Our family of four recently spent a week exploring Portugal, and we quickly fell in love with its history, stunning landscapes, and food. From cobbled streets to dramatic coastal cliffs and charming plazas, Portugal offers an unforgettable mix of adventure and relaxation. If you’re planning your first trip to Portugal, here are 10 travel tips based on our experience to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
1. Stay connected with an eSIM
One of the best ways to stay connected while traveling in Portugal is by using an eSIM. We set up ours with Airalo before we even left home, and it worked flawlessly. Having instant access to maps, restaurant reviews, and public transportation schedules made navigating cities like Lisbon and Porto stress-free.
💡Good to know
🚨 Get $3.00 off your first eSIM package from Airalo and use code IRINA8735 when you sign up.
While pricing varies by country and provider, in Portugal, we paid only $7.00 per 2 GB (in 15 days).
Why It’s Essential: With kids, reliable connectivity is key for on-the-go planning. We loved how the eSIM activated as soon as we landed, making everything more convenient.
2. Download offline maps
Portugal’s charming backstreets can sometimes lead to spotty cell signals, especially in neighborhoods like Alfama in Lisbon and Ribeira in Porto. Downloading Google Maps offline before your trip ensures you never get lost, even when the internet fails.
Pro Tip: Mark important destinations like your hotel and must-visit attractions in advance. This trick saved us time and helped us rediscover places after spontaneous detours!
3. Pack comfortable shoes
Portugal’s iconic cobblestone streets and steep hills are beautiful but tough on your feet. We walked miles each day in Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto, and sturdy, comfortable shoes were lifesavers.
Teva Women’s Verra Sandals
Teva Women’s Verra Sandals feature quick-drying webbing made from recycled REPREVE polyester yarn by Unifi, providing both durability and support. The easy hook-and-loop closure ensures a perfect fit, while the cushioned Shoc Pad in the heel absorbs impact.
Why It Matters: Good walking shoes saved us from blisters and made exploring easier, especially when keeping up with two curious kids.
4. Best time to visit Portugal
Portugal’s shoulder season (spring and fall) is ideal for families. We visited in the second half of October, enjoying mild weather (it was just perfect), fewer crowds, and better availability at popular attractions like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.
Pro Tip: Traveling in the off-season also means shorter lines and a more relaxed experience, perfect when exploring with kids.
5. Decide if the Lisboa Card is worth it
The Lisboa Card offers free entry to many of Lisbon’s top attractions, like the Lisbon Oceanarium and Castelo de São Jorge, plus unlimited public transportation. For families planning to explore multiple sites in a short period of time, it’s a cost-effective option.
While the Lisboa Card is a great option for many, we opted not to get it for our trip. Since we didn’t plan to visit a large number of attractions or spend much time at paid-entry sites, it didn’t fit our itinerary. Instead, we chose to explore Lisbon at a slower pace, enjoying the city’s free attractions, scenic views, and vibrant neighborhoods.
💡Good to know
We did not purchase tickets in advance to any of the activities and were able to enter the same day. Some places, like the National Pantheon in Lisbon, offer a family rate when entering with kids under 12, allowing you to buy discounted tickets. Make sure to take advantage of it.
Pro Tip: If your plans include several paid attractions, crunch the numbers to see if the Lisboa Card works for you. It can save you both money and the hassle of buying individual tickets!
6. Stay alert in tourist areas
While Portugal is considered a very safe country, crowded spots like Baixa and metro stations can attract pickpockets. Keep your bags secure and stay alert, especially in busy tourist areas.
Pro Tip: We made sure to keep valuables close. Peace of mind allowed us to focus on the adventure!
7. Understand tipping culture in Portugal
In Portugal, tipping is appreciated but not required. A small tip (5-10%) in restaurants is a nice gesture, especially for excellent service.
Our Take: We enjoyed showing appreciation for friendly service, rounding up bills or leaving a little extra when dining out.
8. Use Uber or Bolt for convenience
Getting around cities like Lisbon and Porto is a breeze with apps like Uber and Bolt. These rideshare services are widely available, affordable, and incredibly convenient, especially when traveling with kids or after a long day of exploring.
Be sure to download your Bolt and Uber rideshare apps before your trip, and keep in mind this information:
- Affordable Rides: Compared to what we’re used to in California, taxi and rideshare prices in Portugal felt like a steal. For example, we paid less than €10 for a 25-minute ride—a fraction of what we’d pay back home!
- Airport Transfers: Using a promo code (like Bolt’s HELLOLISBON), we snagged a ride from the airport to our hotel for just €3.80. No need to navigate public transport with all our luggage!
- Convenience: After a long day exploring historic neighborhoods like Alfama or Ribeira, it was great to quickly book a ride back to our hotel without worrying about bus schedules.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for promo codes like HELLOLISBON when you first download the Bolt app to save even more on your rides!
9. Avoid ATM fees with a Schwab Account
We used a Charles Schwab checking account for no-fee ATM withdrawals, making it easy to grab euros for street markets, bakeries, and tips.
This is how we did it:
- Open a Schwab checking account before your international trip.
- While on your trip, withdraw cash from any local ATM (from your Schwab checking account).
- DECLINE conversion into USD to get a better exchange rate!
- You won’t be charged any foreign transaction fees and will be reimbursed for all the ATM fees!
Pro Tip: Portugal is very credit card-friendly, but having some cash on hand is always a good idea, especially for small purchases in rural areas.
10. Savor Portugal’s food scene
Portugal’s cuisine was a highlight of our trip. From fresh seafood like bacalhau to sweet treats like pastéis de nata, every meal was a delicious adventure.
5 Must-try dishes in Portugal that our family loved:
- Grilled Sardines (Sardinhas Assadas):
A summertime favorite, these smoky, chargrilled sardines are a staple in Portuguese cuisine. - Salt Cod (Bacalhau):
We loved Cod Croquettes (Pastéis de Bacalhau) – crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these golden croquettes made with salted cod and potatoes are a perfect snack or appetizer. - Pastéis de Nata:
These iconic custard tarts, with their flaky crusts and creamy centers, are a must-try. Head to Pastéis de Belém for the original recipe. - Grilled Octopus (Polvo à Lagareiro):
A tender, flavorful dish, often served with olive oil, garlic, and roasted potatoes. - Francesinha:
A hearty sandwich from Porto, layered with meat, melted cheese, and smothered in a rich beer-based sauce.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair these dishes with a glass of Vinho Verde or Port wine for the ultimate Portuguese dining experience.
Bottom Line
Portugal captured our hearts with its rich culture and stunning sights. Whether you’re wandering through historic castles, marveling at Sintra’s palaces, or enjoying the sunset over Cabo da Roca, this destination offers something for everyone.
Planning your first family trip to Portugal? Start with these tips to make the most of your time in this beautiful country. Happy travels!
