Travel advice for Portugal
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Jenny Cahill-Jones
updated 9.10.2021
Looking for unusual things to see in Lisbon? Excellent. Lisbon is ready and waiting. The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Portugal, your essential guide for visiting Portugal.
Visitors to Lisbon are charmed. It has a spectacular waterfront. And everyone loves pasteis de nata. But want a more local experience? Discover what to see in Lisbon off the tourist trail.
7 days / from3090 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
customize ⤍7 days / from3047 USD
The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
customize ⤍11 days / from1744 USD
A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
customize ⤍8 days / from1150 USD
Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
customize ⤍12 days / from1706 USD
The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
customize ⤍7 days / from2687 USD
Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
customize ⤍9 days / from2943 USD
Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
customize ⤍11 days / from1788 USD
Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
customize ⤍9 days / from4322 USD
The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
customize ⤍11 days / from3592 USD
Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
customize ⤍7 days / from6044 USD
Porto's Hidden Gems
An exciting itinerary that is filled with amazing landscapes, culture, heritage and gastronomy. Stay in the most exclusive hotels and enjoy the best Portugal has to offer - unique wine tours, a private cooking class, a luxurious river cruise to Douro Valley, and much more.
customize ⤍15 days / from5968 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
customize ⤍6 days / from1591 USD
Essential Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
This exciting short break will take you to the exciting and stunningly beautiful Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, with guided tours of their historical old towns, and on to the pearls of north Braga and Gamares. You will also have the opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere at Amarante.
customize ⤍9 days / from2168 USD
Cultural Portugal
Beginning in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this trip will take you to the delightful wine region of Douro, the mountain range of Serra do Bussaco and the romantic town of Sintra. Relish the prospect of driving around Portugal's stunning coastline and unique cultural sites.
customize ⤍9 days / from3183 USD
The cities of Portugal
Explore the two big Portuguese cities, Porto and Lisbon. Though you won't only be exploring the cities, this trip will take you to see the beautiful Duoro valley by bike, the Minho region (the birthplace of Portugal), learn more about winemaking, relax on the beach of Nazaré and much more!
customize ⤍6 days / from2703 USD
Azores Adventure
Discover the traditions and natural beauty that the island of São Miguel can offer you – exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the picturesque hills and valleys, the thrills of Canyoning and much more.
customize ⤍12 days / from5439 USD
Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon
From Porto to Lisbon, this culinary trip offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
customize ⤍14 days / from7095 USD
Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches
You will start this journey in Porto, the Invicta City, to then discover the landscapes of Douro Valley. Next, there is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a city filled with history and stories. Lastly, you will arrive to the Algarve, a place where you will connect with the sea, traditions and nature.
customize ⤍10 days / from1853 USD
Fascinating Azores - Terceira and São Miguel
Two of the magic Azores islands await in this itinerary: drive your own rental cars across Terceira and São Miguel and join one of the many adventurous outdoor activities the islands have to offer: go whale watching or canyoning or simply enjoy the landscapes on leisurely strolls.
customize ⤍9 days / from3188 USD
Coastal Portugal
Travel south from the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon, down Portugal's stunning coast, as far as the charming resort town of Albufeira. On this trip, you will also visit the historic coastal towns of Estoril, Sintra, Lagos and Sagres.
customize ⤍7 days / from2547 USD
Discovering Portugal's Douro Valley
This unforgettable trip will take you to the beautiful city of Porto and the verdant Douro Valley. Relish the prospect of travelling to the Douro wine-making region to sample some local labels, trekking through old villages and enjoying indulgent moments in charming cafés.
customize ⤍Lisbon seems to sit on the ocean. In reality that's the River Tagus estuary. And the Atlantic is 20 km downstream.
Catch the Tagus ferry for Almada. Stroll along the waterfront. Then find a local restaurant.
Most serve up views of Lisbon's skyline. We like Ponto Final. Go for classics like baked octopus. Pair it with crisp vinho verde. And enjoy Lisbon from another angle.
Almada's a good value district. Consider Cacilhas Guest Apartments for your stay.
Views of bridge close to LX Factory in Lisbon © INTERPIXELS/Shutterstock
Head to Lx Factory between Belém and Bairro Alto. It was once a real factory. Now it's a hip art complex. Go for over 50 indie shops, bars and restaurants. Hang on for offbeat exhibitions.
LX Factory scores high on cool. But the atmosphere's friendly. It's described as a 'creative island'. And the history's fascinating.
Want an arty place to stay? Book Dear Lisbon - Charming House in Bairro Alto.
Visit Largo do Carmo in Chiado. Glimpse the past. And sense Lisbon's spirit.
The convent dates to 1389. Damaged by the 1755 earthquake, it's still a partial ruin. But that's part of the appeal.
Check out the on-site museum. Its artefacts include a pair of child mummies. The museum shop has great city views.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.
Largo do Carmo is one of many unusual things to see in Lisbon © Andrei Nekrassov/Shutterstock
Lisbon is built on seven hills. Each comes with spectacular views. Just add 300 days of sun a year. And you've a European sunset capital.
Sunset gazing is a Lisbon ritual. So find a miradouros and join.
Try Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen in Graça. It's named for the Portuguese poet who lived nearby. And locals love it here on warm evenings. So expect lively as the sun sets.
See the view from the river. Take a sunset sail on the Tagus from Lisbon.
See the city from one of Lisbon's miradouros © Helissa Grundemann/Shutterstock
Don't miss Lisbon's beaches. You might need to rent a car for the wilder shores. But many are doable by public transport.
Cascais and Estoril are 30 minutes from Lisbon by train.
Estoril's Praia do Tamariz is wide, sandy and good for swimming. Praia de Conceição in Cascais rents paddleboards.
Drivers have other options. Head north west past Sintra. Or go south over 25 Abril bridge to Sétubal.
Try Praia da Adraga near Sintra. It's a pretty bay liked by locals. And the beach is lovely at sunrise and sunset.
Sétubal's Arrabida Natural Park has several idyllic beaches. Go for Galapinhos or “little Galapagos”.
Hang out longer by the beach. Book Farol Hotel in Cascais.
Praia Tamariz in Estoril is an easy train ride from Lisbon © Gennady Stetsenko/Shutterstock
Ready for a trip to Portugal? Check out the snapshot Rough Guide to Portugal. Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.
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written by Jenny Cahill-Jones
updated 9.10.2021
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