Portugal

Destinations

Portugal

Portugal - What to Expect

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic is a country lying along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Once continental Europe’s greatest power, Portugal shares commonalities—geographic and cultural—with the countries of both northern Europe and the Mediterranean (Britannica). It Shares its border with Spain only. Lisbon is its capital and a beautiful old city along the Tagus river.

Fast Facts

• Fast Facts
• Capital: Lisbon
• Population: 10.17 M in 2021
• Currency: Euro
• Official Language: Portuguese. However, English is spoken more likely than in Spain/France. A couple of Portuguese phrases.
Hello = Ola
Excuse me = Desculpe-me
Good morning = Bom Dia
Good night = boa noite
Thank You = obrigada
• Visa Requirements: It is included in the Schengen region and you can visit it if you have a valid Schengen visa.
• Best Time to Visit: late Spring(April-May) to early Autumn(September-October) is considered the best time to visit Portugal

Top Experiences

See Torre De Belem in Lisbon
Take a Ride on tram 28 and Tram 12
Find incredible street art and sand art
Take a day trip to Sintra
Indulge in the History of Lisbon from St George castle
Watch the sunset over the Tagus
Walk into the street of Alfama

Safety

Portugal is in the top 3 of the 2020 Global Peace Index, the ranking of the safest countries in the world. Portugal is beaten only by Iceland and New Zealand on this list of the safest countries and is ranked far higher than neighboring countries such as Spain and France.
However, petty thieves are known to some bad areas and they used to steal anything of value from Travelers. So, it is always advised to take care while going to such areas in dark and also beware of pickpockets.

Budgeting Plan

Transportation - Lisbon Pass and transport pass are the best options. You can use Tram, Public buses conveniently. Taxis are also available to ride for a short distance.

Accommodation – All types of accommodation start from budgeting to high end are available easily.

I stayed in “We Love F Tourists” which was at the southeast corner of Figueira square in the Baixa district of Lisbon. Other sites to plan and choose your accommodation might be Booking.com, Air BnB, Agoda, or Hostelworld. However, when you’re looking for a hostel, do your research, read reviews to get a feel for the place. and book somewhere that suits you

Food and local Dishes - You can taste the local foods which have a rich cuisine. We tasted the following dishes on our entire stay there.
• Pastel De Nata: These Portuguese treats are also known as custard cakes or Portuguese egg tarts
• Bacalhau or Portuguese Cod Fish – A Treasured Portuguese Food
• Sardines – Celebrated Portuguese Seafood Dishes like Grilled Sardines

Suggested daily budget – 50-60 €

For Budgeted travelers, the average cost per day might be between 50~60€. It includes the 10~15€ for a hostel dorm bed; 20~30€ for food and 20~30€ for transportation. By keeping in view your travel style you can up or lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!

Tips, DOs & DON'Ts

• Discover Portugal with city cards like the Lisbon Card or Porto Card
• Bring comfy shoes as you have to walk on cobbled stone city centers.
• Avoid July and August, it could be too hot
• Be careful of the strong sun
• Museums are free on the first Sunday of every month
• Rent a car, if you want to explore the other parts of Portugal
• Enjoy the fresh fish and seafood