Castelo de São Jorge: Worth It?

The castle sits on the highest point of Alfama with solid views over the city and river. Expect a mix of ruined walls, peacocks wandering around, a small museum with archaeological finds, and pleasant gardens. It’s more atmospheric park-meets-fortress than a fully furnished castle, so plan on 60-90 minutes. The walk up from downtown is steep; most people either take a taxi, the tram (which gets packed), or the elevator at the bottom of the hill. It gets very busy between 11am and 4pm, especially in summer when the open ground offers zero shade.

Expect to pay around €12-15 for a standard adult ticket. Spring (March-May) and late autumn are the best times - milder temperatures and far fewer crowds than June-August. Skip the paid guided tours unless you really want the storytelling; the site is easy to explore on your own with the information panels. One honest tip: buy tickets online if you can to skip the worst of the queue, and go right after opening or in the last hour before closing for better light and breathing room. It’s a solid visit if you like views and history, but not essential if your time in Lisbon is short.