The nineteenth century funicular ascends one of Lisbon’s steepest hills between Rua de São Paulo and Largo do Calhariz via Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo.
Take the funicular up when coming from Cais do Sodré. The funicular entrance is tucked into an arch of a building on Rua de São Paulo, 234. Look for the sign over the arch. The funicular crosses the Bica neighbourhood en route to Bairro Alto.
Bica is considered Lisbon’s most picturesque funicular, leading up to the Bairro Alto and Bica neighbourhoods, full of distinctive buildings, little shops and some nice restaurants.
At the top, just three minutes away via Rua do Loreto, don’t miss the stunning views offered by the viewpoint known as Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Built in 1892, the funicular was initially moved by the water counterbalancing system, whereby movement was achieved by loading the car at the top of the hill with water until it was heavy enough to descend the hill and pull up the other car at the bottom of the hill. Then, in 1896 the Ascensor da Bica became steam powered, and in 1924 it was electrified.
- Route: Rua de São Paulo – Largo Calhariz
- Timetable: every 15 minutes (approx.) 7am – 9pm Monday to Saturday, 9am – 9pm Sunday and public holidays
- Viva Viagem Card and Lisboa Card accepted, carris.pt
