São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lisbon. Sitting on a hill in the historic Alfama district, it offers stunning views of the city and the Tagus River.

The castle has a rich history, dating back to Moorish times, and has played a key role in Portugal’s history, from being a medieval fort to a royal residence.

Visiting São Jorge Castle allows you to step back in time and experience Lisbon’s history through its ancient walls, towers, and exhibitions.

If you’re visiting Lisbon, this is one of the best spots to take in the beautiful city views. It’s perfect for anyone who loves history or just wants to experience the charm of old Lisbon.

Top Tickets

# São Jorge Castle entry ticket + audio guide
# São Jorge Castle skip-the-line ticket with guide

As São Jorge Castle tickets often sell out quickly, it’s recommended to book them as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Ticket options of São Jorge Castle: Entry ticket, guided, & Combo

Explore the best ticket options for São Jorge Castle, whether you prefer a self-guided audio tour, a skip-the-line entry with a guide, or a walking tour through the iconic Alfama district—there’s something for every visitor.

São Jorge Castle entry ticket + audio guide

• The tour lasts around 1 to 4 hours, depending on the tour option you choose.
• Audio guides are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese.
• Enjoy a smooth skip-the-line entry to São Jorge Castle.
• You can choose from four different entry ticket options, which include audio guides and combo tickets.
  • St. George Castle entry ticket with short audio tour
  • St. George Castle entry ticket with audio guide
  • St. George entry ticket with audio guide & city audio guide
  • St. George & Tile Museum tickets with three audio guides
  • St. George & Belem Tower entry tickets with three audio guides
• Access to all main areas, including the castle walls, towers, and the museum, with detailed commentary on the history and architecture of the castle.
• Explore Lisbon’s iconic landmarks with a self-guided audio walking tour of the city.
• Best for visitors who prefer a self-guided experience with more context and information about the castle.
• Prices: From €23 for adults (18+ years), ages 17 and younger are not permitted on this tour.

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São Jorge Castle skip-the-line ticket with guide

• Enjoy skip-the-line access to São Jorge Castle
• The tour has two starting time slots: 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM
• You get a 15-minute guided introduction to the castle, its archaeological site, and Moorish remains.
• Admire breathtaking views of Lisbon and the Tagus River
• Gives you access to the castle’s interior and plenty of time to explore on your own
• Discover the permanent exhibition showcasing 11th-century objects found in the archaeological site of the Moorish quarter
• Best for visitors who prefer a guided tour and want to learn about the castle’s rich history from a knowledgeable guide.
• Prices: €32 for adults (26 to 64 years), €25 for seniors (65+ years), €21 for youths (13 to 25 years), free for infants 

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São Jorge Castle Quarters & Alfama guided walking tour

• This walking tour takes around 2.5 hours
• A live tour guide is available in English, French, German, and Spanish
• Meet at the Casa dos Bicos (House of Spikes), a historical building from 1523 that survived the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake
• Guided walking tour of the Alfama district, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, including its narrow alleys and traditional houses.
• Visit the castle’s panoramic viewpoints and take in the amazing views over the city.
• Learn about fado music and its connection to Lisbon’s culture at Largo do Chafariz de Dentro.
• Admire the Lisbon Cathedral and its mix of architectural styles
• Prices: €20 for adults (13+ years), Free for infants

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Unlock savings and explore more with Lisboa Card—get free entry to São Jorge Castle, Belém Tower, and 50+ top attractions, plus enjoy unlimited transport (metro, trams, buses, etc). Skip the queues and save on ticket prices!

Opening hours of St. George Castle

March 1 – October 31 (Summer schedule):

• Daily: 9:00 – 21:00
• Last admission: 20:30 

Note: Access to wall-walks and towers may close between 18:00 and 21:00, depending on daylight. 

November 1 – February 28/29 (Winter schedule):

• Daily: 9:00 – 18:00
• Last admission: 17:30 

Note: Access to wall-walks and towers closes at 17:30 for safety reasons. 

Closed days

São Jorge Castle is closed on the following dates:

• January 1
• May 1
• December 24
• December 25
• December 31 (closes at 1:00 PM)

Best time to visit

The best time to visit São Jorge Castle is during the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday), as this helps avoid the crowds. 

The summer months (March to October) are especially popular, so visiting early, right when it opens at 9:00, will give you a more peaceful experience.

Tips:

• Weekdays (Tue – Thu): Fewer visitors compared to weekends.
• Morning (9:00 – 11:00): For fewer crowds and the best light for photography.
• Late afternoon (after 17:00): To enjoy sunset views and fewer people.
• Avoid weekends and public holidays (especially April–October), as the castle sees the highest number of tourists.

How to get to the Castle

Address – Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal. Get Directions

• On foot: Lisbon city center → walk uphill 15–20 minutes to reach the castle.
• Tram: Tram 28 → Castelo or Miradouro de Santa Luzia stops, a short walk to the castle.
• Bus: Bus 737 stops near the castle entrance. Bus 12E also passes close by.
• Metro: From Martim Moniz (Green Line), it’s a 10-minute walk to the castle entrance.
• Taxi/Car: Takes you directly to the castle entrance; there’s limited parking nearby.

Highlights inside São Jorge Castle

Exploring São Jorge Castle offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Lisbon. Here are the top highlights inside São Jorge Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) in Lisbon.

Castle walls & towers

• Walk along the walls: Explore the castle’s medieval walls and towers, offering panoramic views of Lisbon’s red rooftops, the Tagus River, and the Alfama district. 
• Historic defenses: Discover the strong stone walls and defensive battlements that showcase centuries of military architecture. 

Castle museum

• Archaeological exhibits: View artifacts from various periods, including ceramics, tools, and architectural elements uncovered during excavations. 
• Historical displays: Learn about the castle’s evolution from a Moorish fortress to a royal residence, and its significance in Lisbon’s history. 

Gardens & courtyards

• Peaceful Gardens: Stroll through gardens featuring native Portuguese trees, such as olive and cork oak, which provide a tranquil setting within the castle grounds. 
• Shaded courtyards: Relax in courtyards that offer a peaceful break from sightseeing, surrounded by the castle’s historic walls.

Peacocks & wildlife

• Roaming peacocks: Encounter a lively flock of peacocks that roam freely within the castle grounds, adding to the historic ambiance. 
• Birdwatching: Observe various bird species, including blackbirds and turtle doves, that inhabit the castle’s grounds. 

Cultural events & exhibitions

• Live performances: Experience open-air concerts and performances held within the castle’s historic walls. 
• Art exhibitions: Explore temporary art exhibitions that showcase contemporary works in a medieval setting. 

Historical significance

• Moorish origins: Explore the castle’s history, dating back to the 11th century, during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. 
• Royal residence: Discover how the castle served as a royal residence after being captured by Christian forces in 1147. 
• Restoration efforts: Understand the extensive restoration work undertaken in the 1940s to preserve and enhance the castle’s structures.

Panoramic views

• Best Views of Lisbon: The castle’s terraces are perfect for enjoying stunning views of Lisbon, the river, and the surrounding hills. It’s one of the top spots in the city for breathtaking scenery.

Visitors’ tips

• What to wear: Comfortable shoes are recommended since the castle’s terrain can be uneven and steep.
• How long to spend: Plan to spend around 1.5–2 hours exploring the castle and its grounds, plus additional time for nearby attractions.
• Accessibility: The castle is partially accessible, with some steep paths and stairs. Wheelchair access is limited to certain areas.
• Photography: The castle is a photographer’s dream, especially from the towers, so don’t forget your camera!
• Explore the Alfama district: After your visit, spend some time exploring the Alfama district nearby—narrow streets, traditional shops, and charming cafes.

Souvenirs & amenities at Castelo de São Jorge

• Official gift shop: Located on the lower floor of the Museum, the shop offers unique products inspired by the castle’s museum and archaeological collections, such as the Al-Ushbuna collections, the peacock collection, handmade crafts, etc.
  
• Nearby souvenir shops: The surrounding Alfama district boasts numerous shops offering a variety of souvenirs, including canned sardines, port wine, clothing, jewelry, stationery, candles, perfumes, and children’s books.
  

• Restaurant – Lovely Castelo: Offers light meals, drinks, and snacks with some of the best views in town. Open year-round during the castle’s regular hours.
  
• Street food outlets: Two kiosks located within the castle grounds offer refreshments, including water, drinks, and ice cream.
  
• Free Wi-Fi: Several areas within the castle offer complimentary Wi-Fi for visitors.
  
• Restrooms: Clean facilities are available for the convenience of visitors.
  
• Accessibility: The castle provides accessible paths and facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. 

Note: The gift shop is temporarily closed starting August 2, 2025.

Nearby attractions 

• Alfama district: The historic and colorful district around the castle is perfect for wandering, with its maze of narrow streets, local shops, and traditional Fado music.
  
• Lisbon Cathedral: A short walk from the castle, Lisbon’s cathedral is a must-see for those interested in the city’s medieval past.
  
• Miradouros (Viewpoints): Explore the nearby viewpoints for other stunning panoramic views of Lisbon.

FAQs about São Jorge Castle

Here are a few questions tourists ask before booking tickets for São Jorge Castle.