Elevador de Santa Justa
Elevador de Santa Justa
3.5
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About
This elevator is located inside a gothic tower, which provides quick and easy transport between Lisbon's Baixa and Bairro Alto districts.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Baixa, Rossio & Restauradores
A pending candidate to become a World Heritage Site, Lisbon's downtown (the "Baixa Pombalina", or simply "Baixa") is a perfect example of anti-earthquake construction, having been rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake by the famous Marquês de Pombal (hence its name). Its offer is vast: restaurants and cafes in Rossio and Restauradores, outlets and shops in the Áurea, Augusta, Prata and other famous streets, the imponent Praça do Comércio and its Arch, the luxury shops along the Avenida da Liberdade, this is the beating heart of the city center. The Baixa also grants easy access to trains leading to Sintra, the trams that go around the Castle hill, old neighborhoods or even take you to Belém, and Lisbon's traditional restaurants and cafes. Considering a visit to the Fashion and Design Museum (free entrance) and don't forget to try the famous liquor, "ginjinha"!
How to get there
- Baixa/Chiado • 3 min walk
- Terreiro do Paço • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,380 within 3 miles
Attractions
783 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
9,950 reviews
Excellent
2,641
Very good
3,234
Average
2,341
Poor
942
Terrible
792
Mauriceb17
England, UK164 contributions
Nov 2022
This lift is impressive, and a great photo opportunity as so unusual.
However, the queue takes about 20 minutes, and the process is slow, as there is only one man operating the lift and taking all the money for tickets.
You have to pay cash (€5.30 per person) and he gives out tickets, closed the door and operates the lift.
The top viewing platform was closed when we went, but there are great views of the city from the lift platform.
However, we discovered that you can get up/down for free by walking along the platform at the rear of the lift, past the cafe, down the stairs, and down a regular lift into a shop at the rear of the Santa Justa lift.
You can still access the viewing area. Basically you only need to queue and pay, if you want to take a ride in the actual lift (which only takes a minute or so).
However, the queue takes about 20 minutes, and the process is slow, as there is only one man operating the lift and taking all the money for tickets.
You have to pay cash (€5.30 per person) and he gives out tickets, closed the door and operates the lift.
The top viewing platform was closed when we went, but there are great views of the city from the lift platform.
However, we discovered that you can get up/down for free by walking along the platform at the rear of the lift, past the cafe, down the stairs, and down a regular lift into a shop at the rear of the Santa Justa lift.
You can still access the viewing area. Basically you only need to queue and pay, if you want to take a ride in the actual lift (which only takes a minute or so).
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WorldTravellerSoon
Canada332 contributions
Apr 2022
The lift is a beautiful metal structure to transport people from the ground level to the top. It is now a tourist attraction.
Every time I saw long queue of people to use the lift. You have to pay a few Euro to use it. However, if you buy a transit day pass (Viva Viagem card), you don't have to pay extra to use it but you still have to line-up.
You can also walk to the top from the other side (not the observation deck as it was closed when we were there). Or you can go to the building next to Muji, use the elevator to to to the top floor and walk as short distance to to top level of the lift.
Every time I saw long queue of people to use the lift. You have to pay a few Euro to use it. However, if you buy a transit day pass (Viva Viagem card), you don't have to pay extra to use it but you still have to line-up.
You can also walk to the top from the other side (not the observation deck as it was closed when we were there). Or you can go to the building next to Muji, use the elevator to to to the top floor and walk as short distance to to top level of the lift.
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ThePirateWitch
Ickenham, UK425 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
The wait for the lift is both long and baffling, the lift let’s in around 15 people and runs around 4/5 times an hour. You can use your metro ticket and some tour tickets for access, don’t buy tickets especially for it - not worth it.
The views are stunning and I’m pleased I did it but you can gain access to the viewing walk way from the entrance to a lift in the Carmo store or by walking round the side of the Carmo Convent from the Largo do Carmo Square.
The views are stunning and I’m pleased I did it but you can gain access to the viewing walk way from the entrance to a lift in the Carmo store or by walking round the side of the Carmo Convent from the Largo do Carmo Square.
Written November 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bluebay06
La Spezia, Italy1,859 contributions
Nov 2022
We went to the Santa Justa Lift driven by curiosity for this tourist attraction and in the hope of doing something original. The long queue started from R. do Carmo and went down the steps of R. de Santa Justa to the base of the elevator. We were able to notice that only one of the two elevators was going up and down, between ascent and descent there were times longer than necessary and each time about twenty people could get on, a lower number than the declared capacity for 29 passengers. However, we waited patiently for over an hour and when we got on we could see that the clearly vintage cabin does not allow a panoramic view during the short climb. However we didn't pay because the Viva Viagem day ticket was also valid for this lift. Since the observation deck above the lift was closed and therefore not accessible, we took some photos through the wire mesh on the elevator arrival floor and then continued towards the exit walkway. The functionality of a single cabin, the unavailability of the observation deck, in addition to the long queue, make it much more convenient to walk the 45 m in altitude covered by the lift.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andy N
Milton Keynes3 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Before you pay to go up the elevator, check whether you can see anyone on the top viewing platform. If you can’t, it’s not open, meaning you only get to the level that you can access for free using the Carmo entrance on R.do Carmo. We queued for an hour to get there, it wasn’t worth the €11 for us to see the inside of the elevator
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jack J
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We foolishly have stood in the queue for over an hour. This entire lift operation is run by one man, who behaves like he's in a Charlie Chaplin film.
The lift takes 15 people at a time, and is running about 5-6 trips per hour.
If there is ANY queue here at all DO NOT join it. Believe me you really will regret it.
The lift takes 15 people at a time, and is running about 5-6 trips per hour.
If there is ANY queue here at all DO NOT join it. Believe me you really will regret it.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beth A
8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This is an interesting building but the amount of pickpockets and people trying to sell drugs nearby is very off-putting. We went at night the first time as we did not know the area would be like that. We spent two minutes looking at the lift before heading off and were followed by a pickpocket from the lift area down the road for a little while before we noticed him. We quickly sped up and turned onto a more well lit side street and waited by an ice cream shop until he eventually walked out of the area. Be VERY aware of who is around you and where you carry your valuables - the whole vicinity was full of lone men who I assume work together as a network to find targets. We returned in the day time a couple of days later and there were still people trying to sell you drugs etc but it felt a bit safer in daylight. We walked up the hill to the top and took the walkway across – you do not need to pay to go up the lift to get to the top! When we went the upper platform was closed off
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alistair50828
Glasgow, UK16 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Just don’t do it. This should be for disabled people only. If you are able bodied then you are mugging yourself off, walk up and you can be on the same platform where the lift takes you. We waited over 1 hour (at non-peak time, in March). Lift operator also sells the tickets, when you get to the front, and they don’t work fast!
15-20 persons per lift and a queue hundreds long, approx 10mins before it comes back down, work it out.
2 hours of my life wasted. Don’t make the same mistake!
Better views (much better) from the castle which is actually worth the €10.
Also, the lift is enclosed internally so don’t think you are going to see anything on the way up, either!
15-20 persons per lift and a queue hundreds long, approx 10mins before it comes back down, work it out.
2 hours of my life wasted. Don’t make the same mistake!
Better views (much better) from the castle which is actually worth the €10.
Also, the lift is enclosed internally so don’t think you are going to see anything on the way up, either!
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lafayet
Bologna, Italy60 contributions
Nov 2019
Taking this lift is not worth it, since the queue is insanely long, the crew operating the lift is way too slow and the ticket is very expensive. There are plenty of other great view points in Lisbon, go there.
PS: in case you absolutely want to enjoy the view over Lisbon from this perspective, be aware that there is no need to take the lift, as the very same platform is accessible from nearby the Carmo church. You can get tickets there for less than the half price, and there is almost nobody queuing.
PS: in case you absolutely want to enjoy the view over Lisbon from this perspective, be aware that there is no need to take the lift, as the very same platform is accessible from nearby the Carmo church. You can get tickets there for less than the half price, and there is almost nobody queuing.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vladimiramirela
Mississauga, Canada1,872 contributions
Sep 2019
It is a fascinating tower of iron lace, dating from 1902an impressive piece of engineering and art. However, the line-up for the ride up is somewhat disarming as it may take more than one hour on a non-top of the day time. Probably, the best suggestion is to admire its beauty from outside, both from the lower street level and from the top, as it can be easily reach via the streets, in just minutes of walking. The actual elevator ride is less than one minute and it does not justify such a long queue, nor does it worth the ticket fee in my opinion.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jabem88
Chicago, IL39 contributions
What it cost
Mauriceb17
England, UK164 contributions
We were there on November and it cost €5.30 per person - at the time it was cash only.
You can get to the top for free if you walk around the back and up the steps.
If you want to ride the actual elevator, you have to pay.
Catherine M
Moscow, Russia97 contributions
С Lisboa Card только подъем бесплатный или проход на смотровую тоже? Спасибо
Helen L
Queluz, Portugal38 contributions
Проход на смотровую тоже.
MidwestKC
Kansas City189 contributions
We went up this classic Victorian-era elevator on the way to hearing fado at clubs up top...years ago. Can I assume that there are still fado clubs up top to hear music w/o having to eat dinner?
Obrigada!
JohnVanDam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands151 contributions
The Barrio Alto district that you reach when you get to the top of the elevator has a number of Fado clubs (e,g Mascote De Atalaia) within 10 minutes walk. Obviously only in the evening and usually necessary to book a meal. However, it’s also possible to go for a drink only & a short Fado session at Tasco de Chico
anangeles59
Province of Valladolid, Spain1 contribution
Porque los días de Semana Santa funcionaba solo una cabina y la otra no. Provocando colas enormes .trabajaba una persona y tres mirando de brazos caídos.
Carmenmdo
Mar del Plata, Argentina73 contributions
No lo se, no estuve en Semana Santa en Septiembre de 2018 cuando fuimos a Lisboa también había cola para entrar...
valentina m
San Miniato, Italy27 contributions
Buongiorno. Visto che non mi interessa la salita in ascensore, ma l'accesso al belvedere, mi sapete dire il nome della strada dove si trova il negozio di collane al cui interno c'è un ascensore per raggiungere lo stesso punto dove arriva l'Elevador de Santa Justa? è Rua do Carmo?
Grazie.
Valentina
A monte delle scale dell'elevador c'è un negozio di souvenir al cui interno c'è un ascensore gratuito per andare su, si vede benissimo perchè il negozio è aperto, non ha porte. Noi l'abbiamo preso per evitare un'attesa lunghissima, poi una volta su è possibile comunque andare sul ponte della struttura dove sbuca l'ascensore per fare foto o godersi il panorama
Renushka N
12 contributions
We will be visiting the lift tomorrow what time does it open and what is the best time to visit it
Renushka N
12 contributions
There earlier you get there the better. Check the times as in winter it changes.
ermanno b
Modena, Italy61 contributions
Ciao a tutti, mi chiamo Ermanno e tra poco sarò a Lisbona.
Volevo chiedere info più precise sulla posizione del negozio di collane dove si prende l'ascensore alternativo per salire al terrazzo di Santa Justa.
L'ho cercato su Google ma non mi è uscito.
Sapete dirmi l'indirizzo preciso?
È sempre aperto?
Tutto quello che vi viene in mente con info aggiuntive è prezioso.
Grazie.
Ciao.
Ermanno.
Matteporcu
Genoa, Italy119 contributions
Ciao Ermanno. Nella già proprio dietro rimane questo negozietto dove prendere l’ascensore. Rimane proprio dietro e lo vedrai sicuramente.
ALASKA700
Ketchikan, AK
Is it possible to buy tickets in advance? Can buying tickets save the long queue? What is the best time to visit in terms of queue length
Barbara B
Maidenhead, UK135 contributions
If you are fit and able don’t bother with a ticket. At the top of the steps turn left, then first right walk up the short hill to the church. Go to the right of the church and you are at the top of the lift. We did it in less than 15 mins and looked down on all the people queuing!
Ou sont les escaliers
Roberto R
Bilbao, Spain386 contributions
si, se puede subir por las escaleras
Elevador de Santa Justa (Lisbon) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Elevador de Santa Justa
- Elevador de Santa Justa is open:
- Sun - Sun 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- We recommend booking Elevador de Santa Justa tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 87 Elevador de Santa Justa tours on Tripadvisor
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