Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa)

The Basics

Lisbon is dubbed the City of Seven Hills, so no surprise that getting around on foot can be tiresome. The Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) was created to take passengers from the lower Baixa district up to the bustling Bairro Alto. The lift has been in operation since its inauguration in 1902 and has been a favored mode of transportation for residents and tourists.

Walking and tuk-tuk tours of Lisbon typically pass by the lift and offer insight into its conception and design. You can also see the lift during a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour or a river cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Santa Justa Lift(Elevador de Santa Justa) is a must-do for architecture lovers, especially of the neo-Gothic style, and all first-time visitors to Lisbon.

• The Lisboa Card includes a lift trip, but access to the viewing platform costs extra.

• Arrive early in the day to avoid notoriously long lines.

• The lift is not accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Santa Justa Elevator(Elevador de Santa Justa) is accessible at the Baixa-Chiado metro station on the blue and green lines. It’s also a short walk from Praça do Comércio.

When to Get There

The lift departs every few minutes between 7am and 10pm from November to April and until 11pm from May to October. During the summer months, get there early or in the late evening to avoid long lines and crowded lifts.

The Early Days of the Lift

Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, wanted to construct a tower in his hometown of Lisbon to solve the problem of ascending Carmo Hill. Thus the idea for the Santa Justa Lift was born, and funding was given by the royal house in 1900 for the construction of the steam-powered elevator. Five years after its inauguration in 1902, it was converted to a cleaner electric motor and has been running ever since.

Ways to explore

A round-trip ride on the Santa Justa Lift currently costs €6.10, and you pay when you board with cash, a rechargeable Navegante transportation card, or a credit card. Walking and tuk-tuk tours of Lisbon typically pass by the lift, and guides will offer insight into its conception and design. You can also see the lift on hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours or from afar on river cruises.

Accessibility

While you can access the lift itself in a wheelchair, the lookout point at the top is only accessible via stairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Due to its small size, you can’t take large luggage onto the Santa Justa Lift, so bring a small bag.

What to wear

If you’re climbing the spiral staircase to the lookout point, wear sneakers with a good grip.

Not allowed

Drinking alcohol, smoking

Amenities

Ticket office, nearby cafés and restaurants

Address

The Santa Justa Lift boasts a convenient location in central Lisbon. It’s a short walk from the Praça do Comércio and just off the busy Rua Augusta shopping street.

Driving

You’re much better off leaving your vehicle at home as this part of Lisbon has extremely limited parking, the roads are cobbled and uneven, and pedestrian traffic is high.

Public transportation

The nearest stations are Baixa and Chiado on the blue and green lines of the metro.

Best times to visit

The lift can only carry around 20 people, so it’s nearly always packed. Arrive as close to its 7am opening as you can to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Most European travelers visit Lisbon for long weekends from Thursday through Monday, so you’ll find weekdays tend to have smaller lines for the lift.

Best months to visit

Lines for the Santa Justa lift are enormous in summer, so visit Lisbon in the shoulder seasons of May and October for fewer crowds.

Special events

The Lisbon Architecture Festival from October through December sees a surge in building-focused events throughout the capital.