Audio GuideGlória Funicular

Welcome to the Elevador da Glória, one of Lisbon’s iconic rides. Built in the eighteen eighties by engineer Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, this funicular has connected downtown Restauradores with Bairro Alto for over a century. Locals love it, and travelers are drawn to it, with over three million riding annually.

Filip Jecmenica

Spanning about two hundred seventy meters, the line is steep—seventeen percent—snaking through old Lisbon streets lined with nineteenth-century buildings. Notice the tram’s design: a steel exterior, wooden interior, and benches set sideways for a fair view of the city. Although the tram sits at an angle, the floor stays level beneath your feet.

João Reguengos

What sets it apart is its technology. Initially, water-filled cars used gravity for movement. Steam power followed, and by the nineteen tens, electric power made the ride smoother and more reliable. Each car is linked by a cable; as one ascends, the other descends, balancing each other.

imren tutuncu

Listen for the motor’s hum and the rails' clang as you pass vibrant street scenes. Bright graffiti adorns the cars and surrounding walls, symbolizing Lisbon’s creative spirit. These trams are often repainted, that is, they become a living art gallery and a frequent photo subject.

Андрей Леоненко

This ride is a must-see, not just for the journey but for connecting the city. Below, Restauradores buzzes with shops and squares. Up top, São Pedro de Alcântara offers one of the best panoramic views in Lisbon—perfect for photos.

Over the years, the Elevador da Glória has featured in songs, like Rádio Macau’s hit, and in local events, such as an uphill cycling race. Named a National Monument in two thousand two, the funicular is crucial to Lisbon’s rhythm and playful spirit. Tickets are affordable, but lines can grow in the evenings and weekends when Bairro Alto's nightlife kicks off.

Whether here for the engineering, the art, the views, or just the ride, you're experiencing a true Lisbon legend.