Lisbon Updated 28 July 2026
Lisbon: The Complete City Guide
My complete first-timer's guide to Lisbon, Portugal: neighbourhoods, sights worth your time, trams and metro, where to eat, and day trips to Sintra and Belem.
Port wine and compass brass
Portugal wins you over it never tries to impress you
Cliffs, tiles and port wine, with the small towns in between
Before you fly
Book it from home at the best price
Six bookings that save you money and queues before you even board.
Flights to Lisbon Direct from $353 round trip Book Hotels Compare prices on your stay Book Car rental For a road trip along the coast Book Tours Sintra, Benagil and the port cellars Book eSIM Online the moment you land Book Travel insurance Cover for the whole trip Book
🎫 Tip: book Sintra palaces and the Benagil cave tours ahead, they sell out fast in summer
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Porto Updated 20 February 2026
Porto: The Complete First-Timer Guide
What to do in Porto: the Ribeira riverfront, the port wine cellars of Gaia, the Douro, the best viewpoints, food, and how many days you really need.
The Algarve Updated 18 March 2026
The Algarve: The Complete Guide to Portugal's South Coast
Portugal's Algarve, decoded: the best beaches, the prettiest towns, the sea caves, where to base yourself, and when to go for sun without the crowds.
Trip planning Updated 14 January 2026
First Time in Portugal: The Only Guide You Need
Planning your first trip to Portugal? Here is when to go, where to base yourself, how the trains and car hire work, the entry rules, and how to skip the rookie mistakes.
Trip planning Updated 6 May 2026
The Best Time to Visit Portugal: A Season-by-Season Guide
When to visit Portugal, month by month and region by region: the Algarve beaches, Lisbon and Porto, the Douro, and how to dodge the crowds and the heat.
Lisbon Updated 29 July 2026
Sintra Day Trip From Lisbon: How to Do It Properly
The most oversubscribed day trip in Portugal: which palaces are worth your morning, why timed tickets changed everything, how the hill transport works, and the two-site rule.
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Practical info Updated 10 August 2026
Portugal's Tourist Tax: Who Pays, Where and How Much
How Portugal's municipal tourist tax actually works, why it rarely shows up in the price you booked, who tends to be exempt, and where to check the current rate before you travel.
Islands: Madeira & the Azores Updated 3 August 2026
Madeira: Levadas, Peaks and Funchal
Madeira travel guide: walking the levadas, hiking Pico do Arieiro, the volcanic pools at Porto Moniz, Funchal wine lodges and driving Portugal's Atlantic island year round.
Ready-made itineraries Updated 29 July 2026
One Week in Portugal: Three Routes That Work
Seven days in Portugal done three ways: Lisbon with Sintra and the coast, Porto with the Douro valley, or a north to south run. What each route gives up and which suits a first visit.
Lisbon Updated 29 July 2026
Where to Eat in Lisbon: A Practical Shortlist
How to eat well in Lisbon: what a tasca is and why it beats the smart places, grilled fish done simply, the sandwiches worth crossing town for, and the markets that are and are not worth it.
Lisbon Updated 29 July 2026
Fado in Lisbon: Finding the Real Thing
How to hear fado properly rather than as dinner theatre: the difference between a casa de fado and fado vadio, what a real night involves, the etiquette, and how to spot the tourist version.
Lisbon Updated 29 July 2026
Lisbon Nightlife: From Bairro Alto to Cais do Sodre
How a Lisbon night actually runs: drinks in the street in Bairro Alto, the bars of Cais do Sodre, the late clubs by the river, and why nothing starts when you think it does.
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Common questions
Do I need a visa for Portugal?
Most visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and the EU can enter Portugal and the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026 the EU is rolling out the EES biometric registration at the border, and the ETIAS pre-travel authorisation (around 20 euros) is expected to follow, so check the latest rules for your passport before you fly.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the most pleasant: comfortable weather, fewer crowds and reasonable prices. July and August are hot and busy, especially in the Algarve, while winter suits Lisbon, Porto and city breaks.
How many days should you spend in Portugal?
A week is enough for Lisbon, Sintra and Porto at a comfortable pace. Ten days to two weeks lets you add the Algarve and the Douro valley. We have built ready-made itineraries by number of days that you can tailor to your trip.
What language and currency does Portugal use?
The currency is the euro and cards are accepted almost everywhere. English is widely spoken in the cities and tourist areas, though a few words of Portuguese always help. It is worth getting an eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
Is Portugal a safe destination for families and couples?
Yes. Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe and is friendly to families and couples. As in any tourist destination, watch out for pickpockets in busy areas and on the public transport in Lisbon and Porto.