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Plan your visit to São Jorge Castle

St George Castle is a symbol of Lisbon’s marvellous past. Established by the Romans in 200 BC, the castle sits pretty atop São Jorge hill, Lisbon's highest, acting as a guardian to the city. Its location is amazing to catch panoramic views of Portugal’s capital. Use this guide to plan your visit to the castle.

São Jorge Castle | Visitor information at a glance

São Jorge Castle
























São Jorge Castle Tickets
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São Jorge Castle Guided Tour
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São Jorge Castle Tickets With Tower of São Jorge Castle Church Access + Free Drink
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Tower of São Jorge Castle Church Tickets + Free Drink
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Flexible duration
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What are the São Jorge Castle opening hours?

Summer Schedule (March 1st to October 31st): 9am to 9pm, with last entry at 8.30 pm.

Winter Schedule (November 1st to February 28th/29th): 9am to 6pm, with last entry at 5.30 pm.

Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing time.

Closed: 1 January, 1 May, 24 and 25 December.

São Jorge Castle opening hours

What's the best time to visit São Jorge Castle?

Apart from its history and stunning views, São Jorge Castle offers visitors the opportunity to explore its various gardens and rooms, which are a true marvel to behold. From the Castle's impressive keep to its Gothic-style chapel, visitors can immerse themselves in the castle's rich history, culture, and architecture.

To get the most out of your visit, it is recommended to visit São Jorge Castle early in the morning, as the crowds tend to increase later in the day. On weekdays, there are fewer people visiting, making it easier to explore the castle at your leisure. During the summer months, there are fewer crowds, which is another reason why this is an excellent time to visit the castle.

Your Castelo De São Jorge combo ticket timings

Belém Tower
Jerónimos Monastery
Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral timings

Opening Hours:

  • October to March: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • April to September: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
  • Closed: Sundays and public holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The best time to visit Lisbon Cathedral is early in the morning to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and softer light for photos. Weekdays are ideal to avoid weekend crowds. Sundays are closed for visits

Where is São Jorge Castle located?

Getting to the São Jorge Castle in Lisbon

São Jorge Castle

By Metro

Closest Station: Rossio

  • Rossio is the nearest metro station, eight minutes from the castle.
  • You can take the metro route from Parque Colombo, Lisboa or from Urb. da Ribeirada, Odivelas to reach Rossio metro station.
São Jorge Castle

By Bus

Closest Stop: Praça Do Comércio

  • Praça Do Comércio is the closest bus stop to Sao Jorge Castle.
  • It is connected to bus routes: from Ubbo, Amadora, from Restelo, Lisboa, from Parque Colombo, Lisboa, from Cristo-Rei, Almada, and from Edifício Atlas I, Oeiras.
São Jorge Castle

By Taxi

  • Taxi is an easy way to reach Sao Jorge Castle, but more expensive than public transport.
  • You can take a taxi from Lisbon city center and reach Sao Jorge Castle in 12 minutes.
São Jorge Castle

By Car

You can also travel by car to Sao Jorge Castle, but ensure you park downtown on the waterfront. The streets leading to the castle are narrow, with no parking available.

Getting to São Jorge Castle from nearby attractions

Belém Tower

Castelo de São Jorge from Belém Tower

  • By Public Transport (Subway + Train): Take the subway from Martim Moniz station (near Castelo de São Jorge) to Cais do Sodré station on the Green Line. From Cais do Sodré, take the direct train (line 19001) to Belém station. The train ride takes about 7 minutes, and the entire journey including transfers takes approximately 28–31 minutes.
  • By Bus: You can take the Carris line 728 bus from Praça do Comércio to Estação Fluvial Belém, which takes about 41 minutes.
  • By Taxi: A taxi ride covers the 7.5 km distance in about 8 minutes.
Jerónimos Monastery

Castelo de São Jorge from Jerónimos Monastery

  • By Public Transport (Subway + Bus): Take the subway from Martim Moniz to Cais do Sodré, then transfer to Carris bus line 728 or 732 to Mosteiro Jerónimos. The total travel time is about 26 to 39 minutes.
  • By Train: Alternatively, from Cais do Sodré station, take the direct train line 19001 to Belém station, then walk or take a short bus/taxi ride to the monastery.
  • By Taxi: A taxi covers the 8.2 km distance in about 9 minutes.
Lisbon Cathedral

Castelo de São Jorge from Lisbon Cathedral

  • On Foot: The Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) is quite close, approximately 850 meters downhill from Castelo de São Jorge. Walking takes about 11 minutes and is a pleasant route through the historic Alfama district with scenic viewpoints and cultural sites along the way.
  • By Taxi/Car: A taxi ride covers the 1.3 km distance in about 1–2 minutes.

Know before you go to São Jorge Castle

Facilities
Audio Guide
Rules & Regulations
Nearby
São Jorge Castle
  • Café and restaurant: Sao Jorge Castle has a café and a restaurant (Casa do Leão), allowing you to explore without draining yourself out.
  • Restrooms: The castle has several restrooms. They’re adapted for individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone can use them.
  • Guide dogs: Guide and assistance dogs are welcome inside Sao Jorge Castle.
  • Priority service: Individuals with mobility issues get priority service at the castle. It also has wheelchair accessibility throughout the complex.
São Jorge Castle

Audio guides are available for the São Jorge Castle tour.

  • Self-paced tour: Explore at your own pace.
  • Multilingual support: Available in several languages, making it easy for tourists to understand.
  • Interactive experience: Engaging content like stories, anecdotes, and historical facts keeps tourists engaged.
  • Enhanced learning: Detailed description of history and significance makes the tour more enriching and educational.
  • Cost-effective: Cheaper than personal guides. A readily available and affordable option for learning about the castle's history.
São Jorge Castle
  • Photography for personal use is allowed inside Sao Jorge Castle. But ensure you inform the staff if you intend to use the pictures and videos for commercial use.
  • Pets, except guide dogs covered by Decree-Law n.º 118/99 published in the Diário da República n.º 87/1999, Series I-A of 1999-04-14, are not allowed inside Castelo de São Jorge.
  • Feeding peacocks at the castle is prohibited.
São Jorge Castle

Lisbon Cathedral - An iconic religious building in Lisbon, the Lisbon Cathedral has been with Lisbon through thick and thin. Built on the site of an ancient mosque, Lisbon Cathedral saw the baptism, marriage, and passing of Portugal kings and queens.

Lisbon Military Museum - Lisbon Military Museum is the oldest museum in the city, dating back to the end of the 19th century. It has one of the world’s largest artillery and war-related antique collections.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara - An iconic observation point in Lisbon, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara offers panoramic views of the city. You can see attractions like Avenida da Liberdade, Restauradores and Baixa, and Castelo de São Jorge.

Visitor rules & tips

  • Choose public transport. The uphill leading to São Jorge Castle is narrow, and there’s no parking available in the vicinity of the area.
  • Tram is an excellent choice to reach São Jorge Castle. It passes through picturesque neighborhoods and amazing landscapes.
  • Wear shoes and comfortable clothes to São Jorge Castle. You may have to walk a considerable distance to explore the various places of attractions inside the complex.
  • Visit in the summer or early in the morning to avoid crowds. Weekdays are also less crowded.
  • Inform the staff beforehand if you or your guests require special assistance inside the castle.
  • Don’t bring food to São Jorge Castle. It has a restaurant and café serving healthy foods and beverages.

Frequently asked questions about visiting São Jorge Castle

What are the opening hours of São Jorge Castle?

The castle is open daily from 9am to 9pm. Hours may vary on public holidays, so it's best to check ahead.

Where is São Jorge Castle located?

São Jorge Castle is located in the Alfama district, on the highest hill in central Lisbon. The address is: R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisbon.

Are guided tours available?

Yes! You can join guided tours in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French, or explore at your own pace with an audio guide.

Is the castle wheelchair accessible?

Parts of the castle are accessible, including the gardens and main courtyard, but ramparts and towers involve stairs and uneven surfaces.

How much time should I spend at the castle?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the grounds, towers, museum, and gardens at a relaxed pace.

Can I bring food or drinks inside?

Outside food isn’t allowed, but there’s a café and bar on-site where you can relax with a snack or drink while enjoying the views.

Is São Jorge Castle suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids love exploring the towers, watching the peacocks, and discovering the archaeological site. It’s a great family-friendly destination.