Looming somewhat incongruously over the rooftops of Lisbon’s Baixa (downtown) district is the odd-looking Santa Justa Lift, a neo-Gothic elevator and the most eccentric and novel means of public transport in the city. At first glance, its riveted wrought-iron frame and battleship-grey paint conjure images of the Eiffel Tower inParis, and there is a connection: the French architect Raoul Msnier du Ponsard, an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel, designed the elevator, which was inaugurated in1901. It was built as a means of connecting the Baixa with the Largo do Carmo in theBairro Alto neighborhood, a trendy area of the city peppered with expensive shops, Fado houses, and small restaurants.

Today, it is curious tourists rather than the commuting public who make the 32-meter jaunt to the top, traveling in wood-paneled cabins that still feature the original polished brass instruments. The cabins creak their way to a platform set just below the top terrace. From here, passengers can either exit and walk across a bridge into Bairro Alto or opt to climb the spiral staircase that leads to the upper terrace. The views from the top are superb and take in a busy urban canvas of pedestrianized streets, picturesque squares, and the omnipresent castle and River Tagus. You can also enjoy a wonderful perspective of the nearby Igreja do Carmo. Expect large queues throughout the summer season.

Another unique form of transport in Lisbon is the Elevador da Bica, a funicular railroad that was constructed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard and opened to the public in 1892. Today, it still rises above the steep Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo and whisks passengers up to a panoramic viewpoint. The lower station of this funicular railroad is almost hidden behind a facade on the Rua de S. Paulo with the inscription “Ascensor da Bica” (no. 234). While here, it’s worth exploring this peaceful little quarter known as Bica, which runs down from the Cal§ada do Combro/Rua do Loreto to the Tagus. Only a few cars journey here due to its sloping topography, narrow streets, and densely packed buildings.