Portugal: Complete Travel Guide

Why Portugal Is Trending

Portugal has become one of Europe's favorite destinations. Lisbon and Porto are living a golden age, the Algarve has spectacular beaches, and the value for money is excellent compared to Spain, France or Italy.

Top Destinations

Lisbon

Tram 28, the Alfama district, Belem, pasteis de nata, Bairro Alto nightlife and viewpoints overlooking the Tagus. Lisbon has a special charm.

Daily budget: 55-95€

Porto

The Ribeira, Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Lello bookshop, D. Luis I Bridge and francesinha sandwiches. Porto is more intimate than Lisbon.

Daily budget: 45-80€

Algarve

Europe's best beaches. Lagos, Albufeira, Faro and the Benagil caves. Perfect for summer.

Daily budget: 50-90€

Sintra

Fairytale palaces 30 minutes from Lisbon. Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are magical.

Daily budget: 40-70€ (day trip)

Portuguese Cuisine

• Pastel de Nata — The world's most famous custard tart. The ones in Belem are the original
• Bacalhau — Cod. They say there are 365 recipes, one for every day of the year
• Francesinha — Porto's epic sandwich with meat, cheese and beer sauce
• Caldo Verde — Kale and potato soup, pure comfort
• Arroz de Marisco — Soupy seafood rice
• Bifana — Marinated pork sandwich, Portuguese fast food
• Vinho Verde — Young, fresh wine from northern Portugal
• Ginjinha — Sour cherry liqueur, taken as a shot in Lisbon

Budget

| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 15-30€ | 40-80€ | 90-180€ | | Food | 10-18€ | 20-40€ | 40-70€ | | Transport | 3-8€ | 10-20€ | 20-40€ | | Total/day | 28-56€ | 70-140€ | 150-290€ |

Practical Tips

1. Language — Portuguese people speak excellent English and Spanish. Incredibly friendly
2. CP Train — Connects Lisbon to Porto in 3h for ~25€
3. Tipping — Not mandatory, 5-10% is a kind gesture
4. August — Very hot inland. Beaches are packed
5. Uber — Works perfectly and is cheap in Lisbon and Porto