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Travel in Portugal: the complete practical guide

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View over the rooftops of Lisbon and the Tagus from São Jorge Castle
Contents

In short: Portugal is best discovered by linking Lisbon and Porto by train, with a day in Sintra and, if you have time, the Algarve coast. Book the most popular sights (Pena Palace, Jerónimos Monastery, Livraria Lello) and bring good shoes: both cities are built on hills.

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When to go to Portugal

  • Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October): the best time, mild and bright.
  • Summer: beach season, especially in the Algarve; hot and busy, particularly in Lisbon.
  • Winter: mild but rainy, ideal for cities and museums, with fewer crowds.

Entry requirements

Portugal is part of the European Union and the Schengen area. EU citizens travel with a valid ID card or passport. Other travellers need a passport and, depending on nationality, a visa; the European Entry/Exit System (EES) has registered non-EU travellers since April 2026, and the ETIAS authorisation is announced for late 2026.

Arriving in Portugal

  • Lisbon: the metro red line starts at the airport and reaches the centre in about 25 minutes (change for Baixa).
  • Porto: metro line E (violet) links the airport to the centre in about 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Faro (Algarve): the airport is close to town; a car is handy to explore the coast.

Getting around Portugal

  • By train: the Alfa Pendular links Lisbon and Porto in about 2h45; suburban trains serve Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon.
  • In town: metro, trams (including Lisbon’s famous tram 28) and funiculars help with the hills.
  • By car: ideal for the Algarve, the Douro Valley or the Alentejo; some motorways use electronic tolls, ask your rental company.
  • Sintra: Pena Palace uses a time slot chosen when buying, on the official Parques de Sintra website; in summer, book several days ahead.
  • Lisbon: the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém (the cloister is paid, and long queues are common in summer).
  • Porto: Livraria Lello, often called one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, requires a ticket and a time slot.

Money, internet and practicalities

  • Currency: the euro. Cards are widely accepted.
  • Tourist tax: charged in many cities, including Lisbon and Porto, per person per night, up to a capped number of nights.
  • Internet: EU mobile plans usually work at no extra cost. Outside the EU, a travel eSIM is the simplest option.
  • Walking: slippery cobbles and steep streets; good shoes are a must.

What to see in Portugal

  • Lisbon: Alfama, Baixa, tram 28, Belém, the viewpoints.
  • Porto: the Ribeira, the Dom Luís I Bridge, port wine cellars, Livraria Lello.
  • Sintra: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle, as a day trip from Lisbon.
  • And also: the Douro Valley, Coimbra, Óbidos, the Algarve, the Alentejo, Madeira and the Azores.

Suggested itineraries

7 days: 3 days in Lisbon, 1 day in Sintra, then the train to Porto for 3 days (with a day in the Douro Valley).

10 days: add 3 days in the Algarve, by car.

Where to stay in Portugal

Stay near the centre to limit the climbs: our Lisbon and Porto pages present the best areas for your travel style.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Lisbon airport to the centre?

The metro red line starts at the airport and reaches the centre in about 25 minutes, with a change for Baixa. Buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available.

How do I get from Lisbon to Porto?

The fast Alfa Pendular train links the two cities in about 2h45; slightly slower Intercidades trains and buses also run.

Do I need to book Pena Palace in Sintra?

Yes: palace entry uses a time slot chosen when buying, on the official Parques de Sintra website. In summer, book several days ahead.

Is there a tourist tax in Portugal?

Yes, in many cities including Lisbon and Porto: it is charged per person per night, up to a capped number of nights, and paid at the accommodation.

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