Lisbon, the hilly capital of Portugal, is a city filled with charm and character around every corner. Navigating the steep hills of Lisbon can be a challenge for travelers, but luckily the city offers a convenient and scenic solution: funiculars. These historic cable railways not only provide an easy way to navigate the city, but also offer stunning views of Lisbon’s picturesque streets, colorful buildings, and the Tagus River. Let’s explore three funiculars that will help you discover the beauty of Lisbon while making your journey around the city a breeze.
Navigating Lisbon’s Hills: Funiculars for Easy Exploration
Lisbon’s Elevador da Gloria is one of the most popular funiculars in the city, connecting the Restauradores Square to the Bairro Alto neighborhood. As you ride up the steep hill, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city below, including the Rossio Square and the iconic Sao Jorge Castle. The Elevador da Gloria has been in operation since the late 19th century and remains a beloved mode of transportation for both locals and tourists alike.
Another must-visit funicular in Lisbon is the Elevador da Bica, which runs through the narrow streets of the Bairro Alto district. This funicular is known for its charming surroundings, with colorful buildings, street art, and quaint cafes lining the route. The Elevador da Bica provides a convenient way to explore this historic neighborhood and offers a unique perspective of Lisbon’s vibrant culture and architecture.
The Elevador da Lavra is Lisbon’s oldest funicular, dating back to 1884. This funicular connects the Avenida da Liberdade to the Largo da Anunciada, making it a convenient way to access the city’s main boulevard. As you ascend the hill, you’ll pass by beautiful gardens and historic buildings, providing a glimpse into Lisbon’s rich history and heritage. The Elevador da Lavra is a hidden gem in the city, offering a peaceful and scenic ride away from the bustling city streets.
Discovering Lisbon’s Charm: Ride Along 3 Funiculars
In conclusion, exploring Lisbon’s hilly terrain is made easier and more enjoyable with the help of the city’s funiculars. Whether you’re looking to soak in panoramic views, discover hidden gems in historic neighborhoods, or simply make your way around the city with ease, Lisbon’s funiculars offer a unique and unforgettable experience. So hop on board one of these charming cable railways and let them take you on a journey through the heart of Lisbon’s beauty and charm.

Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
