Águas Livres Aqueduct

The basics

For most visitors, the Águas Livres Aqueduct is seen in passing or from afar. It’s possible, however, to walk along a top portion of the aqueduct independently or with a guided tour. The walkway provides stunning views across the city. Some tours combine a walk along the aqueduct with a visit to the Water Museum (Museu da Água) and the Mãe d’Água das Amoreiras Reservoir, a church-like reservoir built to store water carried by the aqueduct.

Things to know before you go

• The Águas Livres Aqueduct is a must for budget travelers and those in search of under-the-radar Lisbon attractions.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring along some water.
• Bring your camera; the aqueduct offers some of the finest views in Lisbon.

How to get there

The most impressive part of the aqueduct is the arched portion crossing the Alcântara Valley. To reach the aqueduct by public transit, take the train to Campolide station and make the 10-minute walk from there. The entrance is located in the Jardim do Aqueduto das Águas Livres off Calçada da Quintinha.

When to get there

The aqueduct is open Tuesday through Sunday. Despite the visible nature of the aqueduct, few tourists know it is possible to walk on top of it, meaning it is rarely crowded. It’s best to visit on a clear, sunny day so cloud cover doesn’t obscure your views.

Where to enjoy views of the aqueduct

The Amoreiras 360° Panoramic View, located at the top of the Amoreiras Shopping Center, offers stunning views over the aqueduct, as well as the hills, houses, and bridges of Lisbon. Praça das Amoreiras, less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Rato and Marquês de Pombal metro station, is another good spot from which to view the aqueduct.