The red suspension bridge arching over the water is an unmistakable symbol of San Francisco. But it's not exactly unmistakable...

Lisbon is actually connected to the city of Almada via the Tejo River on California's twin Golden Gate Bridge, and uninformed travellers will easily confuse the two in a photograph.

The 25th of April Bridge was built in 1966 as part of the Lisbon bypass and to speed up travel to Almada and Setúbal. A railway deck was then added in 1999.

Height and dimensions of the bridge

The 25 April Bridge spans 2 277 metres over the River Tagus, making it one of the top 50 longest suspension bridges in the world.

The bridge deck, which is used by cars, is 70 metres above the water, while the twin piers rise to a height of 190 metres. The bridge's pillars are thus the tallest structures in the whole of Lisbon.

Tour.

Want to learn more about the bridge? Visit the interactive museum and tour called the Pilar 7 Experience.

The tour will take you inside one of the bridge's land pillars with lots of interesting information.

The Pilar 7 Experience is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Tickets cost 5,50 eur for adults. Children under 15, students with ISIC card and seniors over 65 pay only 3,70 eur.

Official website: visitlisboa.com/en

Where are the best views of the bridge?

The best view of the bridge is from the statue of Christ on the Almada bank of the Teja, but also, for example, from the Belem Tower or from the ferries fording the river.

The nearest good view is from the pretty promenade along the river and the park Jardim Docas da Ponte (location at google.com/maps).

The easiest way to reach the bridge from the centre is by tram line 15E.