Portugal Travel Tips for First Timers to Know

Whether you're planning a relaxing beach vacation or a culture-rich Portugal tour through its unforgettable towns and cities, this travel tips guide to Portugal is filled with all the info you need to make the most of your holiday. From choosing the right time to visit to packing smart and avoiding tourist traps, I've got you covered.

Pick Smart & Plan Ahead: Portugal Travel Essentials

Before we move on any further, let's quickly answer what's probably the first question to pop into your mind - what to expect when visiting Portugal?

The answer is simple: a warm, friendly culture, amazing prices (for Western European standards), and a slower pace of life.

That last one's especially important because if you're planning a Portugal tour, you'll want to make sure you take in as much as possible without adding unnecessary stress and chaos to your vacation.

So, how can you make the perfect itinerary depending on your timeline? Here are a couple of fool-proof Portugal travel tips:

• 3 - 5 days: Stick to one city, like Lisbon or Porto, with nearby day trips.
• 7 - 10 days: You can explore both Lisbon and Porto or combine a city break with some beach time in the Algarve.
• 2 weeks or more: Dive deeper - visit Alentejo for wine and rolling hills, the Azores for volcanic landscapes, or Madeira for year-round hiking.
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But how do you make the very difficult decision on where to go during your limited time in Portugal? Here's what you should know:

• For city lovers: Lisbon
• For wine and riverscapes: Porto and the Douro Valley
• For beach lovers: The Algarve
• For history buffs: Évora, Óbidos, or Coimbra
• For island vibes: Madeira or the Azores
• For slower, rural travel: Alentejo
• For nature lovers: The Peneda-Gerês National Park
• For budget travelers: Braga, Aveiro, or Setúbal
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And, speaking from personal experience here, don't underestimate travel time. Portugal may look small on the map, but winding roads and scenic stops can slow you down (albeit in the best way).

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Choose the Right Season for Your Portugal Trip

Portugal's sunny climate is one of its biggest selling points, and while summer here truly is perfect for beachgoers, it's also peak season, meaning it's the busiest and most expensive time of year.

That's why I've always preferred to time my trip during the shoulder seasons instead (April - May or September - October). You'll still get to bask under that warm Portuguese sun without the swarms of tourists and sky-high prices.

Having said that, there are still ways to make the most out of your trip no matter the time of year, so let me take you through everything you need to know depending on when you come to Portugal:

• June - August. There'll be crowds and higher prices, but this is also the best time to experience most of the local events and festivals. If you still want to avoid other tourists, though, make sure to visit popular attractions early in the morning or close to closing time, and if possible, head off the beaten path - try towns like Évora, Óbidos, or Guimarães instead of just sticking to Lisbon and Porto.
• April - May and September - October. These are arguably the best months to visit. I once visited Lisbon in late September and still enjoyed the Mediterranean climate we all know and love without all the pushy people. Restaurant reservations were easier too, and finding good-value hotels was a breeze.
• November - March. If you don't mind the occasional showers (especially if you're in Northern Portugal), this is, hands-down, the cheapest and quietest time for your trip. Beach days and most events are a no-go, though, so keep your expectations realistic.

  Bask Under the Warm Portuguese Sun

Wear Comfortable Footwear - Your Feet Will Thank You

One of my most painful travel lessons? Walking Lisbon's hills in slick-soled sandals.

If there's one thing I've learned about Portuguese cities (especially some of your favorites like Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra), it's that they're as cobbly and hilly as they are gorgeous, so packing comfortable footwear is a must for those long sightseeing sessions.

When preparing for a Portugal trip, these are all the shoes you'll need to pack:

• A pair of breathable sneakers for walks around the city.
• Flip-flops (but only for the beach).
• Some well-cushioned, grippy walking shoes for sightseeing days or when the cobbled streets get slippery.
• A pair of stylish but sturdy sandals for those fun evenings out.

Bonus packing tip - Bring layers (Portugal's weather can be a bit capricious, especially in spring or fall) and use vacuum-sealed bags for your clothes so that you can make the most out of the room in your luggage.

Wear Comfortable Footwear

Cash or Card? Here's What You Need to Know

Portugal is generally card-friendly, especially if you're visiting a bigger city or a more touristy area. In my experience, most restaurants, hotels, and shops accept Visa and Mastercard.

Having said that, I always carried some cash during my time here, anything between 20 and 150 euros (the local currency), depending on what I was doing that day.

That's because smaller towns and even mom-and-pop establishments in bigger cities may still prefer cash, so I wouldn't recommend going out with a card alone. Don't forget to carry some coins, too - they'll come in handy for public transport or tips (more on that below).

And whatever you do, avoid Euronet ATMs - their fees are astronomical. Opt for ATMs attached to Portuguese banks like Millennium BCP or Novo Banco instead.

Tipping in Portugal: Optional but Appreciated

Tipping in Portugal is relatively common but not at all expected. Here's everything you need to know about Portuguese tipping etiquette:

• Tipping is a kind gesture when you've had exceptionally good service, not a given.
• At cafés, just round up the bill to the nearest euro.
• In restaurants, you can leave a couple of euros on the table (generally speaking, 5-10% of the bill is more than enough).
• For taxi rides, rounding up or adding €1 to 2 is appreciated but not required.
• Always leave tips in cash, even if you pay by card, as otherwise it may not go directly to the staff.

  Tipping in Portugal

Dining in Portugal Like a Local

You want to know the best part of my Portugal trip? The food. From the aromatic seafood stews to pastel de nata, everything you'll eat here is bound to leave a lasting impression.

And while I've had more incredible dishes than I can count during my time in Portugal, there were a few clear standouts you might want to enjoy, too:

• Bacalhau à Brás (salt cod with egg and potato)
• Grilled sardines (especially during summer festivals)
• Francesinha (Porto's calorie-bomb sandwich)
• Caldo verde (hearty kale and sausage soup)
• Pastel de nata (custard tart, best fresh out of the oven)

Now that you know what to order, let's dive into some of my tried-and-true dining tips that'll make you feel just like a local on those warm Portuguese nights:

• Appetizers are not free: Bread, olives, and cheese may be placed on your table automatically, but they'll be added to the bill unless you decline.
• Drink at the bar: It's cheaper than sitting at a table in many places.
• Try Port wine after your meal, especially in Porto, where it's produced.
• Don't miss a Fado dinner in Lisbon or Coimbra. Fado is Portugal's traditional music, and many of the restaurants you'll come across offer set meals with live performances. Tip the performers if you can!
• Last but certainly not least, be aware of Portuguese meal times. Dinners are usually eaten later in the evening (8 - 9 PM), and lunch is a big deal, often with a three-course "prato do dia" menu at a great price.

Transportation Tips - How to Get Around Portugal Like a Pro

Getting around a foreign country can often feel overwhelming. Not to worry, though, as long as you keep in mind some of these transportation tips I've figured out throughout my time here, you'll be able to get around Portugal like a true pro!

• Train travel is not only comfortable and scenic but reasonably priced, too! Perfect for trips between Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra.
• Consider the CP Comboios de Portugal passes if you're planning on going back and forth a lot between different cities.
• Metro and trams in Lisbon and Porto are efficient and cheap; get a reloadable Viva Viagem card in Lisbon for multiple trips (you can buy that at any newspaper stand, metro station, or Carris' points of sale for €0.50 and reload it whenever needed).
• If you're planning on moving around a lot and want to avoid the headache of figuring out the local public transport, a rental is always a good idea (you can find cars for as low as €10 a day). Just be prepared for narrow roads and manual transmissions.

Bonus tip: If you rent a car, toll roads are everywhere - use the electronic toll option to make life easier.

Portugal Transportation

Markets & Crafts - Explore Local Markets & Take Home Handcrafted Treasures

In my experience, one of the best ways to get in touch with a country's culture is to go through the local markets - you get to browse all the traditional, one-of-a-kind products while also interacting with locals - it's a treat!

Some of my favorite markets for handcrafted treasures in Portugal include (but are not limited to) Lisbon's Feira da Ladra, Porto's Mercado do Bolhão, and Loulé Market in the Algarve. But how do you navigate these places for the best experience (and deals)?

• Look for azulejos (painted tiles), cork products, ceramics, and embroidery.
• Bargaining isn't common, but polite negotiation might work at flea markets.
• Check customs rules on buying wine or olive oil to bring home - if you're able, make sure to snag a bottle or two.

Stay Safe With These Basic Portugal Travel Precautions

Portugal is one of the safest countries I've ever visited, but as with any place else, taking some basic safety precautions is a must when it comes to ensuring a trouble-free trip. Here are some tips that'll keep you out of harm's way:

• Pickpockets are most common in tourist-heavy areas like the Tram 28 in Lisbon, so keep bags zipped and avoid back pockets.
• Taxis should be official (look for a green light on the roof). Ask for the meter or agree on a price ahead of time.
• Still, I once had a cab try to overcharge me from the airport, so either stand your ground or, better yet, err on the side of safety, take advantage of the private car service offered on our Odynovo tour.
• Don't leave belongings unattended on beaches.

  Rocky Coastline Along Lagos

Don't Fall For These Common Tourist Traps

The downside to visiting a country as massively popular as Portugal is that there are some tourist traps even the most diligent of travelers can fall victim to. Not to worry, though; I'll help you weed out some of the major ones.

• Most free museum days often apply only to EU citizens. Double-check the rules online or ask at the entrance.
• Fado "shows" that without dinner can be overpriced and unauthentic. I've noticed that locals go to places like Clube de Fado or Mesa de Frades (in Lisbon) instead.
• Be careful of tuk-tuk rides in Lisbon. They're fun but often overpriced. Confirm the fare beforehand.

Or, Plan Your Carefree Portugal Journey With Odynovo

Portugal is bound to surpass your already high expectations, so all this work and research will be well worth it in the end.

And while planning a holiday is essential when it comes to avoiding unwelcome surprises, make sure to leave some room for spontaneity, too. Whether it's a chat with a friendly local over coffee or stumbling upon a hidden alley filled with street art, it's often the unplanned moments that become the highlights of your trip.

Luckily for you, with these first-hand Portugal travel tips, or just contact us and leave the planning for Odynovo, you'll be well-equipped to take on an incredible adventure.