Essential Travel Tips for Your Visit to Portugal
Don’t try to see it all in one trip
Portugal is a small country but there’s a lot to see here! Even if you have a few weeks to spare, you won’t be able to visit everything in this diverse country. Instead, pick one or two regions and focus your trip there, allowing yourself time to see both highlights as well as local markets, vineyards and other less-visited attractions.
Book your accommodation in advance
In recent years, Portugal has grown in popularity. This means many of the best hotels are book up quickly. Once you have your itinerary figured out, reserve your accommodation. Traveling during the off-season, which is November to March, will also give you more flexibility.
Be aware of business hours
Businesses outside main towns can keep irregular hours. Many shops, cafés, restaurants, museums and tourist offices open late or close early. Bad weather can also dictate opening hours, and some may close early if there aren’t many people around.
Starters aren’t always free
Most restaurants will bring bread, butter, olives, or other appetizers as you read the menu. These items will always be added to your bill. Don’t hesitate to say ‘no thanks’ if you don’t want something.
Get to know tipping etiquette
At restaurants in Portugal, there really isn’t a rule for tipping. In a café, restaurant or for taxis, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or, for big amounts, the nearest note. If you’re in a fancier restaurant, usually people leave about 10%.
Pack smartly
Shorts are fine on the beach, but when you’re in restaurants, you’ll want to dress up a bit. Also make sure to keep things covered up when visiting the cathedrals and monasteries of Portugal. Bring a scarf to cover bare shoulders or legs.
Wander the markets
Many of the larger towns have a daily market to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables as well as meat, fish, and bread. You can also pick up local clothes, shoes, ceramics, baskets, and flowers. These are a great place to select souvenirs.
Portugal is a small country but there’s a lot to see here! Even if you have a few weeks to spare, you won’t be able to visit everything in this diverse country. Instead, pick one or two regions and focus your trip there, allowing yourself time to see both highlights as well as local markets, vineyards and other less-visited attractions.
Book your accommodation in advance
In recent years, Portugal has grown in popularity. This means many of the best hotels are book up quickly. Once you have your itinerary figured out, reserve your accommodation. Traveling during the off-season, which is November to March, will also give you more flexibility.
Be aware of business hours
Businesses outside main towns can keep irregular hours. Many shops, cafés, restaurants, museums and tourist offices open late or close early. Bad weather can also dictate opening hours, and some may close early if there aren’t many people around.
Starters aren’t always free
Most restaurants will bring bread, butter, olives, or other appetizers as you read the menu. These items will always be added to your bill. Don’t hesitate to say ‘no thanks’ if you don’t want something.
Get to know tipping etiquette
At restaurants in Portugal, there really isn’t a rule for tipping. In a café, restaurant or for taxis, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or, for big amounts, the nearest note. If you’re in a fancier restaurant, usually people leave about 10%.
Pack smartly
Shorts are fine on the beach, but when you’re in restaurants, you’ll want to dress up a bit. Also make sure to keep things covered up when visiting the cathedrals and monasteries of Portugal. Bring a scarf to cover bare shoulders or legs.
Wander the markets
Many of the larger towns have a daily market to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables as well as meat, fish, and bread. You can also pick up local clothes, shoes, ceramics, baskets, and flowers. These are a great place to select souvenirs.