Welcome, wanderers! Whether you’re planning your first trip to Portugal or returning for another dose of sunshine, culture, and pasteis de nata, this guide answers the most commonly asked questions travelers search for online. You’ll also find links to our Portugal blog posts and downloadable resources to make planning easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal
How many days should I spend in Portugal?
There is no simple answer to this question, and it really depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. You could be here for months and not see it all.
If you are planning to see Lisbon and Porto, we would recommend a minimum of 7 days (not including travel here and back home). Three days in Lisbon, a travel day to Porto, and then 3 Days in Porto might work. If you want to see anything in between these two cities, I would recommend 14 days.
In addition, if you are planning to see any of the Algarve, that is a whole other world, so to speak. It is a 3-hour train ride from Lisbon, or a plane ride from Lisbon to Faro, but even a week in the Algarve is not quite enough. Portugal is a small country, but unless you have a car, it takes time to go from one end to the other.
Below are some blog posts and a few sample Itineraries we have made that will help you plan your trip.
Lisboa area
If you are only flying into Lisbon and planning to stay a few days until your next adventure, 2-3 days is perfect. You will get to see most of what Lisbon has to offer, plus you might have a chance to take a quick day trip to Sintra or Mafra to see the palaces.
- Best things to see and do in Lisbon in two days
- Lisboa sample itinerary
- 12 Day Trips from Lisbon by Train or Bus
Porto Area
If you are planning to spend a few days in the Porto area, we recommend 3 days, especially if you want to visit the Douro Valley (which we highly recommend). Keep in mind it takes about 3 hours on a bus or train to go from Lisbon to Porto. Not much shorter in a car.
Two-Week Itinerary for Portugal blog post and PDF
10 Days in Portugal (what we did when we first came to Portugal)
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
The short answer is ANYTIME! But if you are looking to catch some rays on the beaches or try your hand at surfing, the summer months are a great time to come. August, however, will be very crowded as all of Europe takes a vacation then. September usually has amazing temperatures and is much more peaceful.
Winter in Portugal is also quite wonderful. It is the rainy season, though, but a great time to visit museums and monasteries.
- Portugal in the Winter: Why travel during the off-season?
- Summer in Portugal
- List of Festivals in Portugal
What Should I Pack for Portugal?
My three go-to packing essentials: a jacket, a great pair of walking shoes, and sunglasses. But of course, it always depends on where you are going. If you are staying in the Lisboa area or up the Silver Coast, the temps are milder. But the further inland you go, the temperatures become more extreme. We have found it to be a lovely 75 degrees in Lisbon and head into the Alentejo to find it 95 degrees. The same up north. The temperature in Porto could be 75, but Braga is 95.
The jacket is for the nights and early mornings. I think once the sun is down, the temperature changes quite a bit here. Most days, you will need sunglasses and a good pair of walking shoes for the cobblestone walkways.
Take an umbrella in the winter, as it tends to rain every day–not a lot, but usually some.
For more information, check out the following blog posts:
What currency does Portugal use, and how should I exchange money?
Portugal uses the Euro, and cash is often king in this country. Most places in Lisbon and Porto will take an international card, but you will find that more difficult in small villages. Some cafes will not accept cards at all.
You can exchange money in two ways. You can ask your bank several weeks in advance to exchange some currency for you. They will usually give you a good rate, and you will have some cash when you arrive.
Or, you can get cash from an ATM here. If you do that, use a multibanco machine (NOT a Euronet or a currency exchange desk in the airport). Euronet will charge you a great deal of fees. Multibanco machines are regular bank machines here in Portugal and can give you cash from your ATM card. PRO TIP: DECLINE THE EXCHANGE RATE TWICE! This way, it throws it back to your bank, and you get the best rate without all the fees.
Do I need a Visa to visit Portugal?
In 2026, travelers from the USA, Canada, Australia, and other non-EU countries will be required to get an ETIAS visa. You can apply online, and it will probably cost around $15 or €20. It will work the same as the current tourist visa, which lasts 90 days within a 180-day period. For more information, check out the ETIAS website.
Is Portugal Safe for Tourists?
Yes — overall, Portugal is widely considered one of the safest countries in Europe for travellers. According to recent global safety rankings, Portugal consistently ranks among the top countries worldwide for overall peace and security. Violent crime is very rare: for example, the murder/homicide rate is extremely low compared with many European and international destinations. Residents and tourists alike benefit from a stable socio-political climate, effective policing, and good emergency services.
That said — like in any tourist-heavy country — the main safety concerns in Portugal are non-violent, opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and occasional scams. Crowded public transport (especially popular trams in big cities), busy squares, tourist spots, and train stations tend to be where such incidents happen most often.
What to Watch Out For — And How to Stay Safe:
- Pickpocketing & petty theft: In major cities — particularly on crowded trams and public transport lines (in places like Lisbon and Porto) — pickpocketing is the most frequent issue for visitors. Keep wallets, phones, and valuables secure (for example, in front-facing bags or inside zipped compartments), and be especially careful in crowded tourist spots and on public transport. We like to use Pacsafe bags to lock our valuables in.
- Avoid showing valuables or leaving things unattended: Don’t leave bags or phones on the back of chairs at cafés or restaurants, and avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches, in parked cars, or at transit hubs — theft from rental vehicles or luggage left in parked vehicles can happen.
- Beware of scams: Occasionally, scams target tourists. Mostly, it takes the form of someone offering you a bracelet or trinket, then charging you an obscene amount of money for it.
- Use common-sense precautions: As you would anywhere — avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas at night, use licensed transportation, keep important documents safe, and don’t carry all your money/cards with you when out sightseeing.
How do I get around?
Inside Lisbon or Porto, getting around with public transportation is very easy. There is a metro in both cities as well as trams and buses. We use our Google Maps app to find the best routes. Uber and Bolt are also used a great deal here. We tend to use them when we are in a hurry to get to an event or the airport.
Taxis are also prominent in these cities and around smaller towns, but make sure you agree on a price or run the meter as you are traveling. We have found that if you take a taxi from the airport, it is always going to be €25, no matter where you are going in Lisbon. Leaving from the airport, you might find it cheaper to order an Uber. It may take a few minutes longer, but you’ll save some money.
Outside of the big cities, we recommend renting a car, especially if you are going to the Algarve. Just make sure you take video and pictures of the car before you leave the lot (time-stamped). There are many stories out there about people being ripped off for damage that was already there. Also, if you are taking the toll roads, have an agreement with your car rental agency about charging your card. It is easy to pay the tolls yourself on the roads with the paragems, but the auto ones will read your tags and charge whoever owns the car.
Getting from Lisboa to Porto and back is pretty easy on the buses. We have found they are quicker and easier to maneuver, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The trains are easy too, but sometimes take longer, and if you have a great deal of luggage with you, getting on and off in a hurry can be a struggle.
Where should I go and what should I do?
That is a big question with soooooo many answers. This website and blog posts can help you out, but here are the top ten things we would recommend:
1. Explore Lisbon’s Historic Neighborhoods
Wander through Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto to experience Portugal’s soul — steep alleys, tiled buildings, fado music, and stunning miradouros (viewpoints). Don’t miss Tram 28, Castelo de São Jorge, and a sunset over the Tagus River.
2. Discover the Magic of Porto
Porto’s ribbed medieval streets, Douro riverfront, and world-famous port wine cellars make it a must-see. Walk the Dom Luís I Bridge, explore Ribeira, and tour a cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.
3. Visit Sintra’s Fairytale Palaces
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sintra feels straight out of a storybook. The colorful Pena Palace, mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and dramatic Moorish Castle make it an unforgettable day trip from Lisbon.
4. Road Trip (or Train Ride) Through the Douro Valley
One of the world’s oldest wine regions, the Douro Valley offers terraced vineyards, river cruises, and world-class wines. Spend a day wine tasting or simply soaking in jaw-dropping scenery.
5. Relax on the Beaches of the Algarve
Golden cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden coves define southern Portugal. Top picks: Lagos (Ponta da Piedade), Benagil Cave, and Praia da Marinha. Great for swimming, hiking, and kayaking.
6. Experience Fado — Portugal’s Traditional Music
Fado is more than music — it’s emotion, history, and identity. The best places to hear authentic fado are in Lisbon’s Alfama or Coimbra’s old town, where student-led fado has its own unique style.
7. Taste Portuguese Cuisine (Beyond Pastéis de Nata)
Try bacalhau à Brás, caldo verde, cataplana seafood, grilled sardines, bifanas, and the mighty francesinha in Porto. Pair meals with Vinho Verde, Douro reds, or port wine.
8. Explore Évora and the Alentejo Region
Alentejo offers cork forests, medieval hill towns, and Roman history. Highlights include Évora’s Roman Temple, the Chapel of Bones, Monsaraz’s stunning views, and local wines known for their deep flavor.
9. Visit the Monasteries and Museums
Portugal has over 500 monasteries that are used for museums, tours, and accommodations. We highly recommend you visit a few while you are here. In our blog, A Regional Guide to Portugal’s Monasteries and Convents, you can get a comprehensive list.
10. Learn About Portugal’s Age of Exploration
Visit Belém’s UNESCO sites: Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. These landmarks tell the story of Portugal’s maritime past and its role in world history — plus the original pastéis de nata bakery is right there.
What food should I try in Portugal?
Portuguese cuisine is one of the richest, most diverse, and most comforting in Europe, shaped by centuries of maritime history, global spice routes, and regional traditions that vary from the mountains to the coast. Whether you’re exploring Lisbon’s miradouros, Porto’s historic streets, or the beaches of the Algarve, food is a central part of the experience. Here are some of the dishes and flavors you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
- Pastel de Nata – Portugal’s famous custard tart; best fresh and warm.
- Bacalhau – Salt cod dishes (there are hundreds!); try Bacalhau à Brás or Gomes de Sá.
- Francesinha – Porto’s over-the-top layered sandwich with meat, cheese, and rich sauce.
- Caldo Verde – Traditional kale and potato soup, simple and comforting.
- Piri-Piri Chicken – Grilled chicken with spicy Portuguese piri-piri sauce.
- Grilled Sardines – Especially in summer and during local festivals.
- Cataplana de Marisco – Algarve seafood stew cooked in a copper clam-shaped pot.
- Arroz de Marisco – Portuguese seafood rice; rich, flavorful, and served soupy.
- Bifana – Affordable and delicious pork sandwich; a classic street food snack.
- Queijo da Serra – Creamy Serra da Estrela mountain cheese.
- Polvo à Lagareiro – Roasted octopus with olive oil and potatoes.
- Alheiras – Smoked poultry sausages with garlic and spices.
- Port Wine – Sip in the Douro or Vila Nova de Gaia cellars.
- Vinho Verde – Light, slightly sparkling wine perfect for warm days
What cultural norms should I know?
Things move at a slower pace. Don’t expect rushed service or fast turnover — whether you’re in a checkout line or sitting down for a meal. Life here is enjoyed, not hurried.
Meals are meant to be savored. Dining can easily last two hours or more. Waiters won’t hover or check in constantly like in the U.S. If you need something, simply catch their eye or call them over politely.
You must ask for the bill. Your check won’t arrive automatically. When you’re ready to leave, say: “A conta, por favor”— it’s polite and often earns a smile.
Tipping isn’t expected, but it is appreciated. If you had great service, round up to the nearest euro or add a couple of euros. You can tip by card, but you’ll need to tell the waiter the amount — there’s no write-in line on the receipt.
• Quiet, respectful public behavior
Portuguese people tend to speak softly in public spaces. Loud conversations, speaker-phone calls, or overly animated behavior in restaurants or transit can stand out.
• Punctuality is flexible
Being a few minutes late to social gatherings is normal. However, tours, trains, and official appointments are punctual — so travelers should adjust accordingly.
• Queuing (lining up) is taken seriously
Whether at a bakery counter or a bus stop, people wait patiently and expect others to do the same. Cutting in line is a major faux pas.
• Bread, olives, and appetizers (“couvert”) aren’t free
Restaurants often place small dishes on the table automatically. They’re optional, but if you eat them, they’re added to the bill. Many visitors don’t realize this.
• Coffee culture is simple and fast
Locals often drink a quick espresso (“uma bica” in Lisbon, “um café” everywhere else) while standing at the counter. Linger if you want — but don’t expect flavored lattes everywhere.
• Sundays and holidays = many businesses closed
Outside major cities, shops and smaller restaurants may close or keep limited hours. It surprises many visitors.
• Driving culture is straightforward but fast-paced
People follow rules, but driving can feel aggressive to some travelers. Roundabouts are common, and pedestrians don’t always have the right of way.
• Personal space is smaller
Expect friendly closeness during conversations, especially with older generations. Not uncomfortable — just warm and familiar.
• Dress is modest and neat
Portugal is casual but not sloppy. Locals tend to dress well, even for everyday outings. Beachwear is for beaches — not for city streets.
Are the islands worth visiting? (Azores + Madeira)
The simple answer to that is YES! But that will take extra time and plane rides, and two, we haven’t been there yet, so we have no advice. However, we recommend you check out Julie Dawn Fox’s blogs on the Azores and Madeira. We will get back to you as soon as we can!
Conclusion
Portugal is the kind of destination that rewards curiosity, patience, and a willingness to slow down. Whether you’re planning how many days to spend, figuring out what to pack, deciding what to eat, or learning a few cultural norms before you go, a little preparation goes a long way in making your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
From world-class food and historic cities to stunning coastlines and welcoming locals, Portugal offers something for every type of traveler. Take your time, stay flexible, keep your belongings secure, and embrace the relaxed pace. Chances are, Portugal will surprise you in the best possible way.