Europe

What Should I Know Before Visiting Portugal?

From planning and packing to navigating and eating well, our experts weigh in with these Portugal travel tips.

To drive or not to drive? Portugal has an excellent public transportation network that makes it possible to travel by train or bus to most destinations. That appetizer you didn’t order? It’s not complimentary, so feel free to decline it. Speak Spanish? Don’t speak it here—most locals speak English, though learning a few Portuguese phrases is always appreciated. When you’re exploring with Wilderness Travel on one of our Portugal guided tours, our guides will show you the way—but here are some important Portugal travel tips and tricks from our travel experts for a smooth, memorable trip.

Where to Go in Portugal

Explore beyond Lisbon and Porto. Yes, Lisbon and Porto are must-stop spots and where most travelers to Portugal go before or after a WT adventure. But it’s worth spending a few days beyond these fabulous cities. If you only have a day or two to spare, consider driving or taking the train between Lisbon and Porto, stopping at Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal” for its canals and gondola-like moliceiros, and the vibrant university hub of Coimbra. If you want to get some beach time in, head south to the stunning Algarve region, where cliff-backed beaches and charming fishing villages make the region a picturesque holiday hotspot.

A coastal cliff path in Portugal, bordered by blooming hydrangeas, overlooks a turquoise ocean and lush green landscape under a cloudy sky. Perfect for Portugal travel enthusiasts exploring the best time to visit this enchanting destination.

When to Visit Portugal

Spring, summer, and fall all have great weather. But Portugal remains a mild, pleasant place to travel all year round. You’ll find the nicest weather in the summer, while the spring and fall shoulder seasons still offer temperature weather (great for hiking!) with fewer crowds. Winter, while generally cooler, isn’t quite cold, and makes for a great time to visit Lisbon and other busy hubs. For more details on what to expect weather-wise during each month, check out our guide on the best month to visit Portugal.

What to Pack for Portugal

Remember to pack light layers and comfortable walking shoes. Portugal’s Mediterranean climate makes it an excellent year-round destination, with warm, dry summers and mild, somewhat wet winters. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are some of the best times to visit—and when WT hosts most departures—and can see occasional showers and cooler nights (even in the summer), so be sure to pack a few layers and a light rain jacket. In addition to hiking boots, pack comfortable walking shoes for the hilly cobblestone streets. Portugal uses Type F plugs with 230V, 50Hz.

How to Get Around Portugal

Embracing the country’s excellent public transportation is one of our top Portugal travel tips. It’s possible to travel across much of the country without renting a car or getting on a plane. If you’re heading to the main areas of Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and the Douro Valley, to name a few, you can easily take Portugal’s well-developed system of trains between major centers and fill in the gaps with its extensive bus service. In the major cities, metro systems also connect many of the main areas.

Tips for Restaurant Dining in Portugal

Learn a few Portuguese dining tricks. Be sure to try every kind of dining establishment, from wine-focused eateries called adegas that serve wines directly from the cask to traditional taverna-like tascas. Other than cafes, most places close between meal times. Often, the staff will bring out bread, cheese, and other appetizers at the start of the meal, which are not complimentary—feel free to decline these. There is a reservation culture in Portugal’s major cities and tourism centers, so try to book nice restaurants in advance.

Other dining tips from our Portugal experts? Order a porto tonico during aperitivo, or pre-dinner drinks — the refreshing cocktail, popular in the summer, combines white port and tonic water. And don’t be afraid to eat at restaurants that aren’t Portuguese, especially in the major cities!

Language Travel Tips for Portugal

Hint: Don’t speak Spanish! Especially in the major cities or tourism hubs, you’ll find that most people speak English, which is much more preferred than accidentally speaking Spanish! As is often the case, locals appreciate an effort to speak basic Portuguese phrases: greetings like “bom dia” (good day), “obrigado/obrigada” (thank you), and “desculpe” (excuse me) will go a long way.

Note that some gendered words, like thank you, change according to the gender of the speaker rather than receiver: men say “obrigado,” women say “obrigada.” You’ll also likely learn a few fun phrases from WT’s local guides!

Where to Stay in Portugal

Book heritage hotels. Because many of our travelers like to spend a day or two in a destination before or after embarking on a WT adventure, our local experts have a curated list of hotel suggestions on hand. In Lisbon, we recommend any of the small boutique stays under Lisbon Heritage Hotels collection, known for ideal locations, excellent service, and lots of character. Some of our favorite hotels elsewhere in Portugal include the Pestana or the Yeatman Hotel in Porto, the Hotel Talisman in the Azores, or Casa Velha do Palheiro in Madeira.

Paperwork You Need for Visiting Portugal

Review visa requirements long before your departure. US travelers embarking on one of WT’s itineraries, which range from a week to 10 days, don’t need to worry about visas, even if you’re tacking on a few extra days to the trip—US passport holders can travel to Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended return date to the US.

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Talk to an Expert

Our Europe Specialists know every detail about our Portugal Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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