The tower associated with the historic elevator, which we describe in the Transport chapter, rises in the lower part of the centre, specifically on Áurea Street. You will also often come across the alternative name"Elevador do Carmo".

If you are in the lower centre, take the elevator up. If you're in the Bairro Alto district, you'll need to walk through the restaurant to reach the viewpoint via the bridge at Don Pedro de Menezes Street.

An architectural and traffic jewel

Because of the great height, travelling between the lower centre (Baixa) and the upper centre (Bairro Alto) was very difficult. At the end of the 19th century, it was decided to build a large-capacity elevator.

In 1899, the structure was opened and immediately attracted attention not only as a transport link but also as a tourist attraction.

The elevator is hidden in a neo-gothic steel structure resembling a tower, which grows out of a relatively narrow street surrounded by houses. The structure is 45 metres high and there is an accessible viewpoint at the top.

The architect Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard was an admirer of Gustave Eiffel's buildings, and thus imprinted the elevator with a similar style.

The entrance to the observation deck

There is an entrance fee to get to the top floor of the observation deck, which offers a 360° view of the whole of Lisbon and the Tagus River. 1,50 eur and there is no lift ticket.

The lookout is open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm during winter (November-April) or until 11:00 pm during summer (May-October).

Ticket price and opening hours

The price for the elevator ride is 6 eur and includes 2 rides. Tickets for 1 ride only are not sold.

However, as Elevador de Santa Justa is part of the Carris transport company, day and multi-day tickets are valid here at no extra charge.

The elevator runs daily from approximately 7:30am to 8:35pm at regular intervals of around 12 minutes. The exact timetable is available on the transport company's website: carris.pt/54e-santa-justa-lift.

Please note that on weekends and in the summer season there are very long queues at the lift and you can wait for more than an hour for a ride.