Most locals know about the free public elevators on each side of the Baixa neighborhood, but most tourists do not. Learn what the locals know.
One of these elevators goes most of the way up to the Castelo de São Jorge. The other goes up to the Carmo Rooftop Terrace and the Convento and Igreja do Carmo church.
Where are Lisbon’s free public elevators?
Lisbon’s free elevators are located on Rua do Carmo and Rua dos Fanqueiros.
A free public elevator to the castle
The city of Lisbon has two free elevators that cover most of the climb up to St. Jorge’s Castle.
To learn more about Lisbon’s castle, read my article In and around Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon’s castle – lisbontravelideas.com
On the east side of the flat Baixa neighborhood at Rua dos Fanqueiros 170 / 178, you will find a multistory, blue and white tiled building with a sign on top of the building that says “Elevador Castelo.” Presently, the front of the building is covered with a tapestry.
Enter the building and take the elevator up three stories. You will arrive at Rua Madalena, where the elevator going down is called “Elevador Baixa.”
Exit the elevator, cross the street, and go to your left, heading toward the Chão do Loureiro plaza. Keep the plaza on your right, and you will soon see the Chão do Loureiro building.
In the Chão do Loureiro building is the Pingo Doce supermarket.
At the supermarket look straight ahead as you enter, you will see an elevator that will take you up to the Restaurante Zambeze’s terrace.
From there, walk uphill for ten minutes to the castle.
In order to avoid a walk up the incline, simply take bus 737 from Praça da Figueira (near where you started, on flat land). The bus stops at the castle entrance.
A secret public elevator to the Convento do Carmo
Look for this doorway on Rua do Carmo in Lisbon’s Baixa. It is located on the street behind (west of) the Santa Justa Lift.
Notice that on the back wall of the small store, there is an elevator that is labeled “Carmo Rooftop.” Go on in. The elevator is free and open to the public.
The elevator stops on the terrace of the Carmo rooftop bar. You can stay, have a drink, and enjoy the view.
As you exit the elevator, you will see the viewing deck of the Santa Justa Lift. You can access it by entering the Carmo Rooftop terrace and taking the stairs up to the viewing deck.
Admission from here is only 1.80€ (cash only) because you did not take the famous Elevador da Santa Justa.
Or if you prefer, take the same stairs and go to the right to find the entrance to the Convento do Carmo ruins. For more information about the Carmo Convent and church ruins, see my article Lisbon’s Convento do Carmo Ruins | Everything You Need to Know – lisbontravelideas.com
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