Get Inspired
Itineraries
Travel Guides
About Me
Portugal
If you’re dreaming of a trip to Portugal, you’re in for a treat. I’ve spent a ton of time wandering this sunny country, soaking up its colorful streets, savoring fresh seafood, and getting lost in its rich history. Portugal’s got it all—vibrant cities, charming coastal towns, stunning islands, and a culture that’s as welcoming as its Atlantic breeze. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or just chasing that perfect pastel de nata, Portugal’s cities deliver. Let me take you through my top picks for the best cities to visit, complete with practical tips and a sprinkle of my own adventures to help you plan smart and travel better.
Portugal is a country that hits all the senses. From the hilly chaos of Lisbon’s trams to the soulful sounds of fado in Porto, every spot has its own vibe. I’ve narrowed it down to five must-visit areas that’ll give you a taste of Portugal’s diversity: Lisbon (including Sintra), Porto, Algarve, Madeira, and Azores. Each one’s got its own flavor, and I’ll link you to detailed guides so you can dig deeper into what makes them special. Plus, I’ve got you covered with practical stuff like costs, money-saving hacks, and what to expect when you’re wandering Portugal’s streets.
Top Cities to Visit in Portugal
- Lisbon (Including Sintra): A buzzing capital blending historic neighborhoods like Alfama with fairy-tale palaces in nearby Sintra and golden beaches.
- Porto: Portugal’s northern gem, famous for its riverside port wine cellars, colorful tiled buildings, and the stunning Douro Valley nearby.
- Algarve (Lagos, Faro, Albufeira, Tavira): A sunny southern region with dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming towns perfect for beach hopping.
- Madeira (Funchal, Machico, Câmara de Lobos, etc): A lush island paradise offering volcanic landscapes, levada hikes, and fresh seafood in coastal villages.
- Azores (Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo, Horta, etc): A remote archipelago with volcanic craters, hot springs, and whale-watching adventures in unspoiled nature.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN PORTUGAL
Pena Palace, Sintra
Douro Valley Wine Tour, Porto
Ribeira District, Porto
Benagil Caves, Algarve
Oceanário de Lisboa, Lisbon
Levada Walks, Madeira
Sete Cidades Lakes, Azores
Furnas Geothermal Area, Azores
Alfama District, Lisbon
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELLING
Accommodation – Mid-range hotels in major spots like Lisbon or Porto, with comfort and perks like private bathrooms and central locations, run about $80–120 USD per night for a double room. Hostels are cheaper, around $20–40 USD for a dorm bed, while budget Airbnb options start at $50–80 USD. For a luxurious stay, boutique hotels or upscale spots can hit $150–250 USD, especially in peak season (June–August). Booking early or visiting in spring (April–May) or fall (September–October) can save you a chunk.
Food – Portugal’s food scene is a steal if you know where to look. A “prato do dia” (daily lunch special) gets you a full meal with wine for $10–15 USD in most cities. Seafood plates or tapas-style petiscos are perfect for sharing—expect $3–8 USD per dish. In Porto, I grabbed a killer francesinha sandwich for $12 USD. Coffee and a pastel de nata for breakfast? About $3–5 USD. Fine dining, like in Madeira’s cliffside spots, can run $50–150 USD per person, but you don’t need to splurge to eat well.
Transportation – Portugal’s trains are efficient—high-speed rides between Lisbon and Porto cost $30–70 USD, depending on how early you book. Buses are cheaper, around $10–20 USD for similar routes. In cities, metro or bus tickets are $1.50–3 USD per ride, or grab a day pass for about $7–10 USD. Taxis or Uber in cities run $10–20 USD for short trips. Renting a car? Expect $25–50 USD per day, plus gas (about $6/gallon).
Activities – Many attractions are budget-friendly. Entry to Lisbon’s Pena Palace is about $15 USD, while Porto’s port wine tastings are around $10–20 USD (book online to skip lines). Museums like the Oceanário de Lisboa cost $15 USD, but some offer free hours (check schedules!). Guided hikes in Madeira or whale-watching in the Azores range from $20–50 USD.
Suggested daily budget – 75–95 USD per person. This assumes you’re staying in a mid-range hotel, eating a mix of petiscos and self-cooked meals, using public transport, and hitting a few paid attractions. Want to splurge on a boutique hotel or fancy dinner? Bump it up to 110–170 USD. Traveling on a shoestring? You can get by on 40–50 USD by cooking, staying in hostels, and sticking to free sights.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
1
Grab the Prato do Dia
This lunchtime deal is a lifesaver. For $10–15 USD, you get a starter, main, dessert, and often wine. I had an amazing one in Lisbon with grilled sardines and arroz doce—felt like a king for pennies.
2
Use Public Transport or Walk
Cities like Lisbon and Porto have solid metro systems, and day passes save you cash. Most old towns (like Porto’s Ribeira) are walkable, so you can skip taxis. I walked the Algarve’s coastal trails for free and loved it.
3
Get City Passes
Look into passes like the Lisboa Card or Porto Card ($30–60 USD). They cover public transport, major sights (like Sintra’s palaces), and discounts on tours. I used one in Lisbon and saved about $20 USD on museums alone.
4
Hit Free Museum Hours
Many museums, like Lisbon’s National Tile Museum or Porto’s Serralves, offer free entry on weekday evenings or Sundays. Check schedules online to plan around these. I caught a fado performance for free this way—total win.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PORTUGAL?
Portugal’s got this magnetic energy that pulls you in. It’s a place where history and modernity crash together in the best way—think ancient Roman ruins in Évora next to trendy street art in Lisbon, or Madeira’s volcanic peaks surrounded by old levada trails. The people are warm, the streets are alive, and there’s always a reason to celebrate, whether it’s a local festival or just a sunny afternoon.
Expect a mix of laid-back vibes and non-stop energy. In Lisbon, you’ll weave through crowded trams one minute and find a quiet miradouro viewpoint the next. Porto’s got a riverside pulse but feels cozy in its port wine cellars. The Algarve wraps you in its beachy, cliff-dotted charm with orange-scented groves, while Madeira and the Azores feel like remote paradises with hot springs and whale spotting.
Sorry, no posts matched your criteria.
The weather’s a big draw—summers are hot (think 80–95°F in July), but spring and fall are perfect (60–75°F). Winters are mild in the south (50–60°F in the Algarve), though northern spots like Porto can get rainy. Locals are friendly but don’t always speak English, so learning basic Portuguese phrases (“olá,” “obrigado,” “uma cerveja, por favor”) goes a long way. I fumbled through ordering petiscos in Tavira with my broken Portuguese, and the bartender ended up sharing a few words over a cold Sagres beer—those moments make Portugal special.
Safety-wise, Portugal’s generally safe, even for solo travelers. I’ve wandered cities alone at night without issue, but watch for pickpockets in crowded spots like Lisbon’s Alfama or Porto’s bridges. Use a money belt and keep your phone secure. Public transport is reliable, and trains make hopping between cities a breeze. If you’re driving, roads are good, but parking in old towns can be a nightmare—stick to public transport where you can.
Portugal’s culture is its heartbeat. You’ll feel it in the late-night dinners (restaurants often open at 8 PM), the siesta vibe in smaller towns, and the passion for life that spills into every praça. Whether you’re sipping vinho verde, marveling at azulejo tiles, or getting swept up in a festival, Portugal makes you feel alive. So, grab our interactive maps for Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira, and Azores, and start planning your adventure. Explore cities, plan smart, travel better!
0
September 21, 2018
