PORTUGAL

Welcome to Portugal! Perched on the western edge of Europe, this captivating country boasts a rich maritime history, diverse landscapes, and a soulful culture. From sun-drenched beaches and historic cities to rolling vineyards, prepare to be charmed by its unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Region: Southwest Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula

Capital: Lisbon

Official Language: Portuguese

Level of Travel Safety: Generally very safe. Be aware of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport in major cities.

A map of Europe with Portugal highlighted in green.

Why Visit Portugal?

Stunning Architecture: From the Belem Tower in Lisbon to the Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal offers some of Europe’s most striking historical buildings.

World-Class Beaches: The Algarve region is famous for its golden sandy beaches, cliffs, and hidden caves.

Rich History: Explore Porto’s historic Ribeira district or Évora’s Roman Temple to dive into Portugal’s fascinating past.

A vibrant hillside city overlooking a river, with colorful buildings cascading down to the water.

Vibrant Culture: Experience the soulful Fado music in Lisbon or the lively street art scene in Porto.

Delicious Cuisine: Indulge in fresh seafood, pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and Port wine.

Diverse Landscapes: From rolling vineyards in the Douro Valley to lush forests in the Azores, Portugal is a paradise for nature lovers.

A rocky beach with clear blue water and gentle waves under a bright sky.

Essential Trip Information

Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone. Check official visa requirements based on your nationality here.

Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay.

Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and sufficient funds (€75–100/day).

Visa-free travelers (e.g., U.S., Canada, UK) can stay up to 90 days within 180 days.

Portugal uses the Euro (€) as the official currency.

Bills: €5–€500 (larger denominations are less common).

Coins: 1¢–€2.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount of cash before departing or use an international ATM card upon arrival for better exchange rates.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (e.g., Millennium BCP, Santander). Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry €20–€40 for small purchases.

  • What to Avoid: Avoid using currency exchange kiosks at airports and tourist areas due to high fees.

Portuguese is the official language.

English is spoken in tourist areas, but it’s helpful to know a few key phrases:

  • “Excuse me” – Desculpe
  • “Thank you” – Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)
  • “Where is…?” – Onde fica…?

Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, but like any major city, take precautions in crowded places.

Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas such as Lisbon’s Baixa district and Porto’s Ribeira.

Emergency number: 112 (same for police, fire, and medical emergencies).

No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Portugal.

Travel insurance is recommended, as healthcare can be expensive for tourists.

Pharmacies (e.g., Farmácia signs) are common, and tap water is safe to drink.

Metro: Efficient in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, generally open from 6 AM to 1 AM.

Buses and Trams: Extensive networks available in Lisbon, Porto, and other cities.

Walking/Biking: Many attractions are within walking distance, especially in Lisbon’s Alfama and Baixa districts.

Taxis/Ride-sharing: Uber and Bolt are available and affordable, but surge pricing may apply during peak hours.

Portugal offers a moderate to affordable price range, especially outside major cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels/budget hotels (€40–€80/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (€100–€180/night)

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels (€200+/night)

Food

  • Quick eats: Bakeries and cafes (€5–€12), street food (€6–€15)

  • Casual dining: €15–€30/person

  • Fine dining: €40+/person

Drinks

  • Beer: €2–€4 (bars), €1–€2 (supermarkets)

  • Cocktails: €6–€12

Transportation

  • Public transport: Metro/tram/bus (€1.50–€3/ride)

  • Taxis/Uber: €10–€20 for short trips

  • Bike rentals: €10–€15/hour

Money-Saving Tips

  • Visit free museums in Lisbon and Porto (many are funded by the government).

  • Use public transport (metro, trams) for affordable travel.

  • Dine in local neighborhoods like Alfama or Baixa for more budget-friendly options.

Explore Portugal

Portugal’s vibrant capital city, perched on seven hills, offers historic neighborhoods, iconic trams, and stunning viewpoints. It’s located on the Tagus River, in west-central Portugal.

 Famous for its port wine, charming Ribeira district, and impressive bridges, Porto is a captivating city with a rich heritage. It is situated on the Douro River in northern Portugal.

This southern region boasts a spectacular coastline with golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque caves, perfect for sun-seekers. It occupies the southernmost part of mainland Portugal.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra is a fairytale town with whimsical palaces, ancient castles, and lush gardens, nestled in the Sintra Mountains. It’s located west of Lisbon.

A stunning wine region renowned for its terraced vineyards producing world-famous port wine, offering scenic river cruises and wine tastings. It lies in northern Portugal, east of Porto.

A UNESCO-listed city in the Alentejo region, Évora is an open-air museum with Roman ruins, medieval walls, and a macabre Chapel of Bones. It’s located in south-central Portugal.

Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, Coimbra offers a rich academic history, charming fado music, and a beautiful riverside setting. It is situated in central Portugal.

An autonomous archipelago known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” offering dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and levada walks. It’s located in the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of mainland Portugal.

A remote archipelago of nine volcanic islands, offering breathtaking natural beauty, hot springs, whale watching, and lush green landscapes. These islands are situated in the mid-Atlantic.

A charming medieval walled town, Óbidos is famous for its well-preserved castle, narrow cobbled streets, and traditional houses. It’s located in central Portugal, north of Lisbon.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Cozy Atmosphere
  • Mild Winter Climate (especially in the south)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cooler Temperatures (can be wet in the north)
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Beach Activities
  • Some seasonal closures

Key Regions:

  • Lisbon: Enjoy museums, Fado music, and fewer tourists.
  • Porto & Douro Valley: Ideal for wine tasting without the crowds.
  • Algarve: Milder winter, great for coastal walks and golf.
  • Madeira: “Island of Eternal Spring” offers pleasant year-round weather.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Harvest Season (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
  • Some popular sites still draw crowds
  • Easter holidays can be busy and pricier

Key Regions:

  • Lisbon & Central Portugal: Perfect for sightseeing and cultural exploration.
  • Alentejo: Beautiful in spring with wildflowers, autumn for olive harvests.
  • Douro Valley: Stunning autumn colors for wine tours.
  • Coastal Areas (e.g., Alentejo Coast, Costa Vicentina): Great for hiking and surfing.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Easter Holidays

Planning Your Trip

Dining:

  • Tipping is optional but appreciated (5–10% in restaurants).
  • Dinner starts late (8–11 PM); lunch is the main meal in smaller towns.

Greetings: A handshake or kiss on both cheeks (among friends).

Dress Code: Casual but neat—avoid beachwear in cities.

Language: Learn basic Portuguese (e.g., Obrigado/a = Thank you).

Punctuality: Relaxed for social events, but on time for tours/business.

Accommodation:

  • Hostels (US$25–50), mid-range hotels
  • (US$80–150), luxury (US$250+).

Food & Drink:

  • Pastry + coffee at a pastelaria (US$3–5), lunch (US$10–20), fine dining (US$70+).
  • Wine is inexpensive and excellent—glass for US$3–5, bottle at dinner US$10–20.

Transport:

  • Metro tickets ~US$1.80 per ride; day passes (US$6–8).
  • Intercity trains: US$10–30 depending on route and class.

Activities:

  • Museums (US$5–12), Fado shows (US$20–40), river cruises (US$25–50).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$60–90 (hostels, cafés, local transport).

  • Mid-range: US$120–200 (3-star hotels, restaurants, entrance fees).

  • Luxury: US$300+ (5-star stays, private tours, upscale dining).

Wi-Fi: Widely available and fast in hotels, cafés, airports, and even some parks.

SIM Cards: Vodafone, MEO, and NOS shops sell prepaid SIMs (US$15–30 for 10–15GB).

eSIMs: Easy to set up—try Airalo or Holafly for seamless coverage.

Highly recommended—covers delays, theft, and medical emergencies.

EU citizens can use the EHIC card; others should ensure coverage includes Portugal.

Check fine print for coverage on surfing, kayaking, or off-road biking.

Theft from rental cars occasionally happens—insurance may be required by rental agencies.

From luxury pousadas (historic hotels) to budget hostels, Portugal caters to all.

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Pestana Palace (Lisbon), Six Senses Douro Valley.
  • Mid-range: Tivoli, NH Collection (city centers).
  • Budget: Ibis, local guesthouses.

Hostels:

  • Lisbon: Yes! Lisbon (social vibe), Home Hostel (family-style).
  • Porto: The Passenger Hostel (train station location).

Airbnb/VRBO:

  • Great for local stays—try Alfama (Lisbon) or Ribeira (Porto).

Unique Stays:

  • Wine estates (Quinta do Vallado, Douro).
  • Surf camps (Ericeira, Algarve).

Tip: Book 3–6 months ahead for summer in popular areas (Algarve, Lisbon).

Portugal’s compact size and good transport links make travel easy.

Trains:

  • CP (Comboios de Portugal): Efficient for city connections (Lisbon–Porto: ~3h, US$25–40).
  • Alfa Pendular (fastest) and Intercidades (cheaper) cover major routes.
  • Regional trains are slower but scenic (e.g., Linha do Douro).

Buses:

  • Rede Expressos covers towns without train access (cheaper but longer).
  • FlixBus offers budget intercity routes.

Metro/Trams:

  • Lisbon: Metro (US$1.70/ride) and iconic Tram 28 (touristy but scenic).
  • Porto: Metro (includes tram lines) and historic Funicular dos Guindais.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Uber/Bolt are affordable (Lisbon to airport: ~US$15).
  • Traditional taxis use meters; insist on them to avoid scams.

Driving:

  • Rentals (~US$30–50/day) useful for rural areas (Alentejo, Douro).
  • Tolls on highways (Via Verde transponder saves time).
  • Parking can be tricky in cities—opt for paid lots.

Walking:

  • Lisbon and Porto are hilly but walkable (wear comfortable shoes).

Handy Tips

Portugal uses the Euro (€). Bills come in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 denominations; coins include 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and €1 and €2.

Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport exchange desks (high fees). Use ATMs or exchange offices in the city for better rates.

Using Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Amex may not be accepted in smaller towns. Always carry a little cash for small purchases, taxis, and local markets.

Tipping Etiquette: Not mandatory, but appreciated.

  • Restaurants: Round up or tip ~5–10% for good service.
  • Taxis: Round up or tip ~5%.
  • Hotel Staff: €1–2 per bag for porters, €2–5 per night for housekeeping.
  • Tour Guides: €5–10 per person for group tours.

Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
Helpful phrases:

  • “Onde fica a estação de comboios?” (Where is the train station?)

  • “Quanto custa?” (How much is it?)

  • “Pode dar-me o recibo?” (Can I get a receipt?)
    Pro Tip: A warm “bom dia” (good morning) goes a long way. Portuguese people appreciate politeness and greetings.

Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, but use common sense in crowded places like trams or city squares.

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 112: All emergencies (police, medical, fire)

    • 116 111: Child support helpline

    • Your Embassy: Lisbon hosts many foreign embassies—have their contacts saved.

Portugal uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and F plugs (two round pins).
Bring an adapter if your electronics use different plugs. Most modern devices (phones, laptops) can handle the voltage without a converter.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Portugal. In restaurants, you can ask for tap water, though they may prefer to serve bottled.
Pro Tip: Say “água da torneira” if you want tap water specifically.

Some shops and museums close or reduce hours on national holidays:

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day

  • Apr 25: Freedom Day

  • May 1: Labor Day

  • Jun 10: Portugal Day

  • Aug 15: Assumption Day

  • Oct 5: Republic Day

  • Nov 1: All Saints’ Day

  • Dec 1: Restoration of Independence

  • Dec 8: Immaculate Conception

  • Dec 25: Christmas Day
    Note: Museums and shops may close early on holiday eves. Check local listings.

Shops: Usually open 10:00–19:00, Monday to Saturday. Malls may open until 22:00.

Pharmacies: 09:00–19:00 weekdays; emergency pharmacies are open 24/7 on a rotating basis.

Markets: Early mornings until 13:00, especially on weekends (don’t miss Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon or Mercado do Bolhão in Porto).

Pastéis de Nata: Custard tarts with a caramelized top. Best eaten warm (try them at Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon).

Bacalhau: Dried and salted cod—cooked 365 ways, one for every day of the year.

Francesinha: Porto’s legendary meat-filled sandwich with melted cheese and beer sauce.

Piri-Piri Chicken: Grilled chicken with spicy piri-piri sauce.

Caldo Verde: Kale and potato soup often served with chouriço.

Bifana: Marinated pork sandwich, ideal street snack.

Sardinhas Assadas: Grilled sardines, especially during summer festivals.

Arroz de Marisco: Seafood rice stew—rich and hearty.

Queijo da Serra: Creamy mountain cheese from Serra da Estrela.

Doce da Casa: A rich layered dessert commonly found in Portuguese restaurants.

Alcoholic:

  • Vinho Verde: A slightly sparkling white wine from the northwest, crisp and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.
  • Port Wine: A rich, fortified wine from the Douro Valley, often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink.
  • Madeira Wine: A fortified wine from Madeira, with a range of styles from dry to sweet.
  • Ginja: A cherry liqueur from Lisbon and Óbidos, sweet and full of flavor.
  • Super Bock: Portugal’s iconic beer, often served ice-cold.
  • Sagres: Another well-loved Portuguese beer, crisp and easy to drink.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Ginja de Óbidos: A non-alcoholic cherry drink, offering a refreshing, tangy alternative.
  • Chá Preto: Strong black tea, typically served with a slice of lemon or sugar.
  • Água das Pedras: Sparkling water from Portugal’s northern region, known for its mineral properties.
  • Laranja Natural: Freshly squeezed orange juice, a popular breakfast beverage.
  • Sumo de Limão: A tangy, lemony drink made from fresh-squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and water.

Historic Towns: Óbidos (walled medieval town), Évora (Roman temple), and Guimarães (birthplace of Portugal).

UNESCO Sites: Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belém, and Sintra’s palaces.

Lisbon Neighborhoods:

  • Alfama: Oldest district, maze-like alleys, fado music.
  • Bairro Alto: Trendy nightlife, rooftop bars.
  • Azulejos: Portugal’s iconic blue tiles—see the National Tile Museum or São Bento Station.

Coimbra: Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Cork Culture: Portugal is the world’s largest cork producer—find it in fashion, souvenirs, and décor.

Pilgrimage Sites: Fátima draws millions annually.

Literary Cafés: Visit Café A Brasileira (Lisbon), once frequented by poet Fernando Pessoa.

Bullfighting: A traditional—but controversial—cultural spectacle, still performed in parts of the country.

Hidden Gem: Berlengas Islands—a remote archipelago perfect for day trips, snorkeling, and wildlife spotting.

Fado Music: Experience Portugal’s melancholic, soulful music in Lisbon’s Alfama or Coimbra.

Beaches: From the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve to surfing in Ericeira.

Wine Tastings: Tour Douro Valley vineyards or Alentejo wineries.

Tram 28 Ride: Iconic Lisbon tram through historic neighborhoods.

River Cruises: Sail along the Douro in Porto or Tagus in Lisbon.

Street Festivals: Especially in June for Lisbon’s Santo António festivities.

Oceanarium: One of Europe’s largest aquariums, located in Lisbon.

Live Music: Check venues like Coliseu in Porto or Lisbon’s Musicbox.

Cafés and Pastelarias: Unwind at a sidewalk café with a pastry.

Hot Springs: Head to the Azores or northern Portugal for geothermal spa experiences.

Bairro Alto (Lisbon): Trendy neighborhood with numerous small bars spilling onto the streets.

Cais do Sodré (Lisbon): Revitalized dock area with hip bars and clubs (e.g., Pink Street).

Ribeira District (Porto): Riverside area with lively bars and restaurants.

Galerias de Paris (Porto): A hub of nightlife with various bars and music venues.

The Old Pharmacy (Lisbon): A cocktail bar housed in a former pharmacy.

Pensao Amor (Lisbon): A former brothel turned into a quirky and popular bar.

Casa do Vinho (various locations): Wine bars offering a wide selection of Portuguese wines.

Craft Beer Bars (Lisbon & Porto): Growing scene with local and international brews.

Fado Houses (Lisbon & Porto): Experience traditional Fado performances with dinner and drinks.

Rooftop Bars (Lisbon & Porto): Enjoy cocktails with panoramic city views.