São Jorge Castle Hack to Avoid (Some) of the Hills getting there!

Lisbon is famous for its hills—and getting to Castelo de São Jorge can feel like a workout, especially with kids or a stroller. But here's a simple hack to make it way easier:

The Trick: Take the Elevador do Castelo (aka ZU Elevator)

📍 How it works:

1. Head to the Pingo Doce supermarket at Rua dos Fanqueiros 170–178 in Baixa.

2. Inside the supermarket, you’ll find a free public elevator (yes, really!) that connects you to Rua da Madalena.

3. From there, it’s a short uphill walk to the Elevador do Castelo, a modern glass elevator that takes you most of the way up toward the castle.

4. Once at the top, it’s only a 5–7 minute walk (mostly flat!) to the castle entrance.

   Why it’s great:

• Avoids the steepest part of the climb

• Totally free

• Stroller- and kid-friendly

• You’ll still get amazing views on the way up—without the struggle

This is one of those hidden local hacks that makes a huge difference when traveling with little ones. Bonus: it feels like a fun mini-adventure for kids too!