Portugal is a stunning gem on the Iberian Peninsula that offers great food and wine, world class architecture, incredible land- and seascapes, and deep cultural roots. To make the most of your visit, keep in mind our useful Portugal travel tips. Whether traveling independently or on our exclusive Portugal Discovery small group tour (September 2025), our Portugal travel tips are simply part of the value we add to your explorations. 1. Bring comfortable, non-slip walking shoesPortugal’s cities are famously walkable--and hilly. Those lovely cobblestone streets are incredibly charming, but they are ancient, and often slippery. Non-slip footwear is essential. Of course, for Soirée guests that have some mobility concerns, we can assist you with sightseeing options that include a car, tuk-tuk, or local transportation to meet your needs 2. Be sure to carry Euros cashPortugal is not quite as credit card friendly as other European countries might be, and so carrying a few Euros is not a bad idea, especially when enjoying cafes and small restaurants. But please don’t travel with hundreds of Euros or more in your pockets or carry US Dollars. US Dollars are not accepted or easily exchanged, and it simply isn’t advisable to carry a lot of cash anywhere you travel. Instead, pull Euros from local ATMs as you go. To save money when using an ATM or a credit card, accept the Euro transaction (not the US Dollar conversion), so that your bank provides the best conversion rate on their end without extra markups. Read more of our money advice here 3. Tip in cash by rounding upTipping is optional in Portugal, but always appreciated. We recommend rounding up small tabs in appreciation for the service. For instance, if the bill comes to 11.15 EUR, pay 12 EUR. Be sure to tip in cash, because tips for most services cannot be added to a credit card charge. When dining in upscale restaurants, 10% is a normal tip. Check first to see whether the final bill automatically includes a taxa de serviço, or service charge. Read more tipping guidelines here 4. Eat seafoodSeafood is plentiful in Portugal. The country’s long Atlantic coastline means the seafood is fresh and delicious. Tinned sardines will blow your mind, and bacalhau--salted cod--is a national favorite. 5. Eat and drink like a localLocal food and beverages in Portugal are fabulous, and--apples to apples--less expensive than in many other countries to include the USA. Order local produce. Eat fresh seafood. Enjoy port, cheese, and Portuguese wines and pastries. Lunch is usually taken between 12:00 - 2:30 pm; dinner between 7:30 - 10:30 pm. NOTE: Starters brought to the table while perusing the menu may not be free. They might not be expensive either, but say “no thank you” if you don’t want something and return without touching. Find other tips for Dining Like a Pro in Europe here. 6. Learn a few useful phrases in PortugueseNo one expects you to be fluent when visiting a country, but a little effort goes a long way. Know how to say good morning (bom dia) or good afternoon (boa tarde), and use it to greet any shopkeeper, etc. Know the difference between obrigada (“thank you” if you’re female) and ogrigado (if you’re male). 7. Get off the beaten pathWe love Porto and Lisbon. But like most European hot-spots, they can be crowded. We specialize in helping our guests get off the beaten path to scenic destinations and little villages bursting with color and character. That doesn’t mean you need to entirely skip a high-priority stop, but we work with travelers to create balanced itineraries that combine iconic sites done in the best way possible with immersive, meaningful and less crowded experiences. 8. Browse the marketsThere are wonderful markets throughout Portugal, all worth a look. Even if you’re not purchasing, the atmosphere is authentic and the colors are amazing. Why not shop for a picnic while you’re there? Expert Tip: Bring your own reusable bag. 9. Dress in layersSeveral thin layers are a great idea, allowing you to transition from a warm, sunny day to a cool evening. Lightweight natural fibers will be your friend in the summer, but avoid monochromatic whites and khakis that will make you stand out as a tourist. Jeans and sweaters are appropriate for cooler months. The Portuguese tend to be somewhat casual, but also moderately conservative. Keep beach wear at the beach and check whether there is a dress code for your dinner reservation. Read more packing tips here 10. Book with a professionalDon’t want to go it alone? Soirée can help you immerse in Portugal’s intriguing history and culture. Our thoughtfully constructed and well-balanced itineraries are full of amazing must-sees and off-the-beaten-path inclusions. We offer flexible dates, duration, and itineraries, finding the right fit for you. We listen to you, and then create meticulously designed journeys that help you transcend tourism and feel like a local. Learn more about how Soiree works here 11. Consider an exclusive extra-small group tourOur Exclusive Small Group Portugal Discovery tour in September 2025 includes a local, expert tour manager as you venture off the tourist track to discover delightful little towns and villages. Dive into Portuguese history and traditions from Porto to Lisbon as you encounter locals who love to share their heritage. On our carefully crafted itinerary you’ll experience fabulous Porto, the Douro Valley wine region, Templar Knights and Roman history, lively Lisbon, and more. Experience the best Portugal has to offer while our English-speaking professional guides will bring the history, culture, and charm of Portugal to life. A Soirée Exclusive Small Group Tour offers peace of mind. You can sit back and relax, knowing the details are handled. Your Tour Manager is there to smooth the way, point you toward that market you wanted to check out, and orient you to each city. Need a few days of stunning beaches and relaxation? Then you can optionally extend independently to the Algarve region as a delightful finish to your amazing Portugal Discovery. We can help! Contact us for more information
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