Castelo de São Jorge

This Iconic Destination Was Just Named Europe's Best City

"Climb to the top of Castelo de São Jorge to enjoy a view of the city's iconic red roofs and the Tagus River." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeare

The 15 Best Things to Do in Lisbon

"São Jorge Castle, a hilltop castle, is one of Lisbon’s most emblematic scenes. Before the Moors built the fortress in the mid-11th century, the Visigoths settled here. Later, after Dom Afonso Henriques became Portugal’s first king in 1147, it became the domain of royalty, and enjoyed a long time playing host to lavish soirees and visiting dignitaries. This castle certainly has a museum feel, what with its clever camera obscura offering 360-degree views of Lisbon in real time, archaeological site spanning three diverse periods, and ruins of the former royal palace. It’s the view, though, that’s the star. Peering out at the city’s abundance of red rooftops and the Tagus River beyond is one of Lisbon’s most thrilling rituals." - Alia Akkam, Chadner Navarro

"Castelo de São Jorge The Castelo de São Jorge, is one of the Alfama neighborhood’s most historically significant monuments. Plan a visit late in the afternoon so that you can explore every nook and cranny and learn about the castle’s abundant history. Stay for golden hour so that you can capture the light as it dances on the castle walls, and later to watch the sunset dip below the horizon. By Ashley Goldsmith"

11 Great Things to Do in Lisbon with Kids

"Castles can be a surprising win—if you don’t try to see, say, three in a day. But one special-occasion castle is a playground for families. Don’t expect to be able to push a stroller around the grounds of this Moorish stronghold on a hilltop, which was the seat of power in Portugal for more than 400 years. Instead, let the toddlers peer into cannons and climb up and down (and up and down) all the stairs; tweens will like being able to “walk the wall,” and teens can brood and take selfies with sweeping views of Lisbon in the background. Consider taking a bus, cab, or tuktuk up to the entrance—it's a steep ascent." - Laura Dannen Redman

Where to Stay in Lisbon When You Visit (Updated 2025)

"I referenced São Jorge Castle as an iconic landmark above Alfama (and as the walls beneath which Mouraria sits), a key historic site that helps define those old, hilly neighborhoods." - Matthew Kepnes