Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal: The City of Light, Tiles... and a Little Funk
Lisbon is full of charm, history, and delicious food—but due to old plumbing, summer heat, and narrow streets, it can get a bit funky. Don’t worry, the views and pastéis de nata make it worth it!
Portugal
Portugal was one of those places that caught me off guard in the best way. I had seen the photos, read a few articles, maybe skimmed a travel guide here and there, but nothing really prepared me for how much I would love being there. If you’re planning a trip and you want somewhere that offers great food, stunning coastlines, colorful towns, and a relaxed vibe, then Portugal should be right at the top of your list.
The first thing I noticed was how easy it felt to just fall into the rhythm of everyday life. Whether you’re walking through Lisbon’s tiled streets or sitting on a quiet beach in the Algarve, there’s this sense that you don’t need to rush anything. A good travel guide might point you toward the major spots, but it’s the wandering that makes it special.
There are so many things to do in Portugal, and honestly, it depends on what kind of traveler you are. If you like cities, Lisbon and Porto have so much going on.
Now if you’re more into nature and coastlines, this country delivers in a big way. I hiked along cliffside paths near Lagos, with the Atlantic crashing below, and felt completely at peace. The beaches here have this wild beauty, with golden sand and those crazy rock formations that look like they were made just for photos. I don’t think any travel guide could really capture how good it feels to just sit on a beach with nowhere to be and nothing to do but soak it all in.
Then there’s the food, which is worth the trip all on its own. I tried dishes I hadn’t even heard of before, like caldo verde and pastéis de bacalhau. These aren’t tourist meals either. They’re simple, honest, and packed with flavor. Eating in Portugal feels more like being welcomed into someone’s home than dining out.
When you start looking for things to do in Portugal, you’ll find the list just keeps growing. Whether it’s exploring castles in Sintra, sipping port in a riverside cellar, or riding a tram through a neighborhood where clotheslines stretch from window to window, each moment brings something different. You can fill your days or leave space to see where the road takes you. That’s part of the magic.
If you ask me, you don’t need a strict plan to enjoy Portugal. Just a good pair of shoes, a bit of curiosity, and maybe a travel guide to give you a few ideas to start. The rest comes naturally. Whatever pace you prefer, whatever kind of adventure you want, you’ll find your version of Portugal. And once you do, I think it’ll stay with you, the same way it stayed with me.
“Portugal is a paradise for food lovers.”
— Anthony Bourdain
Portugal Travel Guide
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If you're from the US, Canada, UK, or most of Europe, you don’t need a visa to visit Portugal for short stays. When I visited, I just showed my passport at the airport and was good to go. If you’re from somewhere else, it’s worth checking the official site for updated info. If a visa is required, you can usually apply online or at a consulate near you.
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You can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days in any 180-day period if you're visiting as a tourist. That’s part of the Schengen rules. I stayed just under that limit on one of my trips, and it gave me plenty of time to explore without any visa stress. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months past your departure.
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Portugal uses the euro. It’s convenient if you’ve already been to other European countries, since there’s no need to exchange again. I like having a little bit of cash, but most places take cards.
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I usually wait until I arrive and use ATMs. The exchange rate is often better than what I’d get at home. Just let your bank know you’re traveling so they don’t freeze your card. I found ATMs in Lisbon, Porto, and even smaller towns, so you won’t have trouble finding one.
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You don’t need any special vaccines for Portugal. I was fine with just my routine shots. If you haven’t traveled in a while, it’s not a bad idea to double-check with your doctor before you go, especially if you’re planning to be in rural areas.
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Yes, it is. I drank tap water throughout Portugal with no problems at all. It’s clean, safe, and saves you from constantly buying bottled water. Most restaurants will give you tap water if you ask.
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Yes, it is. I drank tap water throughout Portugal with no problems at all. It’s clean, safe, and saves you from constantly buying bottled water. Most restaurants will give you tap water if you ask.
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I found Portugal to be one of the safest countries I’ve visited. Whether I was walking through city streets or coastal towns, I felt really comfortable. Like anywhere, just keep an eye on your stuff in busy tourist spots, but crime is generally low.
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Portugal has a mild climate. In winter, it’s cooler with temps in the 50s and 60s, and in summer it can get up to the 80s or 90s depending on where you are. I visited in May and loved the warm but not-too-hot weather. If you’re heading to the Algarve, it stays warmer year-round.
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Trains and buses are great for getting between cities, and they’re affordable too. I took a train from Lisbon to Porto and it was super easy. In the cities, metros and trams make getting around smooth. If you want to explore the countryside or smaller beach towns, renting a car gives you a lot more freedom.
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Tipping isn’t a huge thing in Portugal, but it’s appreciated. I usually left a euro or two at cafes or rounded up the bill. In restaurants, ten percent is plenty. People don’t expect it, but they’re grateful if you do.
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Portuguese food is delicious and full of flavor. You’ll see lots of seafood, grilled meats, and stews. I love trying local dishes like bacalhau and caldo verde. Vegetarian and vegan options are getting more common, especially in Lisbon and Porto. I found a few great spots with plant-based menus, so you won’t go hungry. Just let your server know and they’re usually happy to help.
