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    Elevador de Santa Justa

    4.0 (112 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 9:30 pm

    Elevador de Santa Justa Photos

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    Jeff K.

    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.

    We had the elevator to ourselves
    Si Si L.

    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.

    View from the top of the lookout
    Katherine H.

    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!

    Elevador de Santa Justa from the base
    Bruce K.

    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.]

    Elevador de Santa Justa
    Richard S.

    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.

    Spencer Q.

    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.

    Fish stick and wine on top of an old elevator
    Steve M.

    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)

    Adam C.

    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.

    Vlad V.

    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.

    View from the walkway at the top of the Elevador
    David J.

    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.

    Tiffany D.

    Interesting site to see! Nice architecture and a lot of people here usually. Admirably design and one of a kind!

    Street view of Carmo lift
    Tanja N.

    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.

    Impressive
    Heather M.

    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

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    2 months ago

    Octopus was amazing . Personal very nice. My wife try the bacalao and was wonderful too. We share a pumpkin risotto that was excellent too.

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    9 months ago

    What a beautiful iconic photo-op place in Portugal. Do not miss visiting this when vacationing in Portugal. The view on top is phenomenal!

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    11 months ago

    Don't even bother or just go to the Convent for the view as others have said. $6E for a 15 second ride.

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    Elevador de Santa Justa Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Elevador de Santa Justa

    Now that you're all the way up here, make sure to check out the ruins of Carmo Convent nearby.

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    Terminal de Cruzeiros de Santa Apolónia - This seabird wants to go on a cruise

    Terminal de Cruzeiros de Santa Apolónia

    4.0(2 reviews)
    1.4 kmSanta Apolónia, Mouraria - Castelo - Alfama

    A really large cruise port, the LIsbon Terminal is located in the heart of the action of Portugal's…read morelargest city. My wife and I stopped in for a day trip, a stop on our transatlantic repositioning cruise from the UK to the US. This port is meant to be a terminus for major ocean cruise lines, and has the facilities to handle it. This includes a large waiting area, with comfortable seats, where one can sit and use the strong, free wi-fi to catch up on digital tasks. Once past this area, local information guides had set-up a series of booth to answer questions and sell bus/train tickets for the city. As normal, the two of us planned to explore the city by foot so didn't take advantage. There were quite a few excursions from our boat, and the large motorcoaches picking up passengers were lined up to pick up passengers. On the other side was the entrance into the city, with the requisite taxi drivers and guides looking for an impromptu tour. But I already knew where we wanted to go, and since it was less than 2 km, a leisurely walk was our choice. It was a good one as it took us through different parts of the oceanfront, mingling with locals and tourists, alike. The port has excellent public transportation choices, usable for people arriving to start their cruise or travelers arriving, ready to explore the rest of the city. Getting back on the ship was a cinch, with clear signs on where to go. A security officer did a cursory check of our cruise card, then went through security xray. The gangplank is direct, not the long winding path that some cruise terminals use. There were no bottlenecks...if necessary, it would be easy to get off/get on a boat multiple times. Not sure how it would be set-up for an actual embarkation (where customs and immigration would be necessary), but pretty confident it would work fine.

    Photos
    Terminal de Cruzeiros de Santa Apolónia - Goodbye Lisbon.  Thanks for the visit.

    Goodbye Lisbon. Thanks for the visit.

    Terminal de Cruzeiros de Santa Apolónia - View of the terminal from the ship

    View of the terminal from the ship

    Terminal de Cruzeiros de Santa Apolónia

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    Museu Militar

    Museu Militar

    3.3(4 reviews)
    1.3 kmMouraria - Castelo - Alfama, Santa Apolónia

    This museum offers a family discount, we are a family and they would not honor the discount because…read morewe did not have 2 children. I think that is not fair, but another family got the discount. He had two children but no wife. This museum is CASH only. 3 euros entry fee. There is no WIFI. The entrance is a mess and in need of renovation and I think is going to be starting renovation because there are boards everywhere and the weeds are taking over. The museum is very military with lots of guns, canons, and more things that were owned by Portugal and then things Portugal pillaged from other countries. And even some guns that Portugal was able to get back after it was stolen for the museum. Many of the exhibits are in Portuguese only, so if you don't speak or read Portuguese and Google translate did not work with Portuguese, so many parts I skipped.

    Surprising to see so few reviews on this, officially the Artillery Museum, though I did pretty much…read morestumble across it as I was exploring this neighborhood of Lisbon. I've been to London's Imperial War Museum several years ago https://www.yelp.com/biz/iwm-london-london-2?hrid=0jWhKAZJf_kUkOtWAF37qQ so this was going to be interesting. Many artifacts here from Portuguese military history with extensive displays of cannon, firearms, uniforms and weaponry. Swords and such from centuries ago and a big focus on The Great War. I knew, but had forgotten, that Portugal declared itself neutral during WWII though they leaned a bit towards England as their ally dating back to the Anglo-Portuguese Treaty (Aliança Luso-Inglesa in Portuguese) of 1373. Yes, that's 1373. It is one of the oldest treaties in history. It's not just the objects on display but also the rooms themselves that are worthy of examination. Even the entrance is worth seeing, a monumental portico which survived the earthquake of 1755. There are many pieces of Azulejaria (Portuguese tiles) and paintings on display. Below in a basement area is the Pátio dos Canhões which contains a collection of artillery pieces. The entire museum is designed so that it can be enjoyed in a single line to minimize exposure to other museum goers for COVID purposes. For only €3, a real bargain and you can expect to spend at least one hour touring. [Review 16589 overall - 106 in Portugal - 99 of 2022.]

    Photos
    Museu Militar - Espada de D. Nuno Álvares Pereira

    Espada de D. Nuno Álvares Pereira

    Museu Militar - Placa toponímica

    Placa toponímica

    Museu Militar

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    Elevador de Santa Justa - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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