Elevador do Carmo

The industrial-age iron tracery of this 15-metre high lift – also known as Elevador do Carmo – is one of Lisbon’s most beloved landmarks, but it only became a national monument in 2002.

It was built by Portuguese-born Eiffel disciple Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, and it officially opened in August 1901. It links Rua do Ouro, downtown, to the square next to Igreja do Carmo, a little further up the hill. At the top, up a spiral staircase, a viewing platform offers 360-degree views of downtown Lisbon.

The Elevador is part of the public transport system, so if you have a travelcard a one-way trip is equivalent to a bus journey. For an alternative and more budget Lisbon view, head to Pollux, a department store on the rooftop of which you’ll find a cafe and bar with good coffee.