Whether Castelo de São Jorge is "worth it" depends on your priorities: history vs. views. For the entry fee (approximately €15 in 2026), you aren't getting a furnished, "lived-in" palace like Sintra’s Pena Palace. Instead, you are getting a well-preserved Moorish citadel with stone ramparts you can walk along. If you are a history buff, the archaeological site showing Iron Age and Islamic-era ruins is fascinating. However, for most visitors, the castle is worth it for the unrivaled 360-degree views of Lisbon. It sits on the highest hill in the Alfama district, providing the best vantage point of the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the red-tiled roofs of the city below. The peacocks wandering the gardens add a charming atmosphere. To get the most value, visit an hour before sunset when the light is golden and the crowds begin to thin. If you are on a tight budget and don't care about the historical ramparts, you can get a similar view for free at the Miradouro da Graça nearby, but the castle provides a much more immersive and expansive experience that most first-time visitors find essential.