Portugal travel guide

Overview

Portugal has become one of Western Europe's most popular destinations without losing much of what made it appealing in the first place — Lisbon's hills and tiled buildings, Porto's riverside old town and port wine cellars, and the Algarve's beaches and cliffs in the south. The country is compact enough that a two-week trip can realistically cover several of these regions.

Spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant weather for exploring Lisbon and Porto. Summer is hot and busy, particularly in the Algarve, which draws large numbers of visitors from June through August.

Getting around

• Lisbon and Porto both have their own international airports; the Algarve is served by Faro Airport
• Trains connect Lisbon and Porto quickly and comfortably along the coast
• Lisbon's trams and funiculars are a practical (and scenic) way to handle the city's steep hills
• Renting a car is worthwhile for exploring the Algarve coastline or the Douro Valley at your own pace

Mobile data and connectivity

Compare live BrisqNet eSIM plans for Portugal before your trip, and install before you fly. If your route also covers Spain, compare a regional plan against buying separate country plans.

• Coverage is strong across Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve; some rural inland areas can have weaker signal
• Navigation apps are genuinely useful in Lisbon's older, hillier neighbourhoods
• Keep your data line on for train timetables and restaurant bookings as you move between regions

Practical tips

• The currency is the euro; contactless payment is widely accepted, even at smaller cafés
• Meals tend to run later than in some other parts of Europe, though earlier than Spain
• Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up is common
• Cobblestone streets are charming but hard on wheeled luggage — pack accordingly

FAQs