Portugal at a Glance

Languages

Portugese

Portugal’s tourism has recently exploded, and most people speak English. However, we suggest learning some key phrases and travel with a phrase book. If English fails you, some people in Portugal also speak Spanish and French. 

Currency

Euro (EUR)

While in most places you can use credit cards its not as ubiquitous as some places. Having some euros on hand is a good idea

International Airports

  1. Lisbon
  2. Porto
  3. Faro

Tipping

Restaurants: If service is included (serviço incluído), tip 5%. If service is not included (serviço não incluído), tip 10%. You’ll most likely have to tip in cash.

Cabs: For short fares give 1 euro. For long fares round to the nearest 5 euro.

Airlines With Good Deals

  1. TAP Air Portugal

Most airlines fly to Portugal, Use KAYAK, Skyscanner, or Hipmunk to find the best deals

Not-to-Miss Local Food, Drink

Water

Drinking tap water in this country is perfectly fine. Bring your reusable water bottle and request tap water at restaurants (água da torneira)

Food

The Portuguese, like to eat on the later side (but they have nothing on the late meals of the Spanish). Dinner is typically between 17:30-21:30. Food is inexpensive and good. Often appetizers will be brought to the bed including bread, olives, olive oil and that will be included on your final bill.

  • Fish soup
  • Francesinha–sandwich w/ steak, ham, sausage, chorizo, cheese
  • Caldo Vero
  • Bacalhau–salted cod
  • Tamboril–monkfish
  • Alheira de Mirandela–a fowl sausage
  • Cataplana–seafood stew
  • Porco preto–black pig
  • Pesticos–small plates/tapas to share
  • Leitao–suckling pig sandwiches

Wine

Surprisingly Portugal makes more than Port. It’s actually the world’s 7th largest wine producer and they offer up a selection of cheap and stellar options. A glass of vinho da casa is often your cheapest bet and usually delicious. 

  • Whites
    • Vinho verde
    • Douro Branco
    • Terras de Cister
    • Branco Alentejo
  • Red
    • Tinto Douro
    • Transmontano
    • Tinto Alentejo
    • Alentejano
    • Alenquer
    • Dão
  • Dessert
    • Madeira
    • Port

Not-to-Miss Sites

  • Sintra: Pena Palace, National Palace, Moorish Castle
  • Lisbon: old town and Gulbenkian Museum
  • The Algarve: Salema, Cape Sagres, Lagos, Tavira
  • Evora: Roman temple, Chapel of Bones
  • Coimbra: Old university
  • Porto

Best Guide Book

Rick Steves Portugal