Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge, Lisbon – The Golden Gate Bridge of Portugal
The Ponte 25 de Abril is a massive red suspension bridge in Lisbon, Portugal. It’s often mistaken for the Golden Gate bridge, as they look a lot alike.
Want to see it for yourself?
This guide has everything you need to know to plan your visit, including the best viewpoint.
Let’s jump right in!
The icon of Lisbon is undoubtedly the yellow tram. But it’s not the only iconic thing about this Portuguese town; the tall red suspension bridge “Ponte 25 de Abril” is also an icon, and is an ever-present monument in the Lisbon skyline.
“Ponte 25 de Abril” simply means “25 April Bridge“; the name comes from the first day of the revolution.
In this travel guide about the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see, from facts about the bridge, comparison with the Golden Gate bridge, to finding the best viewpoint.
Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.
Where is the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge?
The Ponte 25 de Abril bridge is located in Portugal capital city, Lisbon.
The suspension bridge is on the south west border of Lisbon, and spans over the Tagus river (Tejo river in Portuguese). The bridge connects Lisbon to Almada, the city where you’ll find the Cristo Rei Monument.
Interesting facts about the 25 de Abril bridge
Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few about the Ponte 25 de Abril for you:
- construction of the bridge started in 1962 and took 4 years, with the bridge officially opened on August 6th 1966
- the bridge was initially called “Ponte Salazar” (Salazar Bridge), named after Portugal Prime Minister (and dictator) Antonio de Oliveira Salazar.
- In 1974, at the end of the Carnation Revolution, people removed the name of the bridge from one of the pillars and wrote “25 de Abril” in paint, an homage to the day the revolution started
- how long is the bridge in Lisbon? Well, the 25 de Abril bridge is 2,277 meters long (7,470 feet)
- the bridge was built by the American Bridge Company who contrary to popular belief is not the same company that built the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco
Visiting The Ponte 25 Abril
When we were exploring Portugal, we did a huge road trip, from Porto all the way to the Algarve region down south. The first time we got to Lisbon, we came from the north, from the Douro Valley. Because of this, we didn’t see the Ponte 25 Abril right away. It was only when we were ready to leave Lisbon and go further down south that we crossed the bridge by car, and it was incredible to see the massive suspension bridge.
It feels really surreal to be in Portugal, and to see this massive red suspension bridge; you feel like you’re in San Francisco for a second. I couldn’t help but stare at the huge pillars of the bridge the whole time we were driving on it.
The drive was short, and in less than 2 minutes we were out. I wanted to enjoy the bridge more than the few minutes we had, so we headed out to the best viewpoint over the Lisbon bridge: the National Sanctuary of Christ the King.
Best Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge Viewpoint
Because the 25 April Bridge is such a huge bridge, you can see it from a lot of different points. But for me, the best view of the bridge is from the top of the Cristo Rei.
What better spot to gaze upon the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge than from right next to it, 82 meters above the ground?
From the top of the Cristo Rei, you’ll have a stunning panoramic view over the surroundings, and the best view over the iconic red bridge. To reach this viewpoint, get to the Cristo Rei monument, then you’ll have to purchase a ticket to take the lift all the way up the viewing platform.
If you post your photos of the 25 de Abril bridge on Instagram, tag them with #kevmrc so that we can see them!
If you don’t want to pay to go up the Cristo Rei, or if it’s closed when you get there, don’t worry you’ll still be able to see the Ponte 25 de Abril.
When you’re facing the main entrance of the Cristo Rei, go to your left, and follow the path that goes down. As soon as you start on the steep path, you’ll be surprised with a wonderful view of the 25 de Abril bridge.
You can keep going down the path, and go all the way down. When you reach a plateau, look to your left, for a stunning view over the Tagus river and the 25 April bridge.
Ponte 25 de Abril Walk
Can you walk on the Ponte 25 de Abril? Sadly no, you can’t.
The only way to cross the bridge is with a car, by driving across it. There are also several buses that cross the bridge, driving from Almada to Lisbon and vice versa.
But what if you absolutely want to walk across the bridge? Well, there is a way, but…
The only possibility for you to walk across the 25 de Abril bridge is to be there in March, during the half-marathon. No no, relax, you don’t have to actually run a half-marathon.
You can participate to the Lisbon Mini Marathon, a fun race that will allow you to walk across the bridge. A lot of people actually come simply to walk on the bridge, and to enjoy the experience. If you stay in the back with the others, you don’t need to run.
Ponte 25 de Abril vs Golden Gate Bridge
Ok, let’s address the elephant in the room. The Ponte 25 de Abril looks exactly like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Or at least that’s what everyone thinks after seeing the Lisbon bridge for the first time.
But are they really similar?
They look similar for two reasons:
- they’re both red
- they’re both suspension bridges
The “Golden Gate Bridge of Lisbon” was built by the same company that built the Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco (but didn’t build the Golden Gate Bridge). If you look closely, you’ll see that the suspension bridge of Lisbon actually looks a lot like the Oakland Bay Bridge; the pillars are built the same way, with the crosses in the middle.
So is the Ponte 25 de Abril a Golden Gate Bridge replica? Not exactly, but it sure looks a lot alike.
If you’ve been to both Lisbon and San Francisco, how do you compare the 2 bridges?
I personally have a preference for the Golden Gate: it looks wayyy more massive and also, you can walk on it.
Ponte 25 de Abril – Price
To cross the bridge, you’ll have to pay a toll.
The toll is only for northbound traffic, so you’ll only have to pay if you’re going from Almada to Lisbon.
Northbound Bridge Toll: 1.80€
Where to Stay near Ponte 25 de Abril in Lisbon
If you’re visiting the 25 de Abril bridge and Lisbon, (and maybe getting ready for your Camino de Santiago hike?) you have several options for where to stay:
Budget: Host Bell Rooms and Suites
Very cheap accommodation, around 14€ per night for a bed in a 12 beds dorm room.
This hostel has the best location, it’s right next to the main square, and everything is within walking distance. There’s also tea and coffee machines in every room, which is a big plus.
Best Prices: Host Bell Rooms and Suites
Comfy: Lost Lisbon: Avenida House
Very comfy rooms, with private bathroom, for around 78€ per night.
The two nice bonuses? It’s within walking distance of the city center, and it also comes with a free breakfast!
Best Prices: Lost Lisbon: Avenida House
Luxury: The One Palacio da Anunciada
If you’re looking for the perfect dreamy place to relax and enjoy your stay in Lisbon, look no further.
The One Palacio da Anunciada might very well be your favorite place in the city; private bathroom, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, indoor pool and even a sauna! It also has breakfast included, and its location is hard to beat.
Best Prices: The One Palacio da Anunciada
Visit Portugal
Planning a trip to Portugal? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:
Lisbon Guides:
Panteao Nacional – National Monument
Basilica da Estrela – Gem of Baroque Architecture
Cristo Rei – Visit the Highest Point of Lisbon
Portugal Guides:
The Ultimate Algarve Travel Guide
What to see in Sintra – next to Lisbon
I hope you enjoy your trip to the Ponte 25 de Abril and to Portugal!
If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.
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