The Santa Justa Lift, also known as the Carmo Lift, is a must-visit in Lisbon for families exploring Portugal, offering a perfect blend of history, stunning views, and a unique experience kids will love! This iconic elevator, built in 1899, connects the bustling lower streets of Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo, making it a fun and quick way to travel between these two vibrant areas. Standing at 45 meters tall, its Neo-Gothic iron structure looks like something out of a storybook—kids will be amazed by its old-fashioned design and the chance to ride a “moving tower”! As the only remaining vertical elevator in Lisbon, it adds a touch of history to your family adventure. At the top, the observation deck delivers breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon, perfect for family photos with the city’s rooftops and the Tagus River as your backdrop. It’s an easy, low-activity experience, ideal for families with young kids or those needing a break from walking—the ride takes less than a minute and is stroller-friendly, though space inside the lift is tight, so foldable strollers work best. Tickets for the Santa Justa Lift are part of Lisbon’s public transport system, making it a budget-friendly option for families. If you have a 24-hour public transport ticket, the elevator ride is included at no extra cost—perfect if you’re already using trams or buses! Holders of public transport cards like Viva Viagem or Lisbon Card can ride the elevator for a one-way fee equivalent to a bus ride (around €1.50). If you don’t have a transport card, you can purchase a return ticket onsite at the ticket office for €5.30, with kids under 4 usually riding free. Want to save even more? Skip the ticket and take the nearby stairs up to Largo do Carmo for free, then just pay €1.50 to access the observation deck—a great hack if you’re on a tight budget but still want those views!
For parents planning the visit, the lift can get crowded, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, with wait times often reaching 20-30 minutes during peak season—arrive early (around 9 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid long lines, which can be tough with restless kids. The lift is safe for children, with railings on the observation deck, but keep an eye on little ones as the platform can feel breezy and busy. There are no restrooms at the lift itself, but you’ll find public restrooms nearby in Baixa (like at Praça do Comércio, a 5-minute walk) and kid-friendly cafés like Fábrica da Nata near Rossio Square, where you can grab a quick pastel de nata and a coffee while the kids recharge. To make the experience educational, turn the visit into a mini scavenger hunt: have your kids spot landmarks like the Castle of São Jorge or the Tagus River from the top and reward them with a small treat—it’s a great way to keep them engaged and make the moment memorable! If your kids are into history or architecture, point out the intricate ironwork of the lift—it’s a perfect opportunity to spark their curiosity about how things were built long ago. Bring a hat or sunscreen for the observation deck, as there’s no shade, and pack a small snack in case the line moves slowly. After your visit, stroll to the nearby Carmo Convent (just a 2-minute walk) where kids can run around the open courtyard and explore the ruins—an easy add-on to keep the adventure going. This stop is a delightful and accessible way to soak in Lisbon’s beauty while exploring the historic center with your family, offering a mix of history, views, and a quick adventure that kids will love talking about!
Categories
Historic: A historical landmark built in 1899.
Sightseeing: Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck.
