Santa Justa Elevator Tours and Activities

Santa Justa Elevator featuring nightlife, night scenes and outdoor eating
Santa Justa Elevator which includes heritage architecture and a city
Santa Justa Elevator
Santa Justa Elevator featuring night scenes and a city
Santa Justa Elevator showing heritage elements and a city


Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift. 

The Santa Justa Elevator connects the hilltop neighborhood Bairro Alto with downtown Baixa. The gothic, iron structure rises up from the neoclassical architecture of downtown. The elevator has been in operation since 1905 and was originally operated by a steam engine. Today it’s powered by an electric engine and is a great way to enjoy views over the city. Visit the elevator’s rooftop café.

This famous elevator is also known as the Carmo Lift, as it connects with Carmo Square and the ruins of Carmo Church at the top. The elegant structure was designed by the apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Santa Justa Elevator bears some similarity to the French icon in its appearance. It is particularly beautiful when lit up at night.

As you travel the 147 feet (45 meters) to the top, there’s plenty of time to admire the views of the city. Examine the historic wood paneling and mirrors of the two counterbalancing lift cages.

Once you reach the station at the top, take the ornate spiral staircase up to the rooftop for views over the River Tagus. Admire the fountains and neoclassical buildings of Pedro IV Square from above.

The elevator’s restaurant is located at the Bairro Alto entrance to the lift and serves food, coffee and cake from lunchtime every day. Between midnight and 2 a.m. the restaurant becomes a bar, where you can enjoy live music and cocktails with picturesque views of the city and the Carmo Monastery lit up.

The Santa Justa Elevator is open from early morning until evening. Use a valid metro ticket to ride or purchase an admission ticket from either station at the elevator. There can be lines for the lift in summer. If you don’t want to wait, take the staircase that leads up the hill.

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Best Lodging Options Near Santa Justa Elevator

Hotel Mundial

Hotel Mundial

4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
Hotel Mundial
Rossio Plaza Hotel

Rossio Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
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Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
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Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge

Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge

4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 195, Lisbon
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Lisboa Carmo Hotel

Lisboa Carmo Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Oliveira ao Carmo 1-3, Largo do Camo, Lisbon
Lisboa Carmo Hotel
Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG

Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG

4 out of 5
Rua Dom Antaoo de Almada, 4, Lisbon, Lisbon District
Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG
Hotel Moon & Sun Lisboa

Hotel Moon & Sun Lisboa

4 out of 5
200 Rua Áurea, Lisbon
Hotel Moon & Sun Lisboa
Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa

Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa

4 out of 5
Rua dos Correeiros, 204, Lisbon
Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa
The Lift Boutique Hotel by RIDAN Hotels

The Lift Boutique Hotel by RIDAN Hotels

4 out of 5
Rua do Ouro 265, Lisbon
The Lift Boutique Hotel by RIDAN Hotels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator in Lisbon is a must-visit attraction, renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic views. Consider joining a guided tour to learn about its history and significance, or explore nearby walking tours that showcase the vibrant neighbourhoods. As one of the most iconic lifts in the city, it provides a unique experience to truly appreciate Lisbon's charm and scenic beauty.

Shopping

At Santa Justa Elevator, enjoy shopping at Mercado da Ribeira, a vibrant public market 805m away, perfect for local delicacies. Avenida da Liberdade, 1.1km away, offers a mix of high-end and local shops. For more options, Avenida Almirante Reis is 1.6km away with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Recreation

At Estádio da Luz, immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of sports events. The Coliseu dos Recreios, a vibrant venue for concerts, offers fantastic entertainment. For relaxation, visit Floresta de Monsanto Park, where you can unwind amidst nature's beauty, just a short distance from Santa Justa Elevator.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Telecabine Lisbon Cable Car, located 8.0km from Santa Justa Elevator, perfect for family adventures. For thrill-seekers, the Estoril Racetrack, 22.5km away, offers exhilarating motor racing. Alternatively, enjoy water sports at Clube Nacional de Natac-o, located 1.4km from your base.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Santa Justa Elevator is vibrant and cultural. Enjoy a captivating performance at the National Theatre of D. Maria II or the Trindade Theater, both 322m away. For a broader experience, the Sao Luis Municipal Theater, 483m away, offers a blend of romance and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator in Lisbon offers a unique blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Nearby, you can explore charming piazzas, stunning lookout points, and historic churches. This area is perfect for those seeking a vibrant city experience. Don't miss the chance to ride the Santa Justa Lift, also known as Elevador Santa Justa or Elevador de Santa Justa, to enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

  • Rossio Square: This vibrant piazza is the heart of Lisbon, brimming with culture and lively city vibes. Enjoy the beautiful wave-patterned pavement and relax at one of the many cafés while soaking in the local atmosphere.
  • Marquis of Pombal Square: A grand monument dedicated to the influential statesman, this square features impressive sculptures and lush gardens. It serves as a cultural landmark where you can appreciate Lisbon's history.
  • Castle of São Jorge: Perched atop a hill, this historic castle offers stunning views of the city and the Tagus River. Its romantic setting and rich history make it a must-visit for any traveller.

Best time to go to Santa Justa Elevator

Visitor numbers around Santa Justa Elevator is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Santa Justa Elevator is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.0°F (22.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
September70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Santa Justa Elevator

To save money on your visit to Santa Justa Elevator in Lisbon, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance, especially on Tuesdays, can yield the best deals. Explore free attractions nearby, like Rossio Square and Commerce Square, to enhance your experience without spending extra. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options, and look for package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings. Don't forget to check for last-minute offers and filter for eco-certified accommodations if sustainability is important to you.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Santa Justa Elevator are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Santa Justa Elevator about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Santa Justa Elevator is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Santa Justa Elevator is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You have the opportunity to save money by combining your hotel booking for the Santa Justa Elevator with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.