Guided Tours

São Jorge Castle Guided Tour

Duration

1 hr - 2 hrs 30 mins

Open today

9:00am - 9:00pm

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.6/5(277)

Victoria V

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

I actually gave this one star but it was changed. I was NOT happy with my experience because I didn't have a chance to have the experience. We were late as we overslept as we just arrived on the red eye. We were not give even a partial refund or credit. We were given nothing but they happily took my money and it's not cheap;(

Eddi V

Group

Verified booking

Jun 2026

What an exciting tour! Our guide, Laila—knowledgeable and very engaging—helped us discover, through historical narratives peppered with fascinating facts, the life of the castle during the various historical events in which it played a central role. Inside the castle, medieval reenactors entertained the crowd with market displays and mock battles. The Alfama district, which we visited next, was equally fascinating, offering a glimpse into just how much the locals cherish this historic part of the city. Kudos to the organizers.

Book this guided tour to uncover the rich history of São Jorge Castle, from its Moorish origins to its role as a royal palace, military base, and prison.

Climb the Ulysses Tower for 360-degree panoramic views of Lisbon’s skyline, the Tagus River, and the old districts. Perfect for that cityscape picture!

Explore the castle’s Permanent Exhibits, discovering remnants from the Roman and Moorish periods. Towers, arches, and cannons narrate centuries of history.

Choose the language of your tour and upgrade to join the Alfama walk with Ginjinha tasting, and a sweet Pastel de Nata finale.

Guided tour of São Jorge Castle with entry

Walking tour of Alfama (as per option selected)

Pastel de Nata and Ginjinha tasting (as per option selected)

Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, or Portuguese-speaking guide (as per option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

277 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, Canada, United Kingdom and over 20 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Victoria V
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
I actually gave this one star but it was changed. I was NOT happy with my experience because I didn't have a chance to have the experience. We were late as we overslept as we just arrived on the red eye. We were not give even a partial refund or credit. We were given nothing but they happily took my money and it's not cheap;(
Will V
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The guide was amazing and provided great insight on the history of Portugal and the castle and its inner workings which we would have never known doing a self guided tour. We were fortunate that the other parties didn't show up and we received a private tour!!!! Always go left!
Jorge M
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Joao made it absolutely amazing. His knowledge and passion of the history made it so much more than just a regular tour - his storytelling and approach to walking through the castle truly made it come to life. It couldn't have been any better...
Cristina C
Family
Verified booking
Last week
The guide seemed well-prepared, and we immediately established a good rapport through questions and answers. In addition to the tour of the castle with explanations, the tour of part of the city was also interesting.
David A
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Great tour and nice guide. Very accommodating and interactive guide with Elena. I think you need to give better instructions on where to meet. Don't let people wait in line.

Feel the excitement of the São Jorge Castle with a guided tour that takes you through its fascinating history, stunning views, and hidden secrets.

Getting started

Arrive at São Jorge Castle with your ticket ready for a smooth entry. Expect a security check at the entrance, so make sure you have a valid ID with you.

What to expect

São Jorge Castle: Explore one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks, known for its medieval structure, panoramic views, and rich history.

Guided tour: Enjoy an expert-led experience, offering insights into the castle’s history, architecture, and strategic importance.

Breathtaking views: Climb the Ulysses Tower for panoramic vistas of Lisbon, including the Tagus River, Alfama, and Baixa.

Moorish influence: Discover the castle’s blend of Moorish and Roman architectural features throughout the site.

Meet the peacocks: Encounter the castle’s charming residents, including peacocks and geese, roaming freely around the grounds.

Once your tour concludes, take some time to explore the castle grounds at your own pace. Enjoy the serene environment, grab a souvenir, or simply savor the stunning views before you head out.

Enjoy a guided tour of São Jorge in the language of your choice, or elevate your visit with the full package that includes the Alfama walk, Ginjinha tasting, and a Pastel de Nata finale.

What to bring

Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes as the terrain includes rocky, uneven paths.

Don’t forget a bottle of water to stay hydrated while exploring

A hat and sunscreen are essential for protection from the sun, especially during the midday hours.

What's not allowed

Large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the castle.

Avoid bringing tripods or large cameras as they may obstruct other visitors.

Pets are not allowed, except for service animals.

Accessibility

Please note that the castle has uneven surfaces and some steep paths, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

The castle provides limited access for strollers, but it is best to check ahead if needed.

Additional information

The castle can get crowded, especially during peak hours, so it's recommended to visit early to avoid long waits.

The castle is closed on January 1, May 1, December 24, and 25.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.