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15 Things to Know before Traveling to Portugal
Thanks to Rosetta Stone for sponsoring this post.
Planning a trip to Portugal? With charming towns and stunning coastlines it’s a beautiful destination. But knowing a few things ahead of time can make your trip even better.
As someone from Europe, much of Portuguese culture felt familiar to me. But after traveling through Portugal multiple times and hearing from other travelers, especially those from outside Europe, I realized how many small details can catch travelers off guard.
From meal times to tipping etiquette and avoiding the wrong shoes, this post is your practical, no-fluff guide to what you need to know before visiting Portugal. These tips will help you travel smarter, pack better, and experience more of what makes Portugal so special.
1. Learn Some Basic Portuguese Phrases
Even though English is widely spoken in Portuguese cities, especially in places like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, don’t assume it’ll be that way everywhere. Knowing a few key Portuguese phrases can go a long way.
Knowing how to say simple things like please (por favor) and thank you (obrigada if you identify as female, obrigado if male) will be appreciated, even in touristy areas.
Locals are generally kind and welcoming, and they’ll often switch to English to help you out. But making an effort to speak Portuguese shows respect and can lead to more genuine experiences.
If you want to get a feel for the rhythm of the language and learn to speak with confidence, I recommend trying Rosetta Stone. It’s an intuitive way to learn and practice Portuguese.
💬 Start learning Portuguese with Rosetta Stone now and get an exclusive discount!
2. Trains are a Great Way to Get Around
Portugal’s train network is easy to use and very affordable. Whether you’re heading to popular spots or smaller towns, trains run regularly and are a great option for getting around.
The slower urban trains are extremely affordable and ideal for day trips. The faster Alfa Pendular trains still offer great value compared to other countries. You can easily plan an entire Portugal itinerary using public transport alone.
Just be sure to read your ticket carefully, some, especially for urban trains, need to be validated before you board.
Unless you’re mainly focusing on remote countryside areas, there’s no need to rent a car.
3. Choose Hotels Instead of Apartments
With the rise of tourism in Portugal, more and more apartments are being turned into short-term rentals. While it might seem like a convenient choice, this trend is driving up housing costs and making it harder for locals to afford to live in their own cities.
Portugal hasn’t reached the same level of backlash as Spain (where issues have sparked protests against tourism) but the impact is growing. To avoid contributing to the problem, book hotels, especially in popular areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
Small hotels provide a more sustainable option and support the local economy without taking housing away from residents.
4. Pack Good and Comfy Shoes
Portugal’s charm often lies in its older, historic towns, and that means lots of cobblestone streets, steep hills, and uneven paths. Cute shoes might look great in photos, but if they’re not comfy, you’ll regret it fast.
I visited Lisbon in the fall once, and it rained for a full week. Even though I was wearing regular sneakers, I still had trouble walking, those tiled sidewalks can get sooo slippery when wet.
Don’t underestimate how much walking you’ll do here neither. You’ll thank yourself later for choosing function over fashion.
5. Don’t Try to See It All in One Trip
Portugal may look small on a map, but cramming everything into one itinerary is a mistake. It’s tempting to see cities, beaches, wine regions and mountains all in one short trip. But rushing through it all means missing the best part of Portugal: the atmosphere.
Some of my favorite travel moments in Portugal weren’t ticking off landmarks, they were long lunches, wandering aimlessly through small alleys, or sitting in a café watching life go by.
Give yourself permission to slow down. Instead of trying to cover the whole country, pick a few places and stay longer. You’ll connect more deeply with the culture and have a better experience.
6. Expect Late Dinners and a Slower Pace
Locals typically eat dinner between 7:30 and 10:30 pm. Restaurants usually don’t even open for dinner before 7 pm, especially outside tourist-heavy areas.
The overall pace of life is slower too, and that’s part of the charm. Meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. So if you’re planning your day around food, keep this timing in mind and maybe pack a snack to hold you over until dinner.
7. Table Snacks Usually Come at a Price
In many Portuguese restaurants, servers often bring snacks like bread and olives without you ordering. What seems complimentary usually ends up on the bill later.
If you don’t want the snacks, just say “Não, obrigado” (if you identify as male) or “Não, obrigada” (if female), and they’ll take them away.
Even if you don’t touch them, double-check your bill before paying. It’s an easy thing to overlook.
I usually eat at all-vegan restaurants in Portugal, and I’ve never experienced this there. Check out my guides to the best vegan restaurants in Porto and the best vegan restaurants in Lisbon for tasty, vegan spots without snacks that get charged.
8. Tipping Etiquette
Tipping in Portugal is much more relaxed than in countries like the US. It’s common to just round up the bill or leave 1–2€ for good service at a restaurant or a café. The official Portugal tourism site recommends leaving a tip of 5-10%.
That said, I’ve seen a lot of advice saying you shouldn’t leave a generous tip, but honestly, if you feel the service was exceptional and want to leave more, no one’s going to complain. It’s not expected, but it is appreciated.
9. Bring Some Cash
In bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto, you’ll usually be fine paying by card. But once you head into smaller towns or more local spots, you might still run into places that are cash-only.
It’s smart to carry some cash with you, ideally in smaller notes, since a corner café or tiny shop might not be able to break a 100€ bill.
When withdrawing money, always choose to take it out in euros and let your bank handle the conversion. That usually gives you a better rate than selecting the “convert to your currency” option at the ATM.
10. Watch out for Pickpockets in Crowded Areas
Portugal is generally a very safe country, and I’ve always felt safe there. But like in any popular tourist destination, you still need to watch your belongings, especially in busy areas.
Pickpocketing can happen in crowded spots like public transport, popular viewpoints, or busy city squares. Keep your bag zipped, avoid leaving valuables in your back pockets, and stay aware of your surroundings in packed places.
11. Look Up Local Festivals Before You Go
Portugal is full of festivals, from small local events to nationwide celebrations. Check if there are any happening during your visit. You might see street parades, live music, traditional food, and fireworks!
But there’s another side to it: during major festivals or bank holidays, certain attractions, restaurants, and shops might be closed or have reduced hours.
Planning around these dates means you won’t be caught off guard and you can actually make the most of the festivities if you’re in town for one.
12. Many Tickets Need to Be Bought in Advance
Portugal is becoming more and more popular, so the country’s most famous landmarks often sell out days or weeks ahead. If there’s something you really don’t want to miss, like the Pena Palace in Sintra, it’s best to book your tickets before you even set off on your trip.
Some attractions have timed entry or daily visitor limits, so planning ahead not only saves you from long lines but ensures you actually get in. It’s especially important during peak seasons or around holidays.
🏰 If tickets are sold out on the official websites, you can often still book guided tours with included entrance!
13. Shoulder Seasons Are the Best Time to Visit
Portugal is beautiful year-round, but the shoulder seasons, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), offer the best overall experience. The weather is still warm and sunny, but without the intense heat or summer crowds.
You’ll find it easier to book accommodation, attractions will be less busy, and prices tend to be lower compared to peak summer months. It’s also a great time for hiking, sightseeing, or simply wandering around cities without melting in the midday sun.
14. Don’t Forget Modest Clothes for Visiting Churches
Portugal is famous for its beaches and sunny weather, but it also has amazing churches and monasteries worth visiting. If you plan to go inside, remember to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
I always keep a light long-sleeve shirt in my day bag just in case. It doesn’t take up much space and has come in handy more than once when popping into a church or monastery.
And while we’re on the topic of clothing, one thing to avoid in Portugal is walking around town in your beach swimwear. It’s totally fine on the sand, but it’s considered disrespectful in cities or towns.
15. Leave Space for Souvenirs in Your Luggage
I travel as a minimalist, so I don’t usually buy souvenirs, but I totally get the appeal. If you’re someone who likes bringing a little something home, make sure to leave space in your bag.
Portugal has some genuinely great souvenirs like locally made ceramics, cork products, azulejo tiles, regional wine, or even handmade soaps.
So if you plan to shop, pack light on the way in. A bit of extra room will save you the hassle (and cost) of overweight baggage or squeezing everything into your personal item.
One More Important Portugal Travel Tip
And one of the biggest tips? Don’t limit yourself to just the most popular destinations. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are amazing, but Portugal has so much more to offer.
To discover places that most tourists miss, check out my post on hidden gems in Portugal. You might just find your new favorite spot.
💬 Don’t forget to try out Rosetta Stone to learn some Portuguese!
Thanks again to Rosetta Stone for sponsoring this post.
Read more about Portugal:
- 15 Things to Know before Traveling to Portugal
- Top 10 Landmarks in Portugal You Must Have Seen
- What NOT to Do in Portugal: 17 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
- These 19 Interesting Portugal Facts Will Blow Your Mind
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 10 Days You Won’t Forget
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
- 15 Best Souvenirs from Portugal to Remember Your Holiday
- Top 10 Things to Do in Lisbon for First Time Visitors
- 11 Incredible Day Trips From Lisbon Portugal
- Lisbon and Porto Itinerary: 7 Epic Days in Portugal
- 7 Best Day Trips from Porto by Train
- Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips
- Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal for a Perfect Holiday
- 10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
- Drinking Age in Portugal: What You Need To Know
- All Portugal Destinations
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