Food and drink highlights of Portugal
- Tipping - There is no rule on how much your tip should be and also you are not obliged to do it. Always tip with cash. While some card machines enable you to leave a gratuity, that doesn’t mean that the waiter will be the one to get it.
- Eating hours -
- Shopping hours - Traditional shops are mostly open from Monday to Friday between 9 am or 10 am and close around 7 pm. Supermarkets in Portugal are usually open seven days a week from 9 am - 8 pm (shorter on weekends).
- Discount shops -
- Cuisine type - Portuguese cuisine is rich in seafood but tasty with unique flavors.
- Savoir Vivre - While eating at someone’s home, guests often wait for the host to say: 'Bom apetite!' ('enjoy your meal!'). After finished meal, put the knife and fork parallel to each other across the plate.
- Main ingredients - The most important ingredient in Portuguese cuisine is dry, salted cod or grilled sardines. Tto salads most often are uses; tomatoes, olive oil, and onion.
- Most popular alcohol - Portugal's national drink is wine Port, which is also its most famous export.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Foods to try in Portugal
- Bacalhau com natasIt is a salted and dried cod, which is prepared in many different ways, including with cream. The typical side dishes are fried diced potatoes and onions. Despite the fact that Portuguese are not common for using cream in their cuisine, this dish is very popular.
- CaldeiradaA stew or a fish soup, which gained recognition in Portugal. It consists of a variety of fishes. Some people add chorizo to this dish, which is a pork sausage with a distinctive smell.
- Sardinhas assadasA traditional Portuguese dish - grilled sardines. Especially popular at summer festivals. Coarse salt is a core product added to sardines. Prepared and ready sardines are often served on bread to absorb the fat from the fish. Baked potatoes or peppers are often offered as side dishes.
- FrancesinhaA Portuguese sandwich from Porto. It includes ingredients such as toasted bread, sausage, steak, bacon, ham, cheese, fried egg, tomato and, beer sauce. It is a very caloric dish and popular fast food. Some Portuguese eat it with french fries.
- Arroz de patoIt is a baked duck with rice. The duck is first boiled and then baked with rice. The top is decorated with slices of chorizo.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Unusual facts about food in Portugal
- Hosts usually point to the guests their seats at the dining table.
- Snack and coffee breaks during the afternoon are quite popular.
- Booking restaurants over the phone can be difficult if you do not speak Portuguese, but a number of restaurants accept bookings over Facebook.
- Large supermarkets like Pingo Doce or Continente in their offers have products like canteen-style meals that cost only around €3.
- In tourist destinations, in restaurants, you can find a 'turistico menu' or 'prato do dia' (multi-course meal usually with wine) for an average of 10 euros (price varies by region).
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Place to stay in Portugal
- Best booking sites -
- Seasonality - Prices are definitely lower during the spring and autumn than in the summer high season.
- Cost-effective - The cheapest options will be youth hostels, but in case of visiting them, you need to have a valid membership card. Couchsurfing is also a cheap solution.
- Air conditioning -
- Payments - Prices are given in Euro, which is the official currency in Portugal.
- Unusual accommodation - On pousadas.pt/en, you will find hotels that have been converted from historical buildings such as old monasteries or castles and are available all over Portugal. Another interesting object is Casa do Abrigo Ilha da Berlenga, which is located in an old fort on the island's nature reserve.
- Camp - There are hundreds of campsites with a variety of options. It's worth pointing out that they are getting very crowded with Portuguese families in summer, though there are also plenty of smaller rural sites which offer a calm and quiet experience.On website: roteiro-campista.pt/ you find details of over 200 campsites.
- Important - Camping outside campsites is legal. However, there are some restrictions – for instance, you can’t camp on tourist beaches or in natural parks. It is better to ask locally first due to the high rate of fire risk, which is a common threat in Portugal.
- Warning - Portugal is a perfect choice for taking campervans and motorhomes. Though, it is significant not to stop in unauthorized locations to prevent environmental damage. In other words, you might be questioned by the police.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Accommodation in Portugal
- Book your accommodation and car rental in advance, because during the holiday season Portugal is a very popular destination among tourists.
- Among the top places to stay in Portugal are apartments, campsites, villas, hotels or country and manor houses.
- A more and more popular alternative is to stay in a privately owned county or manor house.
- There is also a growing network of independent and boutique hostels. Prices are similar to youth hostels, and most of them offer double/twin rooms as well as dorms.
- There are some cosy places of four- or five-star quality, usually in a converted historic building or manor property in a rural location, are known as estalagems, or inns.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Getting around Portugal
- Most popular - The most popular means of transport is car. It will also work well if you are thinking of traveling around Portugal.
- Cost-effective - The cheapest way to travel in Portugal is by bus.
- Time-efficient - Alfa Pendular deluxe trains are the fastest way to get around Portugal with speeds of up to 220km per hour. It connects all of the main cities in Portugal.
- Traffic safety - Portuguese roads are of good quality and it is a good choice for traveling between cities.
- Important - The best and cheap way to get to the islands, such as the Azores or Madeira, are budget airlines.
Car
- Speed limits: urban area: 50 km/h, outside built-up areas: 90 km/h. Motorways: 120 km/h (minimum 50 km/h).
- It is allowed to drive if there is 0.5 per mille alcohol in the blood unless you have had a driving license for less than 3 years then only 0.19 per mille is allowed.
- In Portugal you drive on the right side of the road.
- In order to rent a car, you must be a minimum of 23 years old.
Taxi
- For taxis the most common payment method is cash.
- In Portugal, taxi fares are calculated on the basis of minimum charges plus the charges for each subsequent km of travel.
- Uber is available in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve. Other taxi apps like Kapten are worth trying out, but might only be available in Lisbon.
Hitchhiking
- Traveling in Portugal by hitchhiking is possible and safe, but it requires a lot of patience.
- Hitchhiking is not popular in Portugal.
- In the case of hitchhiking the waiting time might take a while, it depends on the region.
Bus
- The bus transport system is well developed and prices are affordable.
- The main carriers in the country are Rede Expressos, Rodotejo and Algarve-line Eva.
- Tickets can be purchased on bus stations or on the Rede website: rede-expressos.pt/en.
- If you are moving between smaller towns, it is better to choose a bus - it will be cheaper and faster. Also, the frequency of connections is greater than in the case of trains.
Train
- In Portugal, there are four types of trains. Alpha-Pendular are the fastest trains in Portugal. These are usually the newest, most comfortable, and most expensive.
- Intercidades - this train is slightly slower than the Alpha-Pendular trains due to having more stops.
- Regional (R) and Interregional (IR) - these trains cover much shorter distances.. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance or online.
- Urban (U) - these trains are common in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance or online.
Plane
- Portugal is a well-communicated country with the whole of Europe. There are possible different connections and international destinations.
Bicycle
- There are many cycle paths in Portugal - along the coast, in natural parks and forests, and in towns.
- If you don’t have a bike with you, you can hire one for short trips or for a longer period of time.
- In many cities, bicycles are available for free.
Metro
- Metro is located in Lisbon and Porto.
- The metro runs between 6:30 am and 1 am in Lisbona and 1:30 am in Porto.
- In Porto, the best way to travel from the airport to the city center is via the purple metro line (E).
Motorcycle
- There are possible tours for eager people, who would like to try this kind of exploring the Portugal.
Boat
- The best way to avail yourself of a boat is by renting it for a longer period of time and you can book an organized trip with a guide.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
How to travel in Portugal
- Use a GPS while driving through the countryside. In Portugal, you will find very beautiful countrysides worth taking the time to explore.
- Road signs are good, but the majority of them won’t be noticeable at night unless you shine some light on them.
- Portuguese drivers are known for being impatient and not unduly fond of using turn signals.
- Lisbon has the highest bus fare of €2 for 10 km in Portugal.
- There are several motorways in Portugal. Thanks to them you will get faster from North to South and East to West.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Best time to visit Portugal
When to go
- The best time to visit Portugal is during summer from June to September, but spring is also a good choice because then the weather is quite pleasant with plenty of sunshine.
Temperature
- The hottest month in Portugal is August, with the average temperature in the south of the country around 28 °C. The coldest months are January and December - around 15-16 °C. In the north, average temperatures are lower by approximately 3-4 °C, respectively.
Rainfall
- Portugal has a Mediterranean climate. In the northern regions, mountainous terrain is predominant, with high humidity and an average annual rainfall of about 2,000 mm. Towards the south, the moisture gradually decreases, and the average annual rainfall does not exceed 500 mm.
Fall
- The beginning of autumn in Portugal means the start of the velvet season. Mild warm weather, cool water, and overwhelming sunny days usually begin in September. Due to the presence of the ocean, even the highest temperatures in the fall are felt in a moderate way. Closer to October, the precipitation intensity of rains increases the same as the frequency of fogs and evening chill.
Spring
- Spring in Portugal begins early. Rains happen less frequently. April is still quite rainy but the weather becomes much warmer.
Summer
- Summers are warm with little rain, and heat occurs when masses of hot air flow from over West Africa.
Winter
- Winter in Portugal is mild and the coastal areas are the warmest. The northern part of the country has cooler weather with an average temperature of about 5°C to 9°C. By night time temperature falls to 0°C or -4°C but frosts are unusual.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Portugal weather Insights
- Portugal is a small country, yet it is diverse in terms of climate.
- Spring is the time for numerous events such as festivals.
- In Portugal, you can enjoy the most sunny days in Europe.
- The greatest amount of precipitation is observed on the slopes of Serra da Estrela, which peak is covered with snow from November to May.
- Mountain areas have cooler weather in winter with snow that remains for several months.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Savoir-Vivre in Portugal
- Greetings - In Portugal the most popular greeting is a handshake, It might be lighter or firm - it depends on the person. Among closer family and friends, women and men usually give other women ''beijinhos'' (‘'little kisses'') on each cheek, starting with one’s right side.
- Punctuality -
- Dress code - Consider the way you present yourself and what you are wearing. Portuguese have an inclination to dress modestly with a sense of quality and elegance. It is significant to dress in a respectful manner, especially when entering formal spaces such as a church. Casual attire (e.g. barefoot, beachwear) is inappropriate and not recommended in public because it can make one seem unsophisticated.
- Temple entrance - Remove any hat or headpiece while entering a church.
- Home invitation - During the visit of family or friends, most guests will wait outside the door until invited inside the home. Likewise, guests usually do not decide to let themselves out when leaving, but rather wait for the host to open the door and say goodbye to them. GRemember about a small gift to their hosts such as flowers or chocolates.
- Etiquette - Hosts will often offer munchies to their guests such as tea or coffee and a light snack. By refusal, you may have been perceived as impolite and a rejection of the host’s hospitality.
- Drones - We recommend using this map to easily check the applicable restrictions. If you are looking for more specific information take a look here.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Things not to do in Portugal
- Keep an eye on personal items. Do not put them on the floor in a cafe. Remember that pickpockets are everywhere.
- Do not compare Portugal with Spain.
- Remember to buy travel insurance before your trip.
- Don't start talking to Portuguese about wars in African colonies.
- Better not to talk about relations between the Portuguese and Brazilians. Some regret the destruction of the language, and others the failure to respect their rules.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Interesting facts about Portugal
- According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal is in a high third place in terms of the level of security in the world.
- In Portugal, almost 70% of energy comes from renewable sources (water, wind, and sun) and is a world leader.
- In Portugal, the oldest bookstore in the world is still functioning.
- Portugal is mostly known for its distinctive Late-Gothic Manueline architecture.
- Fado is Portugal’s national music. It is characterized by its melancholic character.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Portugal packing list 💡
- Airy clothes - In Portugal, it is generally warm, but during the winter it might be cold, and rainy, and the temperatures are lower, so a windbreaker might be useful.
- Comfortable shoes - Portugal is rich in sandy beaches, but also full of hilly terrains that is why it is better to take a pair of comfortable shoes.
- Sunglasses - It is vital to protect the eyes from the sun especially while spending time on the beach.
- Sunscreen - In Portugal the temperatures might be high, so during the day do not forget to use sunscreen.
- Hat/ cap - A hat or a cap is needed especially during sunny days in order to protect yourself from excessive sunlight.
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Get a personalized packing list before travel to Portugal 🧳
Health information
Health risks and required vaccinations
Packing lists
Personalized item list to pack matching your destination
Weather insights
Packing list adjusted to local weather
To-do lists
Everything you need to do before leaving home
Weight limits
Never pay excess baggage fees again
Local prices
Average cost of food, tickets and accommodation
Things to do in Portugal ⭐
- Most popular sports: 🏄 Surfing, 🥾 Hiking, 🤿 Diving, ️ 🏌️ Golf
- Most popular activities: 🚴♀️ Cycling (all year), 🐎 Horse Riding (all year)
- Most popular places: 🛶 Benagil Caves, 🌊 Salto do Prego
Top attraction in Portugal 📸
Tourist information about Portugal
Country | Portugal |
Capital | Lisbon |
Currency | European euro |
Language | Portuguese |
Timezone | UTC+1 |
English speaking | Widely spoken (advanced) |
LGBT tolerance | Very high |
Gender ratio (overall) | 53% | 47% |
Population | 11 mln |
Visitors per year | 17.17 mln |
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Useful information about Portugal
Card payments | |
ATM Availability | Major cities |
Suggested ATM takeout | 200 EUR |
Drinking in public | |
Tap water | |
Internet speed (avg.) | 32 Mbps |
Socket type | C / F |
Best taxi app | |
Public toilets | Unpopular & Free |
Top mobile providers | MEO, Vodafone, NOS |
Best internal air carrier | TAP Air Portugal |
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Cost of living in Portugal
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
7.5 EUR
7.95 USD
6.27 GBP
32.5 PLN
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant |
30 EUR
31.8 USD
25.06 GBP
130.02 PLN
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) |
2 EUR
2.12 USD
1.67 GBP
8.67 PLN
|
Gasoline (1 liter) |
1.54 EUR
1.63 USD
1.29 GBP
6.67 PLN
|
One-way ticket (public transport) |
1.6 EUR
1.7 USD
1.34 GBP
6.93 PLN
|
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Quality of life in Portugal
Quality of life | Very high |
Safety Index | High |
Healthcare likability | High |
Climate likability | Very high |
Costs of living | Low |
Level of pollution | Low |
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!
Important numbers
Local alarm number | 112 |
Did you find this information valuable?
Thank you for co-creating with us! 😊 Remember to give us feedback by pressing the thumbs up or down under every section.
The quality of content is essential for us. Please let us know what influenced your opinion.
Thank you!