Explore Lisbon's Hills with Funiculars & Elevators with Tings Lisbon

Navigating Lisbon's Hills with Ease: Elevators and Funiculars

The Lavra Funicular takes you to one of Lisbon's less touristic viewpoints - and to Campo dos Martires with the lush, green and children friendly Parque Canino. A true hidden gem

The Lavra Funicular is Lisbon’s oldest. The 188 m-long line connects Largo da Anunciada to Rua Câmara Pestana. (Photo by Pedro Simões)

Lisbon’s public transportation network, operated by Carris, offers a convenient system of elevators and funiculars that serve as practical shortcuts for traversing the city’s steep slopes.

For locals familiar with these routes, they are invaluable time-savers, especially during rush hour when commuting from Graça to downtown areas like Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Principe Real.

Discovering Lisbon's Iconic Funiculars and Elevators

The Glória Funicular takes you from Marques de Pombal Bairro and neighbouring Principe Real in a few entertaining minutes. (Photo by Lis Fotios -Pexel).

Carris operates three funiculars and one elevator in Lisbon, which have become major tourist attractions. These historic transportation systems were originally designed to serve local residents in traditional neighborhoods, many of which have since been transformed into short-term rentals. As a commercial entity, Carris requires tickets for these rides.

Elevador de Santa Justa: This impressive iron structure links the Baixa district to the elevated Chiado neighborhood, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its top. The elevator is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and vistas.

Elevador do Lavra: As Lisbon’s oldest funicular, it connects Avenida da Liberdade to the serene Torel Garden, providing stunning city views amidst a tranquil green oasis.

Elevador da Glória: This historic funicular ascends from Restauradores Square to Bairro Alto, winding through narrow streets lined with colorful facades. It offers a unique glimpse into Lisbon’s charming neighborhoods.

With its dramatic contrast between the steep route with the Tagus in the back, The Bica Funicular is one of Lisbon’s most attractions. (Photo by Lis Fotios -Pexel)

Elevador da Bica, a vibrant yellow funicular, meanders up the steep hillside from Cais do Sodré to Bairro Alto, offering an authentic Lisbon experience amidst charming surroundings. This picturesque funicular is not only a practical mode of transport but also a window into Lisbon’s rich history and ambiance.

These iconic elevators and funiculars serve as both efficient transportation and a gateway to Lisbon’s vibrant atmosphere. They provide an enjoyable way to reach hilltop viewpoints, allowing visitors to experience the city’s unique charm from a different perspective.

Whether you’re exploring the historic neighborhoods or simply taking in the panoramic views, these funiculars offer a memorable journey through Lisbon’s hills. Embark on a Journey Through Lisbon’s Hills By using these convenient and fascinating modes of transport, you can uncover the city’s hidden gems and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lisbon from a unique vantage point.

Each funicular ride is a journey that highlights the distinct character of Lisbon’s neighborhoods, making them an integral part of the city’s cultural heritag.

The public Lisbon Municipal Mobility and Parking Company

The Projected Elevator from Escadinhas das Portas do Mar to Ze Cathedral

In 2015, we purchased a house at the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, situated at the top of Lisbon’s highest hill. At that time, this stunning viewpoint was a tranquil spot, frequented only by locals. We could set up tables and chairs and enjoy picnics under the stars, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

The experience was both absolutely fantastic and a little daunting. Our main concern was how to make this gem more accessible to visitors. It was during this time that I stumbled upon an article in Bloomberg about Lisbon’s City Transit Authority’s ambitious projects.

While the proposed elevator for cruise travelers to visit the Sé Cathedral didn’t capture my interest, a mention of other initiatives sparked my curiosity. Further research led me to an article in the Portuguese Observador, which detailed a comprehensive plan for new funiculars and escalators. The proposals included an elevator to the Sé Cathedral, a funicular from Mouraria to Graça, and a three-section escalator from Martim Moniz to Castelo de São Jorge.

Today, however, the elevator to the Sé Cathedral is no longer discussed, and only one section of the escalator, Escadinhas da Saúde, has been implemented, unfortunately leading to nowhere.

The Mouraria up to Graça Funicular has opened!

After years of anticipation, the Funicular from Mouraria to Graça finally became a reality, inaugurated on March 12, 2024, marking the culmination of a 15-year journey. I was thrilled to take a ride shortly after its opening, and the experience was nothing short of exhilarating.

The glass bubble of the funicular offers breathtaking views that are truly out of this world.

I couldn’t resist taking another ride the next day, this time with Annette, which might have been our last. However, the scene had already changed; the line of tourists waiting to ascend was incredibly long, hinting that it would soon become a challenge to get a spot.

While these funiculars are primarily intended as a practical means of transportation for local residents, especially the elderly in Graça, I predict that this new funicular will soon become a popular tourist attraction, rivaling the fame of Tram #28.

As tourists flock to experience the unique views and charm of this historic neighborhood, it’s clear that the Funicular from Mouraria to Graça is set to become a must-visit destination in Lisbon.

The Short Cuts to hilly Lisbon.

Together with the relatively unknown Santa Luzia elevator and the popular Baixa/Castello elevator Lisbon Municipality now runs 5 elevators/escalators/funiculars – very convenient shortcuts between Lisbon’s many hills. Especially if you want to go from our hill to Chiado.

In this map you can see all of them with comments for each of them. Here you also find our shortcut from Tings Lisbon to Chiado.

Enjoy.

Thomas