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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.
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.
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.]
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!
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
This is an old elevator that people like to see/ride. It looks cool because it's all intricate and dark colored. And also just sort of out in the open/middle of the street. I think it's mainly a viewpoint for most people now (especially tourists), but I think it also is supposed to sort of be a connector to different levels of the city, a bit like a shortcut? It only costs a couple euros to go up. I personally didn't ride on it, but I watched it go up and down a few times. That felt like enough for me. read more
Don't you dare do this if you have 2 legs and walking capability. Just go to the Carmo Convent and walk over for the view. Santa Justa Elevator is Lisbon's wildly unnecessary yet somehow charming vertical solution to the city's geography problem. This iron beauty connects the Baixa district to the Bairro Alto, which is code for flat ground to very not flat ground. Lisbon, famously built on seven hills, decided stairs were too obvious. So they commissioned Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Eiffel, to drop a mini Eiffel Tower in the middle of the city and call it an elevator. Classy. The view at the top is worth but go with the photo you could've taken from the top of a free hill. Ha! read more
The elevator was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel- Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. It is a tourist attraction with the top floor serving as a lookout, with panoramic views of the city. Unfortunately, it was closed ever since the funicular accident that took place earlier in the year. read more
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. read more
4 months ago
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. read more
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.] read more
2 years ago
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! read more
4 years ago
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. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
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. read more
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. read more
4 years ago
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) read more
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. read more
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. read more
8 years ago
Interesting site to see! Nice architecture and a lot of people here usually. Admirably design and one of a kind! read more
3 years ago
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. read more
8 years ago
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 read more
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! read more
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. read more
7 years ago
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 read more
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. read more
5 years ago
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. read more
9 years ago
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. read more
6 years ago
9 years ago
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. read more
9 years ago
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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Elevador de Santa Justa - landmarks - Updated July 2026
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