Ascensor da Bica Lisbon
Ride Lisbon's charming 19th-century Ascensor da Bica up a steep, picturesque street, a true icon of the city.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Ascensor da Bica Lisbon
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride Lisbon's charming 19th-century Ascensor da Bica up a steep, picturesque street, a true icon of the city.
"A quintessential Lisbon experience, the Ascensor da Bica offers a charming ride up a steep, colorful street."
Check for Closures
The Bica Lift can close for repairs. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment! :warning:
Graffiti Car Insight
One car is often covered in graffiti as it stays out overnight. :spray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Incline
Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo
Experience a charming 19th-century cable railway ascending a steep, picturesque Lisbon street.
Graffiti Art Car
Bottom of the Funicular
Spot the unique car that stays out overnight, often adorned with vibrant street art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check for Closures
The Bica Lift can close for repairs. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment!
Graffiti Car Insight
One car is often covered in graffiti as it stays out overnight. :spray:
Bica Funicula in Lisbon, Portugal
Ride to Bairro Alto
This funicular is a direct route to the vibrant Bairro Alto district. :city_sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check for Closures
The Bica Lift can close for repairs. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment!
Graffiti Car Insight
One car is often covered in graffiti as it stays out overnight. :spray:
Ride to Bairro Alto
This funicular is a direct route to the vibrant Bairro Alto district. :city_sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors adore the Ascensor da Bica for its iconic charm and picturesque setting, calling it a quintessential Lisbon experience. While some find the queues long and the ride short, the unique character and photo opportunities, including the graffiti-covered car, are consistently praised.
"The one star is for the apartment itself and the one worker who came to fix everything.
I arrived in the afternoon and met a family who had been waiting for over 45 minutes to check in. It was their last day and they hoped to check in quickly considering it’s all digital and go out for a nice final day. I walked into a disaster, learning that the kiosk in which guests are expected to check in and get all of the codes was broken. If you aren’t going to pay a worker to regularly be at your location to ensure check ins are smooth and instead decide to save money by using a machine, it’s probably best to make sure the machine is functional.
Upon arrival and learning about the family’s struggle, I called the help number only to be met with a condescending voice who acted like I was stupid for not having read the message directions. I did read the directions. Your directions are unclear and even the digital aspects don’t work.
The man who came to fix the machine and check us in was great. He understood the issue and apologized.
Once I finally arrived to my room, I noticed the wifi did not work at all. I called the number and no one answered. I emailed them and got nothing. Luckily, the same worker was there and fixed it relatively quickly. He should be paid more and the man who answered the phone should perhaps find different employment.
I’d choose a different place to stay based on the fact that you may have to wait hours to check in here. Awful."
JC M
"The entrance is directly to the left of The Milkman restaurant. Ring the bell to be let in. This will bring you to the check-in kiosk. They did not allow any early check-ins before 2pm. If you take the elevator to the second floor you will find storage lockers for luggage. You must have a 2 euro coin to use the lockers. The room was clean and location was good. There was no ability to change the temperature of the rooms as it was centrally controlled."
AT Manaois
"A very nice hotel with great, friendly and attentive staff. Lovely facilities and balcony view. No complaints. Conveniently located opposite the Benfica football stadium. Metro link into inner city close by, however, it is a few stops away from the heart of Lisbon so great if you prefer a more relaxed stay on the outskirts and don't mind travelling into the main town for restaurants and the like."
Kayode Adedeji
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ascensor da Bica is located on Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. You can reach the bottom station from the Baixa district or walk from the Bairro Alto area. It's a scenic walk through charming Lisbon streets.
Yes, the funicular is a public transport option itself! It connects Rua de São Paulo with Calçada do Combro. The nearest metro stations are Baixa-Chiado or Cais do Sodré, both a short walk away.
Many visitors enjoy walking down from Bairro Alto to reach the top of the funicular, then riding it down. Alternatively, start at the bottom and ride up into the lively Bairro Alto.
Absolutely! The street itself, Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo, is incredibly picturesque and worth exploring on foot, even if you don't ride the funicular.
Yes, it's close to the lively Bairro Alto neighborhood, known for its nightlife and Fado houses, and within walking distance of Chiado and Cais do Sodré.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Riding the Ascensor da Bica typically costs the same as a single public transport ticket in Lisbon. You can use the Viva Viagem card or purchase tickets directly.
It's generally not necessary to buy tickets in advance, as you can purchase them at the station. However, during peak season, lines can be long.
Operating hours can vary, but it typically runs from early morning until late evening. It's always best to check the official schedule or local listings before your visit.
Yes, the funicular can undergo periodic maintenance. It was closed for repairs from April 21 to May 30, 2025. Always check for updates.
Yes, if you have a valid Lisbon public transport pass like the Viva Viagem card, you can usually use it for the Ascensor da Bica.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for capturing the charming street and funicular. Golden hour can be magical!
The classic shot is from the bottom looking up the steep incline. You can also get great perspectives from the top looking down, or from the windows of the buildings lining the street.
Yes, you can take photos from inside the funicular as it ascends or descends, offering unique angles of the street and city.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, professional shoots might require permits. Be mindful of other passengers.
If you're lucky enough to see the graffiti-covered car, try to get a clear shot from the bottom or side. It's a unique aspect of the funicular's character.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Try to ride during off-peak hours to ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone. If your child is fascinated by the graffiti art, point out the unique car as a special feature.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning or late afternoon to catch the best light and fewer crowds. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the unique graffiti art that sometimes appears on one of the cars, adding an urban edge to the historic charm. Experiment with different vantage points: from the bottom looking up, from the top looking down, or even from within the funicular itself. The surrounding alleys and balconies also offer charming details to incorporate into your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Unlike many modern transport systems, the Ascensor da Bica retains much of its original charm. The engineering behind it, a counterbalanced system of cars on a steep incline, is a testament to 19th-century ingenuity. Travelers often remark on the unique character of the funicular, especially the car that is sometimes left out overnight and becomes a canvas for local street art.
When planning your visit, it's important to note that the Ascensor da Bica, like many public works, can undergo maintenance. For instance, it was scheduled for essential repairs in Spring 2025.
This means checking for operational status is crucial to avoid disappointment. Despite these occasional interruptions, the Ascensor da Bica remains a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the authentic spirit of Lisbon, offering stunning views and a memorable ride.Capturing the Charm: Photography Tips
Beyond the classic shot, explore different angles. Riding the funicular itself provides unique perspectives from inside the car, looking out at the charming architecture and bustling street life.
Consider capturing the graffiti art that sometimes adorns one of the cars, a distinctive feature mentioned by locals and visitors alike. To truly make your photos stand out, experiment with different compositions. Try framing the funicular with the buildings on either side, or capture the movement of the cars. Wide-angle lenses are great for encompassing the entire street, while telephoto lenses can isolate details. Don't forget to look for the laundry hanging from balconies and the local cats that often lounge in the sun – these small details add authenticity to your Lisbon street photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit