Portugal Travel Guide
From the historic streets of Lisbon’s Alfama and the vibrant capital to the colourful riverside of Porto, the dramatic golden cliffs and beaches of the Algarve, the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra, and the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley — discover a country of rich history, warm hospitality, exceptional wine and cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty.
18 Districts + 2 Regions
€35–55 Budget
Daily mid-range budget
Mar–May
Best travel seasons
Historic Cities, Algarve Coast & Douro Valley
Pastel de nata, seafood, port wine & warm hospitality
Top Highlights in Portugal
Travel Budget Guide
Realistic costs for your trip to Portugal
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm: €18 – 35 / night
3★ Hotel: €55 – 90 / night
4★ Hotel / Apartment: €90 – 160 / night
Food & Drinks
Pastel de Nata / Snack: €1.5 – 3.5
Traditional Dinner: €12 – 25
Glass of Wine / Beer: €2.5 – 5
Coffee: €1.5 – 3
Transportation
City Bus/Metro Day Pass: €4 – 7
Intercity Bus/Train: €10 – 35
Taxi / Uber in city: €6 – 14
Car Rental (per day): €35 – 65
Attractions & Activities
Pena Palace (Sintra): €10 – 20
Belém Tower / Jerónimos: €8 – 12
Douro Valley Boat Tour: €15 – 30
Algarve Boat Trip: €20 – 45
Best Portugal Itineraries
Transport
How to Get to & Around Portugal
Best ways to arrive and travel within the country
International Arrival
Lisbon (LIS) – main international hub
Porto (OPO), Faro (FAO), Funchal (FNC)
Direct flights from most European cities
Buses available from Spain
Trains (CP)
Lisbon → Porto: €25–45 (2.5–3 hrs)
Lisbon → Faro: €20–40 (3 hrs)
Lisbon → Coimbra: €15–25 (1.5 hrs)
Comfortable and scenic routes
Buses (Rede Expressos)
Affordable and reliable long-distance option
Lisbon → Porto: €15–25
Lisbon → Faro: €18–30
Very frequent departures
Car Rental
€35 – €70 per day
Highly recommended for Algarve,
Douro Valley & rural areas
Things to Do in Portugal: Top Attractions & Travel Guide
Food & Drink
Fresh seafood, iconic pastries, and world-class wines
Must-Try Dishes
• Pastel de Nata – Iconic custard tart
• Bacalhau – Salted cod (many traditional preparations)
• Francesinha – Porto’s famous meat sandwich
• Cozido à Portuguesa – Hearty meat & vegetable stew
• Caldo Verde – Traditional kale and potato soup
Drinks to Try
• Port Wine – Ruby, Tawny & Vintage
• Vinho Verde – Light, crisp, slightly sparkling
• Ginjinha – Cherry liqueur (Lisbon specialty)
• Super Bock or Sagres beer
• Bica (strong espresso coffee)
Where to Eat
• Pastelarias – For pastries and coffee
• Tasca – Traditional family-run taverns
• Seafood restaurants (especially in Algarve & Lisbon)
• Time Out Market or local food halls
Budget Tip: Pastel de Nata + coffee costs €2–4
Food Experiences
• Pastel de Nata baking workshop
• Port wine tasting in Porto or Douro Valley
• Seafood & wine pairing in the Algarve
• Traditional Portuguese cooking classes
• Food tours in Lisbon’s Alfama or Bairro Alto
Essential Portugal Travel Tips
Essential Travel Information for Portugal
Everything you need to know before your trip
Need To Know
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Visa: Schengen Area – Visa-free for 90 days for most nationalities
Tap Water: Safe to drink across the country
Daily Budget: €35–55 (budget) / €70–110 (comfortable)
Practical Tips
• Use Bolt or Uber for taxis in cities
• Download the CP app for trains and Moovit for public transport
• Greet with “Olá” (hello) and “Obrigado/a” (thank you)
• Pharmacies marked with a green cross
• Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants, round up for taxis
When To Go
Best Time: March–May & September–October
Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm & sunny, perfect for beaches
Spring & Autumn: Mild weather, fewer crowds, lower prices
Top Events:
• Lisbon Carnival (Feb/Mar)
• Porto Wine Festival (June)
• Festa de São João (Porto, June)
Getting There & Around
• Fly into Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO) or Faro (FAO)
• CP trains for comfortable intercity travel
• Rede Expressos & FlixBus for budget long-distance
• Car rental ideal for Algarve, Douro Valley & Sintra
