Sao Jorge Castle: Tickets, Prices, Guided Tours, Highlights

Explore Castle São Jorge’s ruins and enjoy sweeping views of Lisbon’s skyline and landmarks. Book your tickets early for this outdoor treasure trove of history and charm.

Situated on top of São Jorge Hill, Castle São Jorge is a beacon of Lisbon’s rich history and one of its most iconic landmarks.

Originally a modest fortress in the 5th century, the Moors expanded the castle in the 11th century and later transformed it into a royal palace.

Today, it stands as an outdoor historical treasure, inviting visitors to explore its ruins, climb its towers, and walk along its walls.

This article covers everything you must know before booking Sao Jorge Castle tickets.

Top Tickets

Sao Jorge Castle tickets
# Guided tour of Alfama and São Jorge
# Lisbon Card

It’s highly recommended to book your Sao Jorge Castle tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

Key takeaways

Its better to book tickets online to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons. Weekends and public holidays tend to be crowded. Children up to 12 years old get free admission.

To avoid the crowd, visit when the castle opens at 9 am or in the afternoons around 3 pm. The view is beautiful as the sun sets.

Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the art collection. History buffs need an hour or two extra at the attraction.

What’s ahead

Things to know before booking tickets

You can buy Sao Jorge Castle tickets online or at the attraction.

Online tickets let you skip the lines, often at a lower price, while guaranteeing availability for your visit.

After the purchase, tickets are emailed to you, and you can enter by showing the e-ticket on your smartphone—no printouts needed.

Remember to bring your official IDs.

Sao Jorge Castle tickets

Sao Jorge Castle passagePin
Image: Castelodesaojorge.pt

This ticket gives you skip-the-line access to the Sao Jorge Castle. You don’t have to wait in the queue at the entrance.

You’ll get a 15-minute guided introduction to the castle, its archaeological site, Moorish remains, and a spectacular city view.

With this ticket, you can explore the medieval castle complex, one of Lisbon’s main attractions. You have plenty of time to explore the castle as the ticket is valid for a whole day.

Ticket prices

Adult (26 to 64 years): €32
Senior (65+ years): €25
Youth (13 to 25 years): €21
Child (up to 12 years): Free

Buy This Ticket

Why stop at just visiting the Sao Jorge Castle?
Dive deeper into Lisbon’s rich history with a guided tour of Alfama and São Jorge Castle quarters. Soak in breathtaking views of the Tagus River, wander through charming old-world streets, and uncover the soulful essence of Portuguese “fado” culture!

Opening hours

The Castle Sao Jorge is open all week from 9 am to 6 pm.

It is open for visitors daily, so whether it is the weekend or weekday, you can come on any day with your friends and family and explore this heritage of Lisbon. 

If you book the Sao Jorge Castle skip-the-line ticket with a guide, you get to choose from two slots – 10 am and 3 pm. The guide will meet you outside the Sao Jorge Ticket Office on Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo next to the phone booth. 

Save time and money!
Enjoy free admission to Lisbon’s top attractions including the Sao Jorge Castle and discounts at various landmarks. Available for 24, 48, or 72 hours, the Lisbon Card provides unlimited free access to the public transport system.

How long does the tour take

A complete tour of the Sao Jorge Castle takes around two to three hours.

If you’re a history buff and love to spend time at heritage sites, you can surely devote more time walking through Castle Sao Jorge and digging deep into its turbulent history. 

A 15-minute guided tour introduces you to the castle, its archaeological site, Moorish remains, and a spectacular city view.

After the tour, you can continue exploring for as long as you want. 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the castle is at 9 am when it opens. When you start early, the crowd is yet to come in, and you get the best views in the morning light. 

You can also plan a late visit in the evening to soak yourself in the castle’s beauty during the sunset.  

If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting during weekdays and avoid weekends and public holidays.

Is Castle San Jorge worth it?

A visit to the castle is quite worth your time and money. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lisbon, with over two million visitors each year . Check out the highlights below to understand why you shouldn’t miss this attraction.

Historical origins: Built in the 5th century, expanded in the 11th century
Outdoor experience: Walk castle walls, climb towers, and explore ruins
Stunning views: See the Tagus River, Praca do Comercio, April 25th Bridge, and Christ statue opposite the shore
Must-see spots: Camera obscura, an optical device providing 360º views of Lisbon, Moorish Royal Palace ruins, and St. Lawrence Tower also known as Torre de São Lourenço
Not to miss: Canons on terraces and Dom Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal’s bronze statue

FAQs about Sao Jorge Castle

Here are some frequently asked questions about the castle.

Are guided tours available?

São Jorge Castle often offers guided tours. The guided and thematic tours and workshops for the youngest and families are carried out by experts in history, art history, and archaeology and last approximately an hour.

Is photography allowed in the Sao Jorge Castle?

Photography for personal use is allowed in most castle areas, but using flash, tripods, or selfie sticks is prohibited.

Is the Sao Jorge Castle wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the castle is accessible for wheelchair users. While the ticket office has an access ramp for wheelchairs and priority service, the castle itself provides an accessible route. Inside, you’ll see a lifting platform to access one of the rooms.

Are pets allowed inside Castelo de São Jorge?

Pets are not allowed in the castle except for guide dogs.

How to reach the Castle of Sao Jorge 

Sao Jorge Castle is located in Alfama hills and easily accessible by tram, bus, subway, and train. 

Address: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa, Portugal. Get Directions

By subway

Martim Moniz is the nearest subway station to the castle. 

Once you get down at the station, you can either walk to the castle, which would take approx 11 minutes, or take tram 12E or bus 737.

By tram

Take tram 12E to São Tomé, the nearest stop to the castle. 

A 4-minute walk will take you to the hilltop.  

By bus

Hop into bus 10B and get off at the S. Tomé bus stop.

The bus stop is located 4 minutes walk away from the attraction. 

By car

If you’re traveling in a car, turn on your Google Maps and get started. 

You can park your car at Parque de Estacionamento da Graça / EMEL or Estacionamento Martim Moniz parking lots. 

Both the parking lots are near the castle.

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Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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