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Largo do Carmo Lisbon

4.6
·491k reviews·Lisboa, Portugal

A historic Lisbon square featuring the haunting Carmo Convent ruins and the iconic Santa Justa Lift, offering stunning city views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Bom passeio!

Largo do Carmo Lisbon

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Lisbon square featuring the haunting Carmo Convent ruins and the iconic Santa Justa Lift, offering stunning city views.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Carmo Convent ruins are a must-see, a hauntingly beautiful reminder of Lisbon's past."

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🎟️ Carmo Convent Entry Fee

Admission to the Carmo Convent ruins is around 5 euros per adult. :euro:

⬆️ Santa Justa Lift Queues

Expect long lines for the Santa Justa Lift; consider walking up if time is short. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Carmo Convent Ruins

Carmo Convent Ruins

Largo do Carmo

Hauntingly beautiful Gothic ruins, a stark reminder of the 1755 earthquake.

Santa Justa Lift

Santa Justa Lift

Connects Baixa to Largo do Carmo

An iconic iron elevator offering panoramic city views.

GNR Museum Balcony

GNR Museum Balcony

Guarda Nacional Republicana Museum

Offers some of the most stunning, often overlooked, views of Lisbon.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Largo do Carmo

Largo do Carmo is a popular spot, especially when combined with the Santa Justa Lift. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Consider visiting on a weekday if possible, as weekends can get quite busy with both locals and tourists.

Accessing Largo do Carmo

Largo do Carmo is easily accessible by foot from the Baixa district, or you can take the iconic Santa Justa Lift directly to the square. Be aware that the lift can have long queues, so factor this into your timing. The square itself is free to enter and explore.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

5 places you must visit in Lisbon via @Jesús Patiño | Travels ✈️🇵🇹, IG:jesus.patino #portugal #travel #traveltiktok #tiktok #travellife #travelbucketlist #explore #fyp
@portugal.explores
20.7K likes • 536.7K views

🎟️ Carmo Convent Entry Fee

Admission to the Carmo Convent ruins is around 5 euros per adult. :euro: Instagram

⬆️ Santa Justa Lift Queues

Expect long lines for the Santa Justa Lift; consider walking up if time is short. :walking: Instagram

Largo do Carmo e rua do Passo, seu casario integra o conjunto arquitetônico colonial tombado pelo IPHAN. Além das residências com moradores antigos e novos, também estão reunidos no bairro diversos restaurantes, lanchonetes, hotéis, galerias, lojas e igrejas. Grande parte delas, com vista para a Baía de Todos os Santos. #centrohistoricosalvador #passo #arquiteturacolonial
pelourinho_bahia
625 likes • 8.4K views
🇬🇧 The ruined Carmo Convent is one of Lisbon’s most hauntingly beautiful sights. It was its greatest medieval building, but stands as a reminder of the devastating earthquake of 1755 that destroyed most of the city. It’s situated in the center of Lisbon, Largo do Carmo, and the admission is 5 euros/adult. 🇵🇹 As ruínas do Convento do Carmo são uma das mais belas e assustadoras estruturas de Lisbo...
isa__m_
4.1K likes • 76.8K views

📸 Best Viewpoint

The GNR Museum balcony offers incredible Lisbon vistas, often with fewer people. :camera: Instagram+1

🌳 Jacaranda Trees

Visit in spring to see the square adorned with beautiful jacaranda trees. :blossom:

Santa Justa Lift - connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo (Carmo Square). #santajusta #santajustalift #lisbon #lisboa #portugal #portugal🇵🇹 #follower #followers
morelifeinyouryears
3 likes • 119 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Carmo Convent Entry Fee

Admission to the Carmo Convent ruins is around 5 euros per adult. :euro: Instagram

⬆️ Santa Justa Lift Queues

Expect long lines for the Santa Justa Lift; consider walking up if time is short. :walking: Instagram

📸 Best Viewpoint

The GNR Museum balcony offers incredible Lisbon vistas, often with fewer people. :camera: Instagram+1

🌳 Jacaranda Trees

Visit in spring to see the square adorned with beautiful jacaranda trees. :blossom:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Largo do Carmo for its historical significance, particularly the evocative Carmo Convent ruins, and its stunning city views, often accessible via the iconic Santa Justa Lift. While the beauty and atmosphere are widely appreciated, some find the queues for the lift and the convent entrance fees to be drawbacks.

What People Like

Evocative Carmo Convent ruins
Panoramic city views
Historic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Long Santa Justa Lift queues
Entrance fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Largo do Carmo is centrally located and easily reachable. You can walk from the Baixa district, or take the historic Santa Justa Lift directly to the square. Many visitors find the lift a scenic way to arrive, though queues can be long. :train2: Instagram

Yes, Largo do Carmo is very walkable from many popular Lisbon sights, including Rossio Square and the Baixa district. It's a pleasant stroll through charming streets. :walking:

The Santa Justa Lift offers a unique experience connecting Baixa to Largo do Carmo. To avoid long waits, try going early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can walk up to the square and enjoy the lift's upper platform views. :elevator: Instagram

Yes, several tram and bus lines stop near Largo do Carmo, making it accessible from various parts of the city. The nearest metro stations are Baixa-Chiado and Rossio, both a short walk away. :bus: :tram:

Driving directly to Largo do Carmo can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If you do drive, look for parking garages in the surrounding Baixa district. :car:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Largo do Carmo itself is a public square and is free to enter and explore. You can wander around, admire the fountain, and soak in the atmosphere without any admission fee. :ticket:

There is a small admission fee to enter the Carmo Convent ruins, which also houses the Archaeological Museum. As of recent information, it's around 5 euros per adult. :euro: Instagram

Yes, a ticket is required to ride the Santa Justa Lift. You can purchase tickets at the base of the lift or often use a Viva Viagem card. Be prepared for potential queues. :ticket: Instagram

The Carmo Convent and its museum typically open around 10 AM and close in the late afternoon or early evening. It's advisable to check the most current opening hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally. :clock1:

Access to the balcony of the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) Museum in Largo do Carmo is often free, but it's best to confirm on-site or check their official hours. It's a hidden gem for great views. :camera: Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Largo do Carmo offers several fantastic photo opportunities. The Carmo Convent ruins provide dramatic, historic shots. The baroque fountain is picturesque, and the views from the GNR Museum balcony are breathtaking. Don't forget the Santa Justa Lift itself! :camera: Instagram+1

For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The 'golden hour' before sunset casts a warm glow on the ruins and the square, making for stunning photographs. :sunrise: :city_sunset:

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas of Lisbon, especially around historic sites. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid any issues. :noentrysign:

Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and drama of the Carmo Convent ruins. Shots from ground level looking up emphasize their height, while wider shots can include the surrounding square. :camerawithflash: Instagram

Visitors often capture architectural photography of the ruins and the lift, as well as scenic cityscapes from the GNR balcony. Portrait photography with the historic backdrop is also popular. :couple: :building_construction:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Largo do Carmo and the surrounding streets offer a good selection of cafes and restaurants. You can find places for a quick coffee, a light snack, or a more substantial meal. :coffee: :forkandknife:

You'll find traditional Portuguese cuisine, including seafood, pastries like Pastéis de Nata, and various local dishes. There are also international options available. :fish_cake: :croissant:

While some restaurants can be tourist-oriented, you can find more affordable options by exploring side streets or looking for 'prato do dia' (dish of the day) specials. :moneybag:

Some establishments in the vicinity of Largo do Carmo may offer pleasant views, particularly those on higher floors or with outdoor seating. It's worth asking about seating with a view when booking or arriving. :cityscape:

Don't miss out on Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts), Bifanas (pork sandwiches), and fresh seafood. Many cafes and bakeries around Largo do Carmo will serve these delicious local specialties. :ice_cream: :bread:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Largo do Carmo offers a mix of history and open space that can appeal to families. The Carmo Convent ruins can spark imagination about knights and ancient times, though younger children might find them a bit somber. The baroque fountain in the center of the square is a nice focal point for a break. Instagram

Consider using the Santa Justa Lift as a fun ride for kids, but be prepared for potential queues. Walking up to Largo do Carmo might be more manageable with little ones. The open square provides space to run around briefly. Pack snacks and water, as dining options directly in the square can be limited or pricier. :stroller:

🚶 Budget Travelers

Largo do Carmo is excellent for budget travelers as the square itself is free to explore. The main cost would be entry to the Carmo Convent ruins (around 5 euros) and the Santa Justa Lift ride. Instagram+1

To save money, skip the lift ride and walk up from Baixa, or just enjoy the views from the upper platform. Pack your own snacks and water, or look for local bakeries (pastelarias) for affordable pastries and coffee. Many of the best photo opportunities, like the GNR Museum balcony, are free. :moneywithwings:

📸 Photographers

Largo do Carmo is a photographer's delight. The Carmo Convent ruins offer dramatic, moody shots, especially when framed against the sky. The Santa Justa Lift is an iconic piece of industrial architecture perfect for capturing unique angles. Instagram+1

The real hidden gem is the GNR Museum balcony, providing sweeping panoramic views of Lisbon that are ideal for landscape and cityscape photography. Visit during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most magical light. The square's baroque fountain and surrounding architecture also provide charming foreground elements. :camerawithflash:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of the 1755 Earthquake

Largo do Carmo is forever marked by the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755. The seismic event, followed by a tsunami and fires, reshaped the city, and the Carmo Convent stands as its most poignant monument. The roofless Gothic church, with its skeletal arches open to the sky, is a powerful visual reminder of the destruction.

Today, the ruins house the Carmo Archaeological Museum, offering a glimpse into Portugal's past, from prehistoric times to the medieval era. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as both somber and awe-inspiring, a place for reflection on history and resilience. The contrast between the ancient stone and the vibrant Lisbon sky above is particularly striking. Instagram

Exploring the Carmo Convent is a must-do for understanding Lisbon's historical narrative. It's not just about the ruins themselves, but the story they tell of a city rebuilt and a people who persevered. The site offers a unique perspective on the city's architectural evolution and its capacity for recovery.

Navigating the Santa Justa Lift

The Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa) is more than just transportation; it's a Lisbon icon. This wrought-iron elevator, designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard (a disciple of Gustave Eiffel), connects the lower Baixa district to the higher Largo do Carmo. Its neo-Gothic design makes it a striking landmark in itself.

While the lift offers a convenient and scenic route to Largo do Carmo, it's notorious for its long queues, especially during peak tourist season. Many travelers recommend either visiting very early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimize wait times. Alternatively, you can walk up to Largo do Carmo and access the lift's upper platform from there, enjoying the views without the ride itself. Instagram

For those who do choose to ride, the ascent provides increasingly spectacular panoramic views of the city, including Rossio Square, the Tagus River, and São Jorge Castle. It's a unique way to experience Lisbon's topography and a memorable part of any visit to Largo do Carmo. :elevator:

Discovering Hidden Views from Largo do Carmo

While the Carmo Convent ruins and the Santa Justa Lift are major draws, Largo do Carmo holds a secret for those seeking breathtaking city views: the balcony of the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) Museum. This often-overlooked spot offers some of the most stunning and expansive vistas of Lisbon, often with fewer crowds than other viewpoints. Instagram+1

Visitors rave about the panoramic scenery from this vantage point, which stretches across the city's rooftops towards the Tagus River. It's the perfect place to capture postcard-worthy photos of Lisbon without the hustle and bustle. The museum itself is also worth a brief visit if time permits, but the balcony is the real gem for photographers and view-seekers. Instagram

Accessing the balcony is usually free, though it's wise to check the museum's opening hours. This hidden viewpoint adds another layer of discovery to Largo do Carmo, proving that sometimes the best sights are found off the beaten path. :camerawithflash:

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