One of the top summer destinations on travelers’ lists this year is Portugal. There are absolutely no questions about why it is. This beautiful, friendly country has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen! Portugal is also one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Western Europe. Portugal is a country that has always felt like home for me so I am hoping that if you are lucky enough to visit, it will give you the same warm feeling that it brings me!
If you’re looking for some inspo before booking your summer vacations for 2023, here are some tips for visiting Portugal, and specifically its capital, Lisbon.
1. Take your time to visit one region properly.
Consider the time it takes to travel between places. There are many regions of Portugal that are worth seeing, however, it is hard to see it all in one trip! Take time to explore a region properly and come back and visit again for more.
2. Bring comfy shoes or sandals.
You will likely encounter many uneven cobbled pavements and will wish you had comfy shoes that are easy to walk in if you don’t bring any!
3. Learn several Portuguese phrases.
While you can get by in the major tourist areas with English, learning a few phrases in Portuguese will go a long way. A simple “thank you” in the native language where you visit is always appreciated! And no, Spanish and Portuguese are not the exact same.
4. Fresh fish & seafood are some of Portugal’s highlights.
You will likely encounter seafood or fish markets with a fresh selection from that day’s catch. Seafood/ fish are staples in Portugal. Unfortunately, I don’t eat seafood or fish so this was difficult for me…
5. A waiter may bring unsolicited (not free) appetizers to your table.
Beware that if you decide to eat these appetizers that you did not order, you will be charged for them. Typically in the US if something unsolicited is brought to your table, it is understood to be free of charge, this is not the case always in Portugal. If you do not want any of the appetizers, simply decline to avoid any confrontation later on.
6. Tipping is optional.
Tipping is optional in most of Europe. Typically many people will round up their bill or leave a few coins on the table or in a tip jar. Ultimately it is up to you to leave something or not.
7. Taste the famous Pastéis de Nata.
You can find these famous custard tarts in just about every café or bakery in Portugal. Anyone native to the area will tell you this is a must-try delicacy to have in Portugal. Pastéis de Belém is one popular place to try them in Lisbon!
8. The Metro is convenient & covers most of Lisbon.
When in Lisbon, using the Metro is an affordable way to explore Lisbon. Be sure to hang on to your ticket because aside from the random checks, you will need to scan your ticket before leaving the station as well.
9. Stay in Alfama if you are in Lisbon for the first time.
In the city’s district of Alfama, you will be nearby the most popular attractions. This will be the best area to stay in if you are visiting the capital city for the first time! The Alfama district of Lisbon is one of my favorites, however, Lisbon is incredible overall!
10. Consider purchasing a Portugal tourist card.
You can find city tourist cards such as the Lisbon Card and Porto Card. These cards can get you discounts on public transportation and other attractions in the city. Be sure to check that you are actually saving money though. If you plan on doing activities that are already free or not covered by the card or get discounts in some other manner (ie. senior citizens discount) then it may not be worth spending money on.
11. Plan to spend around 3 days in Lisbon.
If you are planning to visit Lisbon and sightsee in the capital city during your trip, I recommend that you give yourself about 2-3 days to do this. It all depends on what you are interested in seeing and how much time you think you need to do it all!
12. June is the best time to visit.
The temperatures are still mild and the crowds aren’t near as large as in July and August. The beaches are one of the many highlights of Portugal so it makes sense to go when they can be enjoyed! In the winter, it can get too chilly and the water is cold year-round.
13. Renting a car provides more flexibility.
If you are planning to leave the city, especially to go somewhere with limited public transportation, it would be much easier to rent a car. This way you can see much more. There are, however, many cons to renting a car in Portugal. You’ll have to weigh the pros and cons before making this decision.
14. Restaurants typically open late for dinner.
It is common for Portuguese to eat dinner at 7pm or later. It may be difficult to find a place that is open earlier than this time if you are used to early dinners. You will typically find snack foods or pastries available during the time between lunch and dinner.
15. In Lisbon, there are men walking around that will offer you drugs.
Do not take this offer. A friend of mine, who lives in Lisbon, was taking me around the city and pointed this out to me. She could spot them right away, however, I had no clue. These men will walk up to you while walking around the city (& other cities) and offer them to you. It seems like a no-brainer to decline, but just a tip to make you aware! This being said, I did not feel unsafe in any way.
I hope you found these tips for Portugal helpful! This reminds me that I need to keep working on my permanent pages for Portugal… If you have any other tips that I may have missed, let me know.
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