Know before you go : Portugal Edition

In this article, I’ll make an overview of everything useful to know before going to Portugal, including some travel tips.

You’ll find : 

Portugal is a country located in southern Europe, on the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula. It shares a long land border with Spain to the east and north, and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south coasts.

The capital is Lisbon, which is also the largest city in the country. Lisbon lies on the Tagus River estuary, and is famous for its hills, yellow funiculars and countless viewpoints.

Known for its seafaring history, charming towns, and beautiful coast, Portugal offers a wide range of experiences – from medieval castles to golden beaches and lush vineyards. Its cuisine is equally famous, with fresh seafood, pastries like the pastel de nata, and world-renowned wines.

As of 2025, Portugal covers approximately 92,212 km² and has a population of around 10.2 million people.

The best time to visit Portugal and Lisbon is usually May-June and September-October, when the weather is warm and sunny without being too hot, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 28°C.

Plus, there will be fewer people than in July or August, the peak tourist season. Expect hotter weather (above 30°C) and more crowds, especially in popular regions such as the Algarve or Lisbon.

I visited Lisbon end of June but also in December, and let me tell you, June was the perfect time: wonderful weather, vibrant atmosphere, plenty of events, but without the big holiday crowds.

The currency in Portugal is the Euro (€).

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and most shops, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and tourist areas. However, it’s always useful to have some cash on hand for local markets or some artisanal shops. ATMs at Santander and Multibanco banks have no withdrawal fees. Always choose to be billed in euros, not your home currency, to avoid extra conversion costs.

Portugal is generally affordable compared to other Western European countries. A meal at a casual restaurant costs around 20€ per person. A pastel de nata pastry is usually 1.50€.

Entrance fees for monuments in Lisbon are a bit pricy (Jerónimos Monastery (18€), Castelo de São Jorge (15€), Palace of Pena in Sintra (17€), however most of the sightseeings (beaches/viewpoints) are free.

Accommodation varies by region: in Lisbon or Porto, you can expect to pay 100-120€ per night for a hotel or Airbnb for two people, while in smaller towns or rural areas, prices can be lower. The popular areas such as Lisbon or Algarve tends to be more expensive in summer.

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Clothing: Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. In summer, pack light and breathable clothing, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In spring and autumn, bring a jacket or sweater as mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially near the coast. Winters are mild but very windy and can be rainy, so a waterproof jacket and layers are useful.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring hilly cities like Lisbon.

Adapter: Portugal uses Type C and F outlets (standard in most of Europe). If you’re coming from the UK, US, Canada, or other regions, you’ll need a plug adapter. A power bank is also handy to keep your phone charged while traveling.

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There’s a lot to bring back from Portugal!

Traditional Items: Portugal is famous for its azulejos (hand-painted tiles) and ceramics. If you are visiting Lisbon, I recommend going to Ceramicas na Linha to find unique ceramics at a reasonable price.
You’ll also find beautiful cork products (bags, wallets), filigree jewelry (especially from Porto), and for a classic souvenir, pick up a Barcelos rooster, the country’s symbol of luck.

Food & Drinks: Portugal is a paradise for food souvenirs! Bring back a box of pastéis de nata (you can find travel-friendly versions), cans of sardines or tuna in beautifully decorated tins, piri-piri hot sauce, or a bottle of Portuguese olive oil. Alcohol-wise, you can buy port wine, ginjinha (cherry liqueur), or Madeira wine. Don’t miss regional cheeses (like queijo da Serra) and traditional sweets such as Ovos Moles from Aveiro or almond pastries from Algarve.

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. In Lisbon, Porto, and most tourist areas, most people speak basic English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and major attractions.

Here are a few basic Portuguese phrases that might come in handy:

• Hello: Olá – [oh-LAH]
• Thank you: Obrigado (if you’re a man) / Obrigada (if you’re a woman) – [oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah]
• You’re welcome: De nada – [deh NAH-dah]
• I (don’t) understand: Entendo / Não entendo – [en-TEHN-doo / now en-TEHN-doo]
• Sorry: Desculpe – [deh-SKOOL-peh]
• My name is…: Chamo-me… – [SHAH-moo-meh…]
• Yes / No: Sim / Não – [seeng / now]

These phrases will help you connect with locals and show appreciation for the culture – even just a few words can go a long way!

If you’re traveling to Portugal from Europe, EU roaming usually applies, so you should have data without extra charges. If you need a local SIM, you can buy one from providers like MEO, Vodafone, or NOS. A SIM with enough data costs around 15-20€ (and from 5€ for MEO), and they’re available at airports, convenience stores, or phone shops.

For city trips in Lisbon, Porto, or Faro, you don’t need a car – public transport are efficient and serve the city very well.

However, if you plan to explore multiple regions, such as the Algarve, Douro Valley, or Alentejo, renting a car is best. I’d suggest checking out on Kayak for good deals.

There’s a lot to see in Portugal! You can spend a few days exploring cities such as Lisbon or Porto, visiting castles, or enjoying the most stunning beaches… You definitely won’t be bored!

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Portugal :

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That’s it for my Portugal travel tips !

I have also made detailed posts about the best viewpoints in Lisbon and the best Two days itinerary in Lisbon.