PORTUGAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 30+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Portugal + What NOT to Do!

About this video

• Video Title: PORTUGAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 30+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Portugal + What NOT to Do!
• Channel: Happy to Wander (Travel Tips & Inspo)
• Speakers: Christina
• Duration: 00:12:49

Overview

This video provides over 30 essential travel tips for first-time visitors to Portugal. Christina shares advice on planning, culture, etiquette, sightseeing, food, drink, and practicalities for arriving and navigating the country, aiming to help viewers have an enjoyable and well-informed trip.

Key takeaways

• Travel Planning & Destinations: While Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are popular, Portugal has 18 districts and two autonomous regions with many other worthwhile destinations. Renting a car offers flexibility but can be challenging due to tolls and local driving habits. High-speed train tickets should be booked in advance, and taxis/Ubers are affordable for shorter distances. Consider flying into one airport and out of another to save time. Budget airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair service Portugal, and TAP Air Portugal offers a stopover program in Lisbon or Porto.
• Best Times to Visit & Crowds: Avoid July and August due to peak season, heat, and crowds. Major school holidays like Easter are also busy. June or September might offer a good balance of weather and fewer crowds. Even in shoulder or off-seasons, Portugal can be crowded, especially with European travelers. It's recommended to book popular day trip destinations as overnight stays to avoid midday crowds.
• Culture and Etiquette: English is not as widely spoken in smaller towns as in larger cities. Learning basic Portuguese phrases like "Olá" (hello), "Bom dia" (good morning), "Boa tarde" (good afternoon), and "Boa noite" (good night) is appreciated. Remember that "Obrigado" (thank you) is said by men and "Obrigada" by women. Be aware of the pronunciation differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese and try to learn the correct pronunciation of place names. Do not assume people will understand Spanish.
• Sightseeing and Practicalities: Be prepared for many uphill walks and slippery cobblestone streets, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto. Consider city cards for potential savings on attractions and public transport if you plan to visit many sites. Free museum days may be restricted to residents.
• Food and Drink: Try "Vinho Verde," a young, crisp, and refreshing white wine. Port wine is a dessert wine, not typically consumed with meals. Fresh seafood is excellent along the coast, with "bacalhau" (codfish) being a specialty prepared in numerous ways. Sandwiches like the "Francesinha" (in Porto) and "Bifana" (pork sandwich) are popular and convenient lunch options. Don't miss the "Pastel de Nata" (custard tart), a must-try pastry.
• Dining and Costs: Portuguese people tend to dine later (8-9 PM), and meals can be longer. Smaller restaurants may have mid-day closures. Be aware that bread, butter, olives, and other snacks brought to the table usually incur an extra charge; you can politely decline them. Tipping is not as expected as in North America, but 10% or rounding up is appreciated for good service.
• Safety and Convenience: Always carry some cash, preferably in smaller denominations (10 euro bills or less), as not all smaller establishments accept cards. Be vigilant against pickpockets, especially in tourist areas like train stations and main squares. Shops and supermarkets tend to open and close later than in North America. Even in summer, bring a warm layer for cool evenings, as the coastal wind can be strong.