Complete Portugal Travel Guide, What You Need To Know
Portugal is an amazing country that has become a popular destination. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Portugal travel guide and the following Portugal blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top three destinations in Portugal are Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra.
Lisbon Portugal Travel Guide
Lisbon is best known for its wooden trams, rooftop views, colorful neighborhoods, Azul tile, sidewalk art, the Santa Justa Lift, Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ statue, pink street, street performers, and pastel de nata (custard tarts). A day trip to the seaside town of Cascais and the rocky coastline cave of Boca do Inferno (the Mouth of Hell) is time well spent.
READ Lisbon Portugal Two Day Itinerary for First-Timers
Porto Portugal Travel Guide
Porto is a steep hillside town full of pastel homes with narrow winding streets, colorful facades, and Azul tile. Porto has a gorgeous riverfront promenade with spectacular bridges, and Port wine cellars, it is home to the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world and has sprinklings of Harry Potter throughout the city. Porto’s sister city is Vila Nova de Gaia. It is full of Port Wine Cellars and a great starting point for a day trip to the Douro Valley Wineries.
READ Porto Portugal Two Day Itinerary for First-Timers
Sintra Portugal Travel Guide
Sintra Portugal is a magical land with a Disney-like castle, a medieval fortress, a gothic palace with an underground grotto, a secret abandoned forest monastery, and many palaces nestled into the pine trees of Serra da Sintra National Park. Sintra is close to the rocky coastline of Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point, and the enormous waves of Cresmina Beach.
READ Top Things to Do in Sintra Portugal
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Portugal
Where is Portugal?
Portugal is a country in Western Europe bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Spain. Lisbon and Porto are the largest cities in Portugal, Lisbon is the capital. Almost half of the population in Portugal lives in either Lisbon or Porto.
What is the language in Portugal?
The national language of Portugal is Portuguese. English is taught in schools and is the second most common language spoken. You will have no problem communicating in English in areas of tourism. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do I need a Visa to visit Portugal?
US citizens and citizens from the European Community do not need a visa to visit Portugal.
What is the currency in Portugal?
The currency in Portugal is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Portugal?
ATMs are widely available in Portugal. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Portugal and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Hungary, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in euros. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.
How much should I budget per day in Portugal?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Portugal is $121. Expect to pay $1,663 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Portugal is warm all year round and has 300+ days of sunshine each year. Avoid July and August, Portugal is very hot and crowded with tourists. It is warm with fewer crowds in May, June, and September. You may have rain and evenings are chilly from October to April.
What transportation does Portugal use?
It is easy and inexpensive to travel between cities by train. Trams, buses, and taxis are available in Lisbon and Porto. Taxi drivers are known to be ‘corrupt’. Show the driver the arrival address and monitor the route on Google Maps.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Portugal?
The plugs in Portugal are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What should I pack for Portugal?
Clothing styles are casual and conservative. Comfortable nonslip shoes with cushions are vital, expect steep hills and cobblestone streets.
Is Portugal a safe country for solo travelers?
Portugal is ranked as the 3rd safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index. Petty crime and picket pockets are common in tourist areas. Dial 112 to contact police and emergency medical services. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Portuguese food do I need to try?
Francesinha (smoked meats and cheese sandwich with beer sauce), bifanas (Portuguese pork sandwich), chicken piri-piri, codfish, grilled sardines, ginja em copos de chocolate (sour cherry liqueur in chocolate cups), pastéis de nata. Be sure to try Port Wine. It is safe to drink tap water in Portugal.
What are the main holidays and festivals in Portugal?
The main Portuguese holidays are Christmas and Easter. During Feliz Natal, Christmas, children write letters to the infant Jesus, families attend Midnight mass and enjoy a traditional family dinner including codfish. Easter is celebrated with processions throughout the city followed by a family dinner of lamb. Portugal celebrates Carnaval with parades and dancing in the streets. Pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima occur in mid-May. Santos Populares, the Popular Saints Festival, occurs each June. Each region of Portugal has its own saint to celebrate and exact dates vary. Street parties continue throughout the night over several days and nights during Santos Populares.
What are some important Portuguese traditions?
Fado, a traditional music characterized by suffering and melancholy, is an important Portuguese tradition. The Portuguese are fans of soccer, futebol. There is a strong cafe culture in Portugal and people gather at coffee houses socializing all hours of the day. Families gather for lunch on Sundays for Domingos em Família, Sundays with family.
Tips for Traveling in Portugal
- The sun is strong, so use sunscreen.
- Starters are not free; you will pay for the olives and basket of bread if you eat them.
- There is no obligation to tip in Portugal, 10% is common for excellent service.
- Customer service isn’t a priority.
- The roads in Portugal are in poor condition.
- Bring some cash in small bills for small stores and restaurants, nothing larger than 50 euros.
- If someone ‘helps’ you, they expect a tip.
Top Things to See and Do in Portugal
- See the waterfalls of the Azores
- Relax on the beaches of the Algarve
- Visit Jerónimos Monastery
- Go Port wine tasting in the Vila Nova de Gaia cellars
- Take a day tour of the vineyards of the Douro Valley
- Explore Sintra and tour Pena Palace
- Walk Cabo de Roca, Europe’s Westernmost point
- Check out the Livraria Lello bookstore in Porto
- Attend a Fado concert
- Ride Lisbon’s Tram #28
Check the Portugal Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About Portugal
- Portugal is the oldest country in Europe.
- Portugal is the westernmost point of Europe.
- Portuguese Is the official language of nine countries.
- Portugal Is the largest cork producer in the world.
- Lisbon’s Bertrand Bookstore is the oldest bookstore in the world.
- The biggest wave ever surfed was in Portugal, it was 90 feet high.
- Portugal has its own genre of music, Fado.
- Japanese tempura originates in Portugal.
- It is possible to donate to charities and buy concert tickets at ATMs in Portugal.
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Portugal Travel Guide
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Portugal Attractions and Day Tours
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Travel Essentials
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Have a great vacation!