The Ascensor da Bica is both the newest and the most popular of Lisbon's three remaining funiculars. It connects the party zone of the Pink Street to the party zone of Bairro Alto, along the party street of Bica... the operative word seems to be "party". Friday night seemed like a good time to take a ride.
Trams have been a way of life in Lisbon since 1873, with the installation of cars powered by horse. Unlike the city's remaining funiculars, which have primarily become tourist sights, the trams are still useful and popular with locals. Though, they're touristy, too. We took a ride on the #28, which is known for its breathtaking route past some of Lisbon's most iconic sights.
Connecting the Praça dos Restauradores to the Bairro Alto, the Ascensor da Glória has been in operation since 1885. We took a ride to the top, where we checked out the views from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, one of the most popular viewpoints in the city.
One of the most photographed sights in Lisbon is the Santa Justa Lift, connecting Baixa to the Bairro Alto. Built at the turn of the 20th century, this eye-catching Gothic elevator is still in use, although it's currently more for tourists than for locals.
The Jardim do Torel is set high on a hill in the neighborhood of Santo António, and the easiest way to reach it is with the Ascensor do Lavra. Once at the top, the garden and the surrounding neighborhood provide plenty of sights for an entertaining day out.
