Santa Justa Lift: Exploring Lisbon from above

It was my final morning in Lisbon, with a flight home scheduled for that evening, and I wanted to squeeze in a few highlights before leaving. The night before, over a few cocktails in a nearby bar, we mapped out our plan: first stop, the Santa Justa lift (Elevador de Santa Justa), followed by the iconic Belém Tower. Originally, we thought of doing this in reverse, but since Belém Tower opens later than the lift, it made sense to start with Santa Justa. Being closer to our hotel, we also hoped to catch it at its quietest before the crowds arrived.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, to learn more about how we use these, read our disclaimer.

At first glance, you might notice a familiar style in the lift’s intricate ironwork – and that’s no accident. The architect, Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, was a student of Gustave Eiffel, and his design clearly reflects that Parisian influence. 

Built in the early 20th century, the lift was originally intended to help Lisbon’s residents navigate the city’s steep hills with ease. Over time, it transformed from a practical mode of transport into one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist attractions. it’s no longer about convenience, it’s about experiencing a piece of Lisbon’s architectural heritage. Today, while the view are spectacular, visitors should expect queues and longer wait times, especially during peak hours.

I reached the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) around 9am, taking an uber straight from my hotel and being dropped off right outside. To my surprise, it was quiet with no queue, ideal for snapping a few photos without interruption. At first, we couldn’t figure out where to buy our tickets or how to board. Signs pointed towards a locked door, leaving us and a handful of other tourists wondering if the lift was even open. This was unusual, considering the lift officially operates from 7am.

Just as we were about to ask another visitor, a staff member appeared from the bakery next door and opened up. Tickets purchased, we stepped inside the lift. It ca n carry up to 20 people on the way up, though curiously only 15 on the way down. The ride itself lasts about 30 seconds, but the vintage wooden interior and the unfolding views of Lisbon make the short journey feel special. 

Once you reach the top of the you’ll fine a separate viewing platform, you can climb up some stairs too for a higher advantage point. Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed as it was closed for my visit. But I would love to return to see it. Still you command views all over the city from here. It was a bit colder today so we had wrapped up in our jackets, but it was December and still better weather than back home in London. 

Asides from one of two other people, we had the lift to ourselves so we made the most of the photo opportunity. Grabbing some photos as we walked around the lift. I imagine in the evening when the sun is about to set it’s an incredibly romantic spot. My visit to Lisbon had one of the best sunsets I’ve had the fortune to come across. So I can imagine this to be a perfect spot to view it from.

With only a few hours left in Lisbon, we would soon have to make our way to Belem Tower. We descended the lift – this time enjoying the ride with complete privacy. By now the queue had grown, winding its way around the base and back down the stairs. I was grateful we changed plans and came here first otherwise we would be stuck amongst them.

Whilst we waited for our Uber to take us to Belem Tower, but crossed the street to Castro bakery, where I tried my first Pastel De Nata. These custard tarts actually originates just outside Lisbon in my next destination, Belem. Created by Catholic Monks, they used egg whites to starch their habits, and would bake the leftover egg yolks with sugar to create the tarts. After the closure of Monasteries following the Liberal Revolution of 1820, the monks began to sell the tarts are a nearby sugar refinery to generate an income.

These treats aren’t made for delayed gratification, tasting their best when eaten fresh from the oven. Warm, flaky and perfect for my sweet tooth, in my hands this sugary treat barely made it out of the door. No visit to Lisbon is complete without a bit of indulgence. For me, pairing local delicacies with a memorable view is the perfect way to experience a city.