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Portugal

Portuguese Republic

Capital: Lisbon

Photo: Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Create a trip called “Trip to Portugal” and plan it from there.

10,300,000 Population
Portuguese Language
EUR Currency
C, F Plug Types

Before you go

Visa, plugs, customs and when to go

The essentials

  • Plugs: type C, F · 230 V / 50 Hz
  • Official language: Portuguese

Visa

Choose your passport to see whether you need a visa.

Part of Schengen Area. 90-day visa-free stays within 180-day period.

Reviewed on February 8, 2025. Always confirm with the official source before travelling. Official source
See all about before you go

Saudade - The Portuguese Soul

culture

An untranslatable word describing a deep longing for something or someone absent. It defines the Portuguese character.

  • Mix of sadness, longing, and nostalgia
  • Central to fado music and poetry
  • Reflects maritime history of departures
  • Not depression—it is bittersweet beauty
Learn more

Saudade is the essence of Portuguese identity. It emerged from centuries of seafarers leaving home, not knowing if they would return. Today it manifests in fado songs, in the way Portuguese cherish memories, and in their acceptance of life's melancholy beauty. Understanding saudade is understanding Portugal.

Fado Music

culture

Traditional Portuguese music expressing saudade. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2011.

  • Born in Lisbon working-class neighborhoods
  • Traditionally sung by one voice with guitar
  • Amalia Rodrigues is the legendary fadista
  • Coimbra has its own university fado style

Portuguese Time

protocol

Life moves slower in Portugal. Patience and flexibility are essential.

  • Punctuality is more relaxed than Northern Europe
  • 15-30 minutes late is often acceptable socially
  • Rushing is considered rude
  • Long meals are normal (2+ hours)

Coffee Culture

culture

The Portuguese take their coffee seriously. It is a daily ritual, not just a drink.

  • Bica (espresso) in Lisbon, cimbalino in Porto
  • Meia de leite is half coffee, half milk
  • Galao is like a latte
  • Coffee breaks (pausa) are sacred

Family & Community

culture

Family ties are very strong. Multi-generational households are common.

  • Sunday lunch with family is tradition
  • Children are welcomed everywhere
  • Elderly are respected and cared for at home
  • Neighbors help each other

Portugal is a warm, welcoming country with a rich maritime history and a melancholic soul expressed through fado music. The Portuguese are known for their hospitality, patience, and pride in their distinct identity from Spain. Life moves at a relaxed pace, especially in the south, with long lunches and late dinners being the norm.

Do

  • Try to speak a few words of Portuguese minor
  • Accept offers of food or drink (refusing may offend) moderate
  • Leave a small tip (5-10%) at restaurants minor
  • Be patient with the slower pace of life moderate

Don’t

  • Assume Portuguese speak or want to speak Spanish serious
  • Rush meals or conversations moderate
  • Criticize the food (they are very proud) moderate
  • Discuss money openly minor

Etiquette Tips

greeting

Two Kisses

Women greet with two cheek kisses (right first). Men shake hands, close friends may hug.

recommended
gift

Wine or Pastries

When invited home, bring wine, flowers, or pastries from a local pastelaria.

recommended
social

Use Formal Address

Use "Senhor/Senhora" with last name until invited to use first names.

essential
dress

Smart Casual

Portuguese dress well, especially in cities. Avoid overly casual attire for restaurants.

nice to-know

When to go

March · April · May

Rating 5/5 Crowds: moderate Prices: moderate

Perfect weather, blooming flowers, fewer crowds. Ideal for exploring.

Events: Holy Week (Semana Santa) · Queima das Fitas (Coimbra, May)

June · July · August

Rating 4/5 Crowds: peak Prices: expensive

Hot and crowded but great for beaches. Lisbon can exceed 35C.

Events: Santos Populares (Lisbon, June) · Festival ao Largo (July-Aug) · Beach season

September · October · November

Rating 4/5 Crowds: moderate Prices: moderate

Warm weather continues. Wine harvest season. Fewer tourists.

Events: Grape harvest festivals · Lisbon Architecture Triennale

December · January · February

Rating 3/5 Crowds: low Prices: budget

Mild compared to Northern Europe. Some rain but rarely cold.

Events: New Year in Lisbon · Carnival (February)

Climate: Lisbon has 300+ sunny days per year. North is cooler and wetter than south. Algarve has the best beach weather.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Portugal (Tourism Board) · Lonely Planet Portugal · CP - Comboios de Portugal · Carris Metropolitana

Money

Currency and tipping

The essentials

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Tipping at restaurants — 5-10%
See all about money

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Symbol: €

Tipping Guide

Restaurants

5-10%

Not obligatory but appreciated. Round up or leave small change.

Hotels

€1-2 per bag

For porters. Not expected for housekeeping.

Taxis

Round up

Not expected but appreciated.

Tipping is less common than in US/UK. Service staff earn reasonable wages.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Portugal (Tourism Board) · Lonely Planet Portugal · CP - Comboios de Portugal · Carris Metropolitana

Getting around

Airports, buses, driving and apps

The essentials

  • Traffic drives on the right
  • Main airport: LIS — Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport
See all about getting around

Portugal has a decent transport network. Trains connect major cities along the coast. Buses fill the gaps. Within Lisbon, metro, trams, and buses work well. Driving is best for rural areas.

Major Airports

LIS Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport Hub 7 km to center
  • Red Line (Aeroporto) 20-25 min €1.65
  • Aerobus 1 30-40 min €4
  • taxi 15-25 min €15-20
OPO Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport 11 km to center
  • Metro Line E (Violet) 30 min €2.60 (Z4 ticket)
  • taxi 20-30 min €25-30
FAO Faro Airport 4 km to center
  • Bus 16 20 min €2.35

Between cities

train

CP (Comboios de Portugal)

  • Lisbon-Porto (2h45)
  • Lisbon-Faro (2h45)
  • Lisbon-Coimbra (1h45)

Book Alfa Pendular (fast) in advance for discounts. Regional trains are cheap but slow.

Book with CP (Comboios de Portugal)

Driving

Traffic drives on the right

EU license or International Driving Permit

Useful for Sintra, Algarve, Douro Valley. Not needed in Lisbon/Porto centers.

Useful apps

  • Carris Metropolitana — Lisbon public transport planning
  • CP - Comboios de Portugal — Train tickets and schedules
  • Bolt / Uber — Ride-hailing (Bolt often cheaper)
  • Google Maps — General navigation and transit

Tips

  • Tram 28 is scenic but often packed—go early morning or walk instead
  • Validate your ticket when entering metro/tram
  • Uber and Bolt are widely available and often cheaper than taxis
  • Trains from Lisbon to Sintra leave from Rossio station
  • In Porto, the historic tram line 1 along the river is worth taking

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Portugal (Tourism Board) · Lonely Planet Portugal · CP - Comboios de Portugal · Carris Metropolitana

Safety & health

Emergencies, official advice and health

The essentials

  • Emergencies: 112
  • Tourist police: +351 21 342 1634
See all about safety & health

Emergency numbers

Embassies

Staying safe

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world (Global Peace Index top 10). Petty theft exists in tourist areas but violent crime is rare.

Areas to avoid

  • Cais do Sodre late at night (bar district)
  • Around train stations after dark

Common scams

  • Fake petition signers (distraction theft)
  • Overcharging in taxis (use apps)
  • Fake drugs dealers in Bairro Alto
Women travellers
Very safe for solo female travelers. Harassment is rare.
LGBTQ+ travellers
LGBTQ+ friendly. Same-sex marriage legal since 2010. Pride events in major cities.
Solo travellers
Excellent for solo travel. Locals are friendly and helpful.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Portugal (Tourism Board) · Lonely Planet Portugal · CP - Comboios de Portugal · Carris Metropolitana

Food

What to eat and how to eat out

The essentials

  • Pastel de Nata — Iconic custard tart with caramelized top. Best eaten warm with cinnamon.
  • Bacalhau — Salt cod (they say there are 365 ways to cook it). National obsession.
  • Francesinha — Porto specialty: meat sandwich covered in cheese and beer sauce. Heart-stopping.
See all about food

Portuguese cuisine is simple, hearty, and seafood-focused. Fresh ingredients, olive oil, and garlic form the base. Portions are generous. The saying goes: "In Portugal, we eat first with our hearts."

Signature Dishes

Pastel de Nata

Iconic custard tart with caramelized top. Best eaten warm with cinnamon.

budget

Bacalhau

Bacalhau a Bras

Salt cod (they say there are 365 ways to cook it). National obsession.

moderate

Francesinha

Porto specialty: meat sandwich covered in cheese and beer sauce. Heart-stopping.

moderate

Sardinhas Assadas

Grilled sardines, especially popular in summer festivals.

budget

Caldo Verde

Traditional kale soup with potato and chorizo. Comfort food.

budget

Bifana

Thin pork steak sandwich with garlic. Perfect quick lunch.

budget

Etiquette Tips

  • Keep Hands Visible

    Keep both hands on the table (not in lap). Wait for the host to start eating.

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Portugal (Tourism Board) · Lonely Planet Portugal · CP - Comboios de Portugal · Carris Metropolitana

Local slang

How people talk, and words worth knowing

The essentials

  • Ola — Hello
  • Bom dia — Good morning
  • Boa tarde — Good afternoon
  • Obrigado/a — Thank you
See all about local slang

Not Spain

communication

Portugal has a distinct identity. Confusing them with Spain can be offensive.

  • Different language (not a Spanish dialect)
  • Different history and culture
  • Friendly rivalry with Spain
  • Proud of discoveries and maritime heritage

Common Phrases

Essential words and phrases in Portuguese

Ola

/oh-LAH/

Hello

Casual greeting

Bom dia

/bom DEE-ah/

Good morning

Until noon

Boa tarde

/BOH-ah TAR-deh/

Good afternoon

After noon

Obrigado/a

/oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah/

Thank you

-o for men, -a for women

Por favor

/poor fah-VOR/

Please

Polite request

Desculpe

/desh-KOOL-peh/

Excuse me / Sorry

Getting attention or apologizing

Fala ingles?

/FAH-lah een-GLESH/

Do you speak English?

Asking for English

A conta, por favor

/ah KON-tah poor fah-VOR/

The bill, please

Restaurants

Saude!

/sah-OO-deh/

Cheers!

Toasting drinks

Adeus

/ah-DEH-oosh/

Goodbye

Formal farewell

Our editorial guide, reviewed February 8, 2025. Checked against: Visit Portugal (Tourism Board) · Lonely Planet Portugal · CP - Comboios de Portugal · Carris Metropolitana

Top Highlights

Must-see attractions and experiences

landmark Photo: Berthold Werner · CC BY-SA 4.0

Belem Tower

Lisbon

UNESCO World Heritage fortress from 1519. Symbol of the Age of Discoveries.

1 hour € 10
  • Buy combined ticket with Jeronimos Monastery
  • Go early to avoid crowds
neighborhood Photo: Ingo Mehling · CC BY-SA 4.0

Alfama District

Lisbon

Oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. Narrow streets, fado houses, Castelo de Sao Jorge.

3-4 hours
  • Take Tram 28 for scenic route
  • Visit in evening for fado
experience Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0

Sintra

Sintra

Fairytale palaces and gardens in forested hills. UNESCO World Heritage site.

Full day € 14
  • Go on weekdays
  • Start with Pena Palace
neighborhood Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0

Ribeira District

Porto

UNESCO World Heritage riverfront in Porto. Colorful houses along the Douro.

2-3 hours
  • Cross Dom Luis I bridge for sunset views
  • Visit wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
landmark Photo: NorbertNagel · CC BY-SA 4.0

Jeronimos Monastery

Lisbon

Masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Built with spice trade riches.

1.5 hours € 10
  • Free on first Sunday of month
  • Queue can be long—buy online
nature Photo: Rosino · CC BY-SA 2.0

Douro Valley

Peso da Regua

UNESCO World Heritage wine region. Terraced vineyards along the Douro River.

Full day
  • Take a river cruise
  • Visit during harvest (September)

More places

From the catalogue — open data plus the community

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