides. I took two stars off because I feel the ride price reflects how this landmark has transformed from a necessity to just another way to leach euros from willing tourists ( my daily breakfast has been 4 euros and that includes a fresh baked cheese croissant, a cafe, a fresh squeezed juice, and ham). Despite my complaints go take pictures of the lift, find your way up the stairs to the lookout point, and bask in the beauty that is Lisboa

Danny H.

Yelp

Cute little view but the trick to not waiting in line and not paying made it fun. And right next to a cute bacalhua store with good port. Go to Carmo Convent. Follow the right side of the building. Go up stairs and enjoy the FREE FREE FREE walkway entrance with no lines! You're welcome.

Wendy A.

Yelp

Wow, what a great Tourist attraction this is and so clever, because getting into this will help you enjoy even more the gorgeous view of this beautiful city; Lisbon. The lines to get in are always long but it's worth it at least if you go when it is cold and you are not suffering from the heat! The details of the decoration on the elevator are so pretty, like everything in here!

Chun P.

Yelp

Built in 1902, and a 150 tall, this is probably one of the oldest running elevators on Planet Earth...fascinating! Its turn of the century engineering and styling gives it a lovely old world charm. That said, I never bothered riding the elevator. It was designed during a time before Lisbon's population grew to nearly 550,000 today, and before the onslaught of the thousands of daily tourists that come to ride it. Its €6 to ride up the elevator, and another €2 to walk up a flight of circular stairs to the very top. These are definitely tourist trap prices, but that's not what me averted me. Not matter what time of the day it was there was always a long queue of people, waiting could be 20-60 minutes. Not worth it! Besides, the walk up to the top along Rua de Carmo and the other side streets isn't that bad. Plus I needed work off all those Pastels de Natas in my belly.

Kanchan B.

Yelp

I had spotted this cool tower, arising from the Lisbon streets like a beautiful dark fantastic curlicue cake structure, when heading to the location for our walking tour. So I was super stocked when our Sandeman's free walking tour guide bought us right to the top of this edifice for a beautiful view of the city! Our tour guide told us that this building was actually a bit of a tourist trap, and he called it "the most overpriced elevator in Lisbon!" Apparently there is no need to stand in line and pay money to use the elevator when you can just walk a bit and get to the top for free if you don't mind using stairs. Then there is just a €1.50 cost to go right to the top, but that's it really. Basically for a bit of history, if this elevator reminds you of the Eiffel Tower, it's because the local architect responsible for building this structure admired the Eiffel Tower's edifice and used the same style, plus both buildings were also built around the turn of the century (1902 IIRC). Secondly, the elevator's originally purpose was strictly to connect the Baxia district to the higher elevated Barrio Alto neighborhood and a fee was charged to recoup the costs of construction. But so many tourists also ended up using it and viewed the elevator as a attraction, that it remains a fee-paying elevator to this day. Really lovely architecture and the view plus building design makes it 5-star worthy for me! Yelp 186 / 2019

Wilson L.

Yelp

Cool landmark and attraction. Definitely a fun thing to look at if you're nearby. If you wish to go up it, it seems cash are the only thing they take.

Matt P.

Yelp

This is definitely a tourist trap. We waited over an hour just to pay 5.15 euros to go up the lift. Once we got up to the top, we only had about 10 minutes to really enjoy and take in the scenery of the city. They still had about 5 minutes left before closing time, but they started asking everyone to leave. The other reason why I am giving this place a very low rating is because I found out there is a back way to the top of this lift and this will negate the long wait in line and the 5.15 euros they charge just to ride the lift. There is a restaurant at the top that shares the bridge and if you can find your way to this restaurant, you have free entry to where the lift lets out. If you want to go up to the roof, you will have to pay 1.50. That is way cheaper than 5.15 and you will not have to wait in line.

Sameer S.

Yelp

It was our first tourist stop in Lisbon as it was located within feets of our hotel. You can take the elevator up to a point and then take the stairs up to the terrace where the actual view is. Elevator cost is 5.50 per person and the entry to the stairs alone is 1.50. We just took stairs as our hotel was located at the level where elevator came to. The view from the top is great and has a Panaromic scenery of Lisbon. We have already been there twice and are planning to go again at night. Remember to take your sunglasses because the sun shines directly into your eyes with the good background. There is a restaurant and bar at the staircase level in case you need something.

Veronica P.

Yelp

The internal workings of an elevator are exposed in this 1902-built lift. It is interesting to see how an elevator operates. They have a good system for checking people in and out and queuing them to ride the elevator. Makes the process to get to the top pretty smooth despite the lack of space. The view from the top is incredible and was a great start to our trip to lisboa.

Jonathan V.

Yelp

We had the Lisbon card, and riding the elevator, and going to the top viewing platform was included. Once you get off the elevator, look for a guy at the bottom of the steps. We showed him our Lisbon card, and walked 2 flights of circular stairs to the viewing platform. Great photo opportunity. Another set of circular stairs take you back down. This elevator is over 100 years old.....amazing.

Linda H.

Yelp

Looks so pretty lit up at night. The view from up top isn't too bad either.

Yonnie C.

Yelp

This place was stunning to see from the outside, although we skipped standing in the long line to get to the top. I think it's a must stop to at least take a photo due to the architecture involved.

William G.

Yelp

This place is a must for all travelers to Lisbon because of it's uniqueness. As I was walking around I stumbled on this tower. As I was staring at it, I was trying to figure out what exactly it was. Well, to explain, its a steel tower with an elevator that is beautifully unique (as in Eiffel Tower unique). After seeing it, naturally it wanted a closer inspection. Therefore, I stood in the line for admission to see it close up. It's solidly built. I basically paid a small fee and waited in short line to ride the elevator up to top and was treated to an amazing bird's eye view of the city. I felt that it was well worth my time and money to experience this local treasure. Now for those of you that are afraid of heights, skip the elevator ride to the top and just admire it from down below. Now you can also have a good view of it from outside of the church ruins that are close to the top.

Nilsa L.

Yelp

I really liked the architecture and having been to Paris/Eiffel tower last year, visiting Santa Justa Elevator really connects everything for me. I had gotten the Lisbon pass so I get unlimited ride up the Santa Justa Elevator. Without the pass, it costs 5 Euro per ride which is insanely expensive. I could also see the top of the elevator from my hotel room and there's always a lot of people. Thankfully, I stayed at a hotel literally around the corner from there so I went up there early in the morning and there was no line. There weren't a lot of people there so I could take all the pictures I wanted. You see the Tagus river, view of the Castle Sao Jorge, and Rossio Square. If you're in Lisbon, there's no reason why you shouldn't come here. Make sure to get the Lisbon pass if you're here for a few days. Try to come early in the morning to avoid the crowds. I didn't get to go at night, but I'm sure the late night views is just as spectacular!

Gosia J.

Yelp

Very nice attraction. I was a bit mislead by the man at the entrance who told me it was far to climb to the top (instead of taking the lift) but the ride was worth it. old elevator took us to one point and than by stairs we went to the top. the view was stunning! later we, found a way to walk back down (and it was not far). in the lift you can use your metro card and than pay 1.5 euros to climb the stairs to the top. the other option is to pay 5 euros: lift + entrance to the top.

Jocelyn C.

Yelp

Dude... It's an elevator. In the middle of downtown with a really long line. Daytime should be a nice view. If you go, make sure you visit in the day only!! We went at night, and there isn't really anything to look at. It's pretty dark and boring at night actually. Not sure about the day, by at night there was one guy operating both lifts. The spiral staircases to the top were also closed off at night. If you gotta visit, make sure you take a bathroom break first before you wait. You could be here awhile!

Kelly D.

Yelp

You may also see this famous elevator called the Carmo Lift and I am going to recommend it, but not in the typical way. You could wait for more than an hour and pay five Euro for a five second ride to the top with no view or you can go the back way, let me explain. I learned from our walking tour the that the trams and elevators all around Lisbon originated from the locals not wanting to deal with the hills. And after a few days in the city, you will be in agreement. While this elevator is the prettiest one in town it has no view except from the top. Therefore, you could just start at the top, accessed from the Bairro Alto and just pay the one Euro to walk up the spiral staircase to the very top viewing platform like I did. And while you are at the top you can visit the Carmo Convent - gorgeous Medieval ruins & archaeology museum.

Dave B.

Yelp

Really torn by trying to rate this. 5 stars for the technology. 5 stars for being 117 years old. 4 stars for the view. 2 stars for the 35 minute wait. 1 star because they want another €1.50 to climb the stairs to the top.

Anushri D.

Yelp

Skip the line, save the money- go to Bellalisa instead. Same view, they share a bridge, and you can have a glass of wine at the same time!

Andrea W.

Yelp

We came here when the viewing platform was getting worked on, but there was still a lower viewing platform that we could go on. The view from the top is nice, especially at night, but it's really expensive at €5! If you get a transit day-pass, you can go on it for free. Otherwise, I don't think it's worth coming here. It was alright. For a very spectacular view, go to St. Jorge's Castle or the Alfama!

Shannon R.

Yelp

You gotta do it. It's like something out of a steampunk's wet dream. You're going to wait in line to ride it, and pay something like €5 to ride an elevator, but it is a seriously cool elevator and the fact that it's over 100 years old is something to marvel at. Included in your ticket is access to the very top, where we had the best views of Lisbon. Get out your selfie sticks and say cheese, because you're about to take your next profile picture and you won't change it for years to come, the view is that great. Now that you're all the way up here, make sure to check out the ruins of Carmo Convent nearby. It's just as spectacular, if not more so.

Diogo B.

Yelp

Wonderful view during the day. I had the pleasure of going to the top of this elevator located near Chiado. When I got up there my eyes were drawn to all the locks which hanged on the protective fence, (they symbolised the love of couples for each other). In addition you get to see the city of Lisbon with incredible detail. This scenario created a strong feeling of connection between me and the city, and hopefully it will give you that feeling too. (Free) if you go in through the top

Sarah P.

Yelp

The Elevador de Santa Justa is a beautiful, Eiffel Tower-esque outdoor elevator, designed by one of Eiffel's proteges. From the top, you get some lovely views of the city, perfect for photo-taking. Totally worth a look-see, not to mention a great way to make your way from the Baixa to Chiado district when your feet and lungs are tuckered out from exploring the "City of Seven Hills." It's a little pricey, but we were able to use our Viva Viagem card (which you can get at the automatic ticket kiosks in the Baixa metro station nearby) quickly and easily.

Terri S.

Yelp

The "elevator"! It is a sight that gives you sights to see! Get there early, as the line is crazy by mid day. This is included in your Lisboa pass, so check it out....it's worth the time! Great photo ops at the top....:)

Jessie V.

Yelp

This elevator is beautiful, you'll want to snag a picture of it from a block away. The line is terribly long, usually takes around 45mins- 1 hour. You can go up to a restaurant and walk across a bridge for free to make it to the first landing. If you wait for the elevator at the bottom, it's 5.15 a person. To go up the spiral staircase to the top is an additional couple euros. The views are incredible. I would recommend going at night time.

Daisy D.

Yelp

Who ever expects to see an elevator in the middle of a street? Not this girl! The Elevador de Santa Justa is an easy (and interesting) way to make it from the lower streets of Baixa up to the Barrio Alto. It's been in use over 100 years. Lisboa was quite the impressive city. On one hand very old world with the cobblestone streets and tucked away restaurants but on the other hand with a lift (a beautiful one) that can take you from one neighborhood to the next. Who would have thunk?

Samantha M.

Yelp

We didn't know what the Santa Justa elevator was when we came across it in the middle of Lisbon. We wondered what the strange structure was! After consulting with google we figured we should go up to the top and see what the fuss was about. We went late in the evening, shortly before 8pm so not long before the sun was due to set. There was quite a line waiting to go up and by the time we reached the top it was about 8.15, which was a perfect time to be up there. The elevator ride isn't much to write home about but it's interesting enough, the views from the top are spectacular and well worth a look. It stretches in all directions and you get an incredible view of the castle. Also easy access to the Carmo Convent. There's a cafe by the top as well. It cost €5 per person to go up and you can buy your tickets on the elevator.

J. Karim A.

Yelp

The lift itself has an interesting design and stands out. You can easily walk up to the same heights as the lift. And there's a bar next to it that gives you the same views. Doesn't seem worth paying the price to take the lift, especially given the line.

Annemarie V.

Yelp

You walk by through the old city and you look into this street and you think: what the h*ck is that?! Is that an elevator? Yes it is. Must do. Costs €5 or is included in your Lisboa Pass. The bell boy takes his job utterly serious and uses his key to open the doors and gates at the platforms like there's no other job on earth. On the upper level you can climb a 52 steps circular staircase to the top floor outside. Great view over the old city there. Don't miss it.

Emma W.

Yelp

Great view from the top or the bottom! From the top you can see part of the city and the ruins of a church. There's also a restaurant up there! There's a small fee to ride up and down the elevator. Or of your legs are up to it, its not a bad walk... the view from the bottom is of the elevator and the structure of it. Magnificent! Definitely worth a look and picture. Also there's usually a long line at the bottom to go up and not the other way around... so if you don't want to wait in line... start from the top!!

Siddhi L.

Yelp

This unusual, historical elevator in the middle of downtown Lisboa is quirky and pretty fantastical. It's particularly impressive that it's been around for over a hundred years! It's a good way to get a good view, though many of the rooftop bars in the surrounding area are free. Unless you need the experience of entering and riding in this old elevator, just walking around it will probably do the trick.

Qype User (Southe…)

Yelp

Fascinating architecture bya disciple of the guy that built the Eiffel Tower. Queues can get long and its is quite an expensive way of saving yourself an uphill walk (those on a budget may prefer just to look at the Elvador and walk into Baixa station and take the escalators up). View from the top is fabulous though pretty windy on most days. There is a cafe but it is pretty pricey - better to walk around the Bairro Alto and find a small local one which will be less than half the price!!

Dhruba Prasad S.

Yelp

Elevador santa justa most visited place in Lisbon.is very beautiful and historic place.

Yvonne B.

Yelp

Quite impressive this massive elevator, tucked away in the middle of the city between shops and restaurants. However, you don't need to pay to get a lovely view of the city so if queueing is not for you, try one of the many rooftop bars for great views instead.

Monika C.

Yelp

A must for every tourist in Lisbon. Really nice view and something typical for this place.

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David Thomas

Google

Very good views, we were lucky as the queue was very short. If there is a long queue it will be very hot. Good views. And an interesting few minutes.

Balakrishnan Subramanian

Google

Mauyeeyee

Google

noel medina

Google

Tony A.

Google

David Chomistek

Google

Gabriele Daverio

Google

Alex Luk

Google

I didn’t find it special enough to justify paying for the lift or spending time in the queue. Instead, I chose to walk to the upper level, which worked just fine for us.

Si Si L.

Yelp

Steph H.

Yelp

Katherine H.

Yelp

Jeff K.

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Bruce K.

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Richard S.

Yelp

Spencer Q.

Yelp

Steve M.

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Adam C.

Yelp

Tanja N.

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Vlad V.

Yelp

Rita L.

Yelp

Tiffany D.

Yelp

Interesting site to see! Nice architecture and a lot of people here usually. Admirably design and one of a kind!

David J.

Yelp

Heather M.

Yelp

Danny H.

Yelp

Wendy A.

Yelp

Chun P.

Yelp

Kanchan B.

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Wilson L.

Yelp

Cool landmark and attraction. Definitely a fun thing to look at if you're nearby. If you wish to go up it, it seems cash are the only thing they take.

Matt P.

Yelp

Sameer S.

Yelp

Veronica P.

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Jonathan V.

Yelp

Linda H.

Yelp

Looks so pretty lit up at night. The view from up top isn't too bad either.

Yonnie C.

Yelp

This place was stunning to see from the outside, although we skipped standing in the long line to get to the top. I think it's a must stop to at least take a photo due to the architecture involved.

William G.

Yelp

Nilsa L.

Yelp

Gosia J.

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Jocelyn C.

Yelp

Kelly D.

Yelp

Dave B.

Yelp

Anushri D.

Yelp

Skip the line, save the money- go to Bellalisa instead. Same view, they share a bridge, and you can have a glass of wine at the same time!

Andrea W.

Yelp

Shannon R.

Yelp

Diogo B.

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Sarah P.

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Terri S.

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Jessie V.

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Daisy D.

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Samantha M.

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J. Karim A.

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Annemarie V.

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Emma W.

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Siddhi L.

Yelp

Qype User (Southe…)

Yelp

Dhruba Prasad S.

Yelp

Elevador santa justa most visited place in Lisbon.is very beautiful and historic place.

Yvonne B.

Yelp

Monika C.

Yelp

A must for every tourist in Lisbon. Really nice view and something typical for this place.

Santa Justa Lift

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16 Hidden Gems to Visit in Portugal

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16 Hidden Gems to Visit in Portugal

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