Portugal Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Portugal: From Lisbon to Porto

National flag of Portugal

Top 15 Most Searched Questions About Portugal

The capital of Portugal is Lisbon, home to 2.8 million people in its metro area, known for landmarks like Belém Tower and Alfama district.

US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. EU citizens have freedom of movement. Others may need a Schengen visa, costing around $90. More details in our Documents tab.

Portugal uses the Euro (€). More details in our Currency tab.

Portugal is very safe, ranking among the safest countries globally, though petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in Lisbon’s tourist areas. More details in our Safety tab.

Portuguese is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Lisbon and Porto.

Portugal is known for its history, port wine, beaches like the Algarve, and landmarks like the Douro Valley. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for mild weather in Lisbon and Porto; summer (June to August) is best for the Algarve beaches but can be crowded.

Portugal is affordable compared to Western Europe; travelers can manage with $80-$150 per day in Lisbon. A meal costs $10-$20, less in smaller towns like Évora.

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in most areas, though bottled water is widely available at $1-$2 per liter.

Must-visit spots include Belém Tower in Lisbon, the Douro Valley, and the beaches of the Algarve. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Lisbon averages 15-25°C in spring/autumn and 25-30°C in summer; the Algarve can hit 30-35°C in summer. Winters are mild, around 10-15°C in Porto.

Yes, the São João Festival in Porto (June) features street parties and fireworks; Carnival in Lisbon includes parades and costumes.

Popular souvenirs include port wine, azulejo tiles, and cork products like bags or wallets.

Trains between Lisbon and Porto cost $20-$40; buses to the Algarve cost $10-$20; Uber in cities starts at $3-$7.

Try bacalhau à brás, pastéis de nata, and caldo verde. More details in our Local Cuisine tab.

About Portugal

Portugal, located in Southern Europe, spans 92,090 square kilometers along the Iberian Peninsula, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west and south. Lisbon, the capital, has a metro population of 2.8 million out of the country’s 10.3 million inhabitants (2023 estimate). The population is largely homogeneous, with 95% ethnic Portuguese; minorities include African and Brazilian communities. Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area; EU citizens have freedom of movement. Others may need a Schengen visa, costing around $90. In 2023, Portugal welcomed 22 million tourists, contributing $25 billion to the economy. Tourism, textiles, and wine production drive economic growth. The climate varies: Lisbon averages 15-25°C in spring/autumn and 25-30°C in summer, while the Algarve can hit 30-35°C; winters are mild at 10-15°C in Porto. Budget travelers can manage with $80-$150 per day in Lisbon, with meals costing $10-$20 and a local beer at $2-$4; guided tours to sites like Sintra cost $20-$50. Trains between Lisbon and Porto cost $20-$40, buses to the Algarve cost $10-$20, and Uber rides in cities start at $3-$7. Cultural events like the São João Festival in Porto feature street parties, while Carnival in Lisbon brings parades and costumes. Portugal’s history is rich—its maritime empire peaked in the 15th and 16th centuries with explorers like Vasco da Gama; it became a republic in 1910 after centuries of monarchy. Known for the Douro Valley, the beaches of the Algarve, and historical sites like Belém Tower, Portugal offers a blend of vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage for every traveler.

Visa & Passport for Portugal: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area. Children need their own passport; they cannot travel on a parent’s passport. For more details on entry requirements, visit portugal.gov.pt.
  • Visa Requirements: US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen Area. EU citizens have freedom of movement. Others may need a Schengen visa, costing around $90, which can be applied for at a Portuguese consulate. More information is available at portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt.
  • Other Requirements: Proof of onward travel and hotel bookings may be requested. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended due to potential healthcare costs.

Driving in Portugal: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your valid license; car rentals cost $30-$60 per day; fuel averages $6-$7 per gallon.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in cities, 120 km/h on highways. Seatbelts are mandatory; the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%—fines start at $300.
  • Road Conditions: Highways like the A1 (Lisbon to Porto) are well-maintained, but rural roads in the Alentejo can be narrow—drive cautiously. Tolls apply on highways, around $5-$15 per trip.
  • Transport Options: Trains between Lisbon and Porto cost $20-$40; buses to the Algarve cost $10-$20; Uber rides in cities start at $3-$7.
  • Emergency Number: Call 112 for all emergencies; response times are reliable in urban areas like Lisbon.

Currency in Portugal: Using the Euro for Your Trip

  • Euro (€): The official currency. Exchange rates fluctuate—1 USD ≈ 0.95 EUR (May 2025).
  • Money Exchange: Exchange money at banks or ATMs in cities like Lisbon—avoid tourist-area exchange counters due to high fees. ATMs are widely available; withdrawal fees may apply ($2-$5 per transaction).
  • Payment Methods: Cards are widely accepted in cities; smaller vendors in rural areas like the Alentejo may prefer cash. Contactless payments are common in urban areas.
  • Costs: A meal at a local restaurant costs $10-$20, a local beer $2-$4, and a souvenir like azulejo tiles costs $5-$15.

Legal Guide for Portugal: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession for personal use is decriminalized, but trafficking carries heavy penalties—fines start at $1,000. Public drinking is restricted in some areas like Lisbon’s Bairro Alto—fines start at $50.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Dress modestly when visiting churches like the Sé Cathedral in Lisbon; avoid loud behavior in residential areas. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography inside museums like the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum may require permission—check signs. Always ask before photographing people.
  • Public Behavior: Littering can lead to fines of $100-$300. Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces—fines start at $50.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to €10,000 in cash without declaration; goods over €430 must be declared.
  • Emergency Contact: Call 112 for all emergencies; response times are reliable in most areas.

Travel Safety in Portugal: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: Portugal is very safe, but pickpocketing is common in tourist areas like Lisbon’s Alfama district or Porto’s Ribeira. Use a money belt.
  • Road Safety: Traffic in Lisbon can be busy—watch for trams. Pedestrians should use crosswalks; cycling in cities requires caution—helmets aren’t mandatory but recommended.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe to drink in most areas. No major health risks; sunscreen is advised for summer beach trips to the Algarve.
  • Natural Hazards: Wildfires can occur in summer in regions like the Alentejo—check local warnings. Coastal areas like Nazaré have strong currents—swim at lifeguarded beaches.
  • Outdoor Safety: Hiking in the Douro Valley requires proper gear—trails can be steep. Summer heat (25-35°C) necessitates hydration and sun protection.
  • Medical Facilities: Lisbon has excellent hospitals like Hospital de Santa Maria; rural areas have limited facilities—travel insurance is advised.
  • Emergency Contacts: Call 112 for emergencies. The US Embassy in Lisbon can be reached at +351 21-727-3300.

Culture & Etiquette in Portugal: What to Know

  • Greetings: A handshake or two cheek kisses (starting on the right) are common; use “Bom dia” (good morning) to greet locals.
  • Dining Customs: Tipping 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants if service isn’t included. Bread and olives on the table may come with a small charge—around $1-$2.
  • Community Respect: Dress modestly when visiting churches like the Sé Cathedral; keep noise levels down in residential areas, especially during the afternoon siesta time.
  • Festivals: The São João Festival in Porto (June) features street parties and fireworks. Carnival in Lisbon includes vibrant parades and costumes.
  • Language Tips: English is widely spoken in tourist areas; learning basic Portuguese phrases like “Obrigado” (thank you) is appreciated by locals.
  • Social Practices: Punctuality is valued—arrive on time for reservations. Avoid discussing politics or comparing Portugal to Spain, as it can be a sensitive topic.

Local Cuisine in Portugal: Dishes & Drinks to Try

  • Bacalhau à Brás: Salted cod with onions, potatoes, and eggs—$10-$15.
  • Pastéis de Nata: Custard tarts, a Lisbon specialty—$1-$3 each.
  • Caldo Verde: Kale and potato soup with chorizo—$5-$8.
  • Vinho Verde: Light, slightly sparkling white wine—$5-$10 per bottle.
  • Port Wine: Sweet fortified wine from the Douro Valley—$10-$20 per bottle.
  • Where to Eat: In Lisbon, Pastéis de Belém near Belém Tower offers iconic pastéis de nata, a highlight near attractions in our Top Attractions tab. In Porto, Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau serves excellent bacalhau dishes.

Top Attractions in Portugal: Must-Visit Places

Flights to Portugal: Travel Options

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the main entry point, with flights from London, New York, and Sydney. A taxi from LIS to central Lisbon costs $10-$20 and takes 20 minutes. In Porto, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) serves the north; a taxi to Ribeira costs $15-$25 and takes 25 minutes.

Generate Your Packing List for Portugal

Travel Tips for Portugal

  • Connectivity: SIM cards from Vodafone offer 10-20 GB for $10-$20, available at airports. Wi-Fi is common in cities like Lisbon but spotty in rural areas like the Alentejo.
  • Health Prep: No specific vaccines are required. Pharmacies like Farmácia Estácio are widespread for minor issues.
  • Weather Prep: Pack light clothing for summer (25-35°C); bring a jacket for cooler evenings in spring/autumn (15-25°C). A raincoat is useful for winter in Porto.
  • Navigation: Trains ($20-$40) are reliable for travel between Lisbon and Porto; buses to the Algarve ($10-$20) are convenient. Uber rides in cities cost $3-$7—use them over traditional taxis for better rates.
  • Peak Season: Avoid July-August in the Algarve—hotels spike to $150-$300 per night. Lisbon is busy year-round; book attractions like Sintra’s Pena Palace in advance.