Everything You Need to Know About São Jorge Castle in Lisbon, Portugal

Article updated July 2025. This post includes affiliate links.

My first ever stop in Portugal was at São Jorge Castle. This must-see place left me with a strong impression and set the tone for the rest of my trip. Maybe this is the reason why Lisbon is my favourite.

Read on to learn everything there is to know about visiting São Jorge Castle.

Table of Contents hide

1. What is São Jorge Castle?

2. Why should you visit São Jorge Castle?

3. How to get to São Jorge Castle?

4. What is the cost of São Jorge Castle?

5. How long do you need to visit São Jorge Castle?

6. Is visiting São Jorge Castle worth it?

7. Book hotels, rent a car, purchase travel insurance & more!

What is São Jorge Castle?

São Jorge Castle, known in Portuguese as Castelo de São Jorge, is a historic castle situated on the edge of Alfama in Lisbon, Portugal. The castle itself was founded around 10-11^th century, however the site’s oldest fortifications date from the 2^nd century BC, and human occupation in this area goes as far back as the 6^th century BC.

Why should you visit São Jorge Castle?

One of the most appealing reasons to visit the castle is the view! Hands down, one of the best you are going to find in Lisbon. Most importantly, you can view the whole city from all directions by going to the main square, or walking through castle walls and towers.

When you first enter the castle grounds you will find yourself in the main square surrounded by large, luscious trees. This was my favourite place and I found myself spending most of my time here – just sitting around the edge and admiring the wonderful view.

Castle walls and the towers were definitely my second favourite! You can explore the castle going through all different gateways, climb multiple towers, as well as see the barbican and the moat. The views and the vibe are definitely amazing once you venture deeper into the structures.

During your visit you will also see a partially-ruined Royal Palace located right in the middle of the castle site. The remains of the buildings belonging to the palace are now used as a Museum Centre, showcasing a collection of pieces excavated from the surrounding grounds.

At the far edge, you will find an Archaeological Centre where some areas are still used as ongoing excavations.

Aside from what you can see and explore, you should definitely visit the castle for all the history you can learn. Personally, I found it fascinating to understand the occupation of the castle throughout the centuries, which shaped the Portugal you see today.

How to get to São Jorge Castle?

I will be very honest – getting there is truly painful if you decide to walk! The castle is situated on one of the highest points in Lisbon, therefore you will be walking up the hill the whole time. Walking will take about 5-15 minutes if you’re starting from around Alfama, Graca or Rossio areas.

If you’re not up for a challenging walk, then I recommend taking the bus 737 from Praca da Figueira, which stops about 2 minutes away by foot from the castle. The trip by bus should take less than 10 minutes.

What is the cost of São Jorge Castle?

Adults pay 15 Euro, seniors 12.50 Euro and youth (13-25 years old) 7.50 Euro. Children below the age of 12 receive free admission.

There is free admission with the purchase of the Lisboa Card. You can purchase the card online through all major ticket sellers, such as Tiqets or Get Your Guide.

Guided tours are included in the ticket price, subject to registration at the ticket office on the day of the visit and subject to available capacity.

The castle is open from 9 AM to 9 PM from March to October, and 9 AM to 6 PM from November to February.

Purchase through: V iator | Tiqets | Get Your Guide

How long do you need to visit São Jorge Castle?

I recommend planning for a minimum of 1 hour to visit the castle, but preferably 1.5-2 hours.

Is visiting São Jorge Castle worth it?

I truly recommend visiting São Jorge Castle. I think it’s one of the attractions that everyone who comes to Lisbon should see at least once. Aside from being an iconic landmark, it is also a perfect mix of history and nature that lets you understand the origins of Lisbon, as well as Portugal as a whole.

3 things I would suggest:

Visit first thing in the morning, or right before it closes to experience the sunset.
Get your tickets online in advance. I didn’t find the castle to be busy because the space is big enough to accommodate everyone comfortably, however the lines to buy tickets were very long.
Make sure to explore surrounding streets before or after your visit. The area around the castle is wonderful!