COUNTRY GUIDE

Portugal Travel Guide

Atlantic wind, azulejo tiles and fado.

Lisbon's seven hills, Porto's port cellars, and golden light.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

CITIES

Cities in Portugal

Hour-by-hour plans, daily budgets and practical info ready for each.

PortugalLizbonSeven hills, one river, endless golden light. PortugalPortoGranite, azulejo and port wine on the Douro.
PRACTICAL INFO

Before you go

When to go

March–May and September–October.

Visa

In the Schengen area.

Money

The currency is the Euro (EUR). Cards are common; a little cash for small places.

Transport

Lisbon-Porto fast train; city trams and metro; regional trains and buses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Portugal: frequently asked questions

When should I visit Portugal?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal: mild weather, fewer crowds, reasonable prices. Summer is hot and crowded but good for the beach. Winters are mild but rainy.
Is Portugal expensive?
It's one of Western Europe's most affordable countries; even cheaper than Spain. The mid-range daily budget is around $65-100 per person. Lisbon has become pricey in recent years but Porto is still economical.
Lisbon or Porto?
Lisbon for capital energy, palaces and a Sintra day trip; Porto for wine, intimacy and river views. The two are ~3 hours apart by fast train; a 5-7 day route covers both.
Can Sintra be done as a day trip?
Yes, but leaving early is essential — Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira get very crowded in the afternoon. It's ~40 minutes by train from Lisbon; setting off before 8am changes the experience entirely.