Portugal

  Portugal travel tips

Planning a trip to Portugal? Here are some important things to know about this country so you can enjoy its delicious pastries and wonderful landmarks without any unexpected surprises. Let’s dive in!     

                 Important things to know before visiting portugal

Get reservations for dinner because you will not eat otherwise, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Since they are bigger cities, the “good” restaurants are usually booked during 8–10 PM, when people typically eat dinner. Locals eat lunch between 1:00 and 3:00 PM, so many restaurants don’t open until then, if they are primarily known for serving lunch. 

Another important thing to know is that if people are begging you to eat at their restaurant, it probably isn’t ideal. I once made the mistake of accepting an invitation from a woman outside a restaurant, and instead of letting me choose, they just served me a dish I didn’t recognize. So, be cautious of that scam.

Tipping isn’t very common in Portugal, but rounding up the cost and leaving small change is always a good idea in nicer places. It is good to know a few words in Portuguese to be polite, like “obrigada” (thank you, if you’re a woman) and “obrigado”(thank you, if you’re a man). Knowing basic words like yes, no, and please is also important.

Wear sports shoes! Portugal is definitely a walking trip with cobblestone paths and hills. I highly recommend packing a good pair of walking shoes and hiking shoes.

The food isn’t great, but it’s cheap and has amazing pastries, such as egg tarts and chocolate salami. If you’re vegan, don’t go on a food tour—almost every item includes beef, pork, or chicken. As a Muslim, I paid for the tour but couldn’t eat the food.

To go from city to city, trains are the best public transportation in Portugal. When you need a ride, cabs are really expensive, and it is usually much cheaper to use an Uber.

Don’t forget, Spain and Portugal aren’t the same! Portuguese people speak Portuguese, not Spanish. While locals are generally friendly and won’t get upset if you make a mistake, some may find it offensive if you assume they speak Spanish.

Another thing: I’d avoid driving because the roads are steep and compact. Public transportation is a far better option.

How to stay safe and prepared while traveling in portugal

Did your phone die? I suggest using a portable power bank! You need your phone for directions, to know where you’re going, or to book dinner and entertainment on the plane. Power banks are really helpful, especially on long flights. Nobody wants their phone to die, so this is a lifesaver!

Although Portugal is a safe country, pickpocketing is common. You should be fine as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and remain extra cautious in large tourist areas. I didn’t have any problems with pickpockets, and the locals were kind to us, but Portugal is known for petty theft.

I traveled to Portugal in winter, so this wasn’t a problem for me, but Portugal’s ocean has strong currents. It’s much more of a surfing experience than a swimming one, even for pro swimmers. If you do go for a swim, be aware of the warning flags: red means danger, yellow means you can walk in the water but not swim, and green means it is safe to swim.

Portugal is a great place to visit with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and welcoming locals. As long as you plan ahead, and take on the culture, you're set to have an amazing vacation. Whether you are walking on the beautiful cobblestone roads, admiring the amazing tile work, or learning the powerful history, Portugal has something for everyone. Safe travels!