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Take a ride in the Santa Justa Lift to enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon. Explore the upper viewing platform for a bird's-eye view of the Baixa district and the castle. Walk around the surrounding area, including the nearby Rua do Ouro and Carmo Convent.
The Santa Justa Elevator is an elevator located on Santa Justa Street in Lisbon, Portugal. Construction began in 1900 and was completed in 1902. It has a history of over a century, and although it doesn't look like an elevator, it was originally powered by steam. In 1907, it was switched to electricity.
The Santa Justa Elevator connects the lower streets of the Baixa Pombalina with the higher Plaza de Carmo. It has become a popular tourist attraction in Lisbon and is the only vertical elevator in the city.
Climate: Mediterranean climate.
The Mediterranean climate is a type of climate characterized by hot, dry summers, mild and rainy winters, and alternating periods of heat and rain.
Best time to travel: All seasons
Recommended playing time: less than 1 hour
Regular ticket: 5.3 euros (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Observation deck: 1.5 euros
07:30-11:00 (April 13-15, May 1-October 31, Monday-Sunday)
07:30-21:00 (November 1st - April 12th, April 16th - April 30th, Monday to Sunday)
Note: Observation Deck: Open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM on April 13, 14, and 15 in summer, and from May to October, Monday to Sunday.
Winter: November to April, Monday to Sunday, 09:00-21:00
Built in 1902, the Santa Justa Lift is an iconic wrought-iron elevator that connects the lower Baixa district to the higher Bairro Alto. Designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, it is a significant piece of Lisbon's industrial heritage and offers incredible views of the city.
The Santa Justa Lift is located in the heart of downtown Lisbon, in the Baixa district. It can be accessed easily by foot from nearby locations such as the Rossio Square. You can also take metro Line Blue to Rossio Station and walk a few minutes to the lift.
The lift operates daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
The ticket for the Santa Justa Lift costs approximately €5.50 for a round-trip ride. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons. You can buy tickets on the spot or online up to a few days before your visit.
A visit to the Santa Justa Lift typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how much time you spend at the top enjoying the views and exploring the surrounding area.
The main highlight is the lift ride itself, offering sweeping views of Lisbon's Baixa and Alfama districts. The top platform also provides a unique perspective of the Lisbon Cathedral and the São Jorge Castle.
There are no formal guided tours for the Santa Justa Lift, but there are audio guides available in various languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
The top of the lift offers the best photography spots, with panoramic views of downtown Lisbon and the Tagus River. The lift's ornate ironwork also makes for an excellent architectural photo subject.
Start by taking the lift up to the viewing platform for the best views. Afterward, you can explore the surrounding areas, including the Bairro Alto neighborhood and the ruins of the Carmo Convent, which are just a short walk away.
While there are no light shows or special tours, the Santa Justa Lift is beautifully lit at night, offering a great photo opportunity of the illuminated structure and city below.
The Santa Justa Lift can get quite crowded, especially in the afternoons and during peak tourist seasons. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening.
There are no food facilities inside the lift, but there are several cafes and restaurants nearby in the Baixa district. There are also public toilets in the area and a small gift shop at the base of the lift.
The lift is not fully wheelchair accessible due to its historic design, but it does accommodate most visitors. The surrounding area is accessible, though there are some stairs leading to the lift's upper platform, which may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues.
Both cash and card payments are accepted for tickets and purchases at the site. Mobile payments are also widely accepted at the entrance and nearby shops.
There are several cafes and restaurants near the lift, including the famous Café A Brasileira in Chiado, a short walk away. For traditional Portuguese food, try the nearby Tascas or the restaurants along Rua da Prata.
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available at various restaurants in the nearby Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods. Halal food is available at certain restaurants in Lisbon, including those close to the Santa Justa Lift.
Hotels close to the Santa Justa Lift include the Lisbon Carmo Hotel and Hotel Santa Justa, both within walking distance of the lift and other major attractions in Lisbon's downtown area.
Nearby attractions include the Carmo Convent, Rossio Square, the Lisbon Cathedral, and the famous Rua Augusta Arch. You can easily combine these in a walking tour of Lisbon's historic center.
There are small souvenir shops near the lift, selling Lisbon-themed gifts such as postcards, magnets, and traditional Portuguese ceramics and cork products.
After visiting, you can take the metro from Rossio Station (Blue Line), or catch trams and buses that stop nearby. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also readily available in the area.
