Portugal Travel Guide

Portugal

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Portugal at a glance

Located in southwestern Europe
50°F in the winter to 86°F in the summer
Popular for Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Azores
Currency: Euro (tipping is not common)
Language: Portuguese
Hello: Olá | Goodbye: Tchau | Thank you: Obrigado/a
Visit April-June or September-October
Best food: bifana, prego, cod, pasteis de nata
Favorite City: Porto

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vila nova de gaia best food tour in porto

39 Beautiful Photos to Inspire Your Portugal Trip

31 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Portugal

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Travel Guides

With so much to see in Portugal, it can be hard to narrow it down! Here are some of the most popular attractions and activities in Portugal:

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. Visit the iconic Belem Tower, walk the streets of the Alfama district, ride on a historic tram, and take a day trip to places like Sintra and Cascais.

Porto is the 2nd largest city known for port wine and medieval architecture. Take a walk down the Ribera district, cruise the Douro River, or take a day trip to Douro Valley for a wine-tasting excursion!

The Algarve region is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are many great towns to explore, such as Albufeira and Lagos.

The island of Madeira is known for its dramatic landscapes, lush gardens, and stunning views.

transportation

How to Get Around

Metro and Bus: Portugal has an excellent public transportation system, and getting around by bus or metro is relatively easy and inexpensive.

Trains: To get around Portugal as a whole, the train system is easy to navigate and cost-effective. The Alfa Pendular is Portugal’s comfortable high-speed train.

Tourist cards: If you are planning to travel around Portugal and use public transportation, you may want to purchase a tourist card. The card gives you unlimited travel on public transportation in Lisbon and Porto for 1, 2, or 3 days.

I don’t recommend renting a car in Portugal. Most cars are manual and there are narrow streets with many hills.

Paf posing in front of the Porto Cathedral

Transportation

what to

Eat in Portugal

pernil in porto — Pernil in Casa Guedes in Porto

Best Food + Where to Get Them

Lisbon + Surrounding Areas

Casa do Alentejo: bifana – pork sandwich (add mustard)
Tasquinha Canto do Fado: bacalhau a brash – cod mixed with potatoes + eggs on a salad
Cantinho do Aziz: samosas – meat-filled dumplings with African flavors
Pao Pao Quijo in Belem: prego – steak sandwich
Pasteis de Belem: pasteis de Nata: egg-y dessert
Tascantiga in Sintra: Octopus
Santini’s in Cascais: gelato: ice cream or sorbet

Porto + Surrounding Areas

Cafe Santiago: francesinha – sandwich filled with sausage & steak, covered in melted cheese with an egg on top and drizzled in beer-tomato sauce (eat with fries)
Casa Guedes: pernil -roasted pork sandwich (add cheese + jam)
Cervejaria Gazela: cachorrihno – hot dog (get chili oil)
Tibias a Braga in Braga: tibias – pastry with choice of filling, shaped like the tibia bone