How to plan your first trip to Portugal: A beginner’s guide

Planning your first trip to Portugal? You're in for a treat. From its golden beaches and cobbled streets to centuries-old architecture and soul-stirring cuisine, Portugal is a destination that caters to every type of traveller. But before you pack your bags, there are a few things worth knowing to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and memorable.

1. When to Visit?

Portugal is a year-round destination, but your experience can vary greatly depending on the season.

Spring (March to May): Mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds make this an excellent time to visit.
Summer (June to August): Ideal for beach holidays, especially in the Algarve, but expect higher prices and more tourists.
Autumn (September to October): Warm temperatures linger, vineyards are in harvest, and the tourist crowds begin to thin.
Winter (November to February): A good option for those who prefer cities to beaches. Lisbon and Porto stay lively, and southern Portugal offers a milder escape from the cold.

2. Entry Requirements

Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. Visitors from most EU countries and the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check official government sites before travelling for up-to-date information.

3. Getting around

Portugal has a well-connected rail and bus network. Trains are great for major cities like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and Faro. Buses often reach smaller towns.

However, for full flexibility—especially if you’re planning day trips to places like Sintra, Évora, or Nazaré—a private driver or tour is worth considering.

Services like Sunny Travels offer custom transfers and tours that let you explore at your pace, with the comfort of local insight.

4. Where to go on your first visit?

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a first-timer:

Lisbon (3 nights): Explore historic neighbourhoods like Alfama, visit Jerónimos Monastery, ride Tram 28, and taste authentic Pastéis de Belém.
Sintra (Day trip from Lisbon): A fairytale village filled with palaces, gardens, and mystery. Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira are unmissable.
Évora (1 night): A UNESCO World Heritage city in Alentejo with Roman ruins, a bone chapel, and slow countryside charm.
Porto (2-3 nights): A riverside city known for Port wine, colourful buildings, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
Douro Valley (1 night or day trip): Wine tasting, river cruises, and vineyard views.

Sunny Travels can help connect these dots comfortably with door-to-door transfers and day tours that cut the stress of logistics.

5. Language

Portuguese is the official language. While English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way in making local connections.

“Olá” = Hello

“Obrigado/a” = Thank you

“Por favor” = Please

“Bom dia” = Good morning

6. Cultural Tips

Respect Mealtimes and Dining Pace
Meals in Portugal are not rushed — lunch usually starts around 1pm and dinner after 8pm. Locals enjoy long meals and don’t appreciate being hurried, especially in more traditional settings.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is not mandatory, but always appreciated. Leaving around 5-10% in restaurants or rounding up the taxi fare is a polite gesture.
Quiet and Polite Social Behaviour
Portuguese people tend to be discreet and polite in public spaces. Loud conversations, especially in religious or historical sites, may come across as disrespectful.
Appreciate Fado Music with reverence
If attending a Fado show (especially in Lisbon or Coimbra), remember this is an emotional and traditional experience. Remain quiet during performances and avoid interrupting with loud conversation.
Respect Religious Customs
Many monuments are churches or monasteries — dress modestly when visiting, especially in rural areas. During services, visitors are often welcome to observe quietly but photography may be restricted.
Try Local Festivities and Markets
Look out for local feiras (markets) and festas populares (popular festivals), especially in spring and summer. These are great moments to witness traditions, dancing, and authentic cuisine.
Don’t Rush a Coffee
Coffee culture in Portugal is about short breaks and small pleasures. Whether it's an espresso at a local café or a leisurely galão, locals savour their coffee moments.
Understand the Concept of "Saudade"
This deep, nostalgic feeling is at the heart of Portuguese identity, expressed in music, poetry, and even everyday life. Understanding this gives more depth to cultural experiences like Fado.
Be Punctual, But Expect Flexibility
While it’s polite to be on time, especially for tours or reservations, don’t be surprised if things run a little slower than expected. Portugal moves at a relaxed pace — and that’s part of the charm.

7. Budget Planning

Portugal has long been considered one of Europe’s more affordable destinations, but the reality is shifting. While it’s still cheaper than cities like Paris or London, prices in Lisbon, Porto, and coastal hotspots have been rising steadily, especially in peak seasons. That said, with smart planning, travelers can still experience the beauty of Portugal without overspending.

Here’s how to make the most of your travel budget:

Accommodation Tips

Avoid staying in the city center of Lisbon or Porto if you're on a budget. Instead, opt for neighborhoods like Alcântara, Ajuda (Lisbon), or Bonfim (Porto), which are more affordable and well-connected.
Consider guesthouses or family-run pensões – these often provide more charm (and value) than larger hotels.
Travel off-season (October to April): You’ll find better deals and fewer crowds.

Food and Dining

Eat like a local: many Portuguese restaurants offer “prato do dia” (dish of the day), including soup, main course, drink, and coffee for around €8–12.
Visit tascas, traditional taverns where you can enjoy homemade meals at very fair prices.
Skip tourist areas for dining – even a short walk away can halve your meal cost.
Go to local markets like Mercado da Ribeira (Lisbon) or Bolhão Market (Porto) for affordable snacks, pastries, and produce.

Transport and Getting Around

Public transport is cheap and efficient in most cities. Metro, buses, and regional trains cover most areas for a few euros.
Comboios de Portugal offers regional and intercity train tickets at discounted prices if you book early online.
If you're exploring several regions, booking a private transfer with a group (like our Sunny Travels shared private tours) can be a cost-effective alternative to trains or renting a car.

Attractions and Sightseeing

Many museums and monuments offer free entry on Sundays and holidays, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
Invest in combo tickets or passes like the Lisboa Card, which includes transportation and entry to top attractions.
Explore free activities: hiking in Sintra or Arrábida, walking tours in Alfama, or catching a sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Souvenirs and Shopping

Skip overpriced tourist shops and look for local artisans at craft markets.
Cork products, azulejos (tiles), or local food items like olive oil or wine make for meaningful and affordable souvenirs.

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8. Book Ahead

Especially during peak season (May to September), book accommodations, major attractions, and tours in advance. Private services like airport transfers and custom itineraries with Sunny Travels are in high demand and worth securing early.

Planning your first trip to Portugal doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, a mix of must-see highlights and authentic experiences, and a reliable local partner to guide you through, you'll discover the best the country has to offer.