Every week, readers planning a trip, or even a move, to Portugal send us questions. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, these are the answers to the questions we hear most on our Facebook group.
1. Is Portugal Safe?
Yes. Safer Than the U.S. Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, people are welcoming, and visitors generally feel comfortable exploring cities, villages, and rural areas. As with any destination, use common sense and watch your belongings in Lisbon's busy tourist areas.
2. Do People Speak English?
Many do, yes. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, museums, and most tourist areas. Learning a few Portuguese phrases like Bom dia (Good morning) and Obrigado/Obrigada (Thank you) is always appreciated and often opens the door to wonderful conversations. And, don't use Spanish, please.
3. Is Portugal Expensive?
Portugal remains one of Europe's best values. Meals at local restaurants typically range from €15–€25, excellent wines are affordable, and accommodations outside the major cities often provide exceptional value. But, Lisbon is getting costly - as is the Algarve in season.
4. When Is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?
Every season offers something different.
We love spring (April–May): Pleasant temperatures, wildflowers, and fewer visitors.
Autumn (September–October): Many experienced travelers consider this the perfect season, with warm days, harvest festivals, wine country at its best, and comfortable sightseeing weather. Best weather of the year!
Winter is also surprisingly mild, making Portugal an excellent year-round destination.
5. Do I Need a Car?
Not always.
Portugal's good rail network, including the high-speed Alfa Pendular trains, makes traveling between Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and other major cities easy. Parking is not easy in big cities too.
Within Lisbon and Porto, the metro, buses, trams, Uber, and Bolt make getting around simple.
If you plan to explore the Alentejo, the Douro Valley, or Portugal's smaller villages, however, renting a car offers much greater flexibility.
6. Is It Really That Sunny?
Yes.
Much of Portugal enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Summers are warm and dry, particularly in the Alentejo, where low humidity often makes the heat surprisingly comfortable. But it is not tropical, humid and winters will bring cold and rain.
7. Can I Drink the Tap Water?
Yes. Portugal's tap water is clean, safe, and excellent throughout the country. Unlike the U.S.
8. What Should I Pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes.
Portugal's historic towns feature beautiful—but sometimes uneven—cobblestone streets. You'll likely climb castle walls, wander medieval villages, and spend hours exploring on foot.
Don't forget:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- A light sweater for cooler evenings
9. How's the Food?
Kick-ass.
Fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, world-class olive oil, pastries, and remarkable wines make Portugal one of Europe's finest culinary destinations. Every region has its own specialties, making every meal part of the adventure.
10. Is Portugal Just Lisbon and Porto?
Never was..
Lisbon and Porto deserve their reputation, but they are only part of Portugal's story. See the Portugal that made the world fall in love a few years back.
If your schedule allows, consider spending a few days beyond the major cities. Regions such as the Alentejo offer a very different experience—rolling vineyards, whitewashed villages, medieval castles, exceptional food and wine, Dark Sky Alqueva, and a slower pace of life that many travelers remember long after they return home.
The goal isn't to skip Lisbon or Porto, but to balance your trip with experiences that reveal another side of Portugal. Doing so also helps support local communities and encourages more sustainable tourism by spreading visitors throughout the country rather than concentrating them in just a few destinations.
11. What Currency Does Portugal Use?
Portugal uses the Euro (€).
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, although carrying a small amount of cash is helpful in villages, cafés, and local markets. However, many places only take European cards, so get cash as a back up. And to tip. Speaking of which... Tipping in Portugal is appreciated but not expected at the same level it is in the United States or Canada. Locals often simply round up the bill or leave a few euros for good service. At sit-down restaurants, leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is generous, while tipping isn't generally expected at cafés or for counter service. Taxi drivers also appreciate rounding up the fare, and hotel staff are grateful for a small tip if they provide extra assistance.
12. Do I Need an Electrical Adapter?
Yes, if you are from the U.S, U.K., and Canada.
Portugal uses 220-volt electricity with European Type C and Type F plugs. Most phone and laptop chargers automatically accept both 110V and 220V, but you'll need a plug adapter.
13. Is Portugal Good for Wine Lovers?
It's one of the world's great wine destinations.
From Port Wine in the Douro Valley to the rich reds and elegant whites of the Alentejo, Portugal offers hundreds of native grape varieties found nowhere else.
14. Is Portugal Crowded?
Some places can be.
Popular neighborhoods in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve become busy during the summer.
Fortunately, Portugal has many beautiful regions where visitors can enjoy authentic experiences without large crowds.
15. Can I Use My Cell Phone?
Yes.
Most North American carriers offer international plans, and Wi-Fi is widely available. But, check with your carrier to be sure. There may be hidden costs. If you're staying for several weeks, purchasing a Portuguese SIM card is inexpensive.
16. How Long Should I Stay?
Longer than you think. When's the election?
Many visitors try to see too much. Rather than racing through multiple cities, consider spending several nights in one region. Portugal rewards slower travel and offers countless opportunities to discover local markets, family-run restaurants, wineries, and hidden villages.
17. Is Portugal Family Friendly?
Very much so.
Children are welcomed almost everywhere, and Portugal offers beaches, castles, museums, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences for every generation.
18. Can I Visit Castles?
Absolutely.
Portugal has hundreds of castles, fortresses, monasteries, and medieval towns. Many involve climbing stairs and walking on historic stone pathways, making comfortable footwear essential. But, be aware that some walls are old and not in recommended for climbing.
19. Do Americans Need a Visa?
Not yet, but the new ETA is almost here.
U.S. and Canadian citizens can visit Portugal—and the Schengen Area—for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism.
20. I Still Have Questions!
We're here to help.
Whether you're planning your first vacation, researching retirement, or simply curious about Portugal, we can try to answer your questions. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, send us a message, we may feature it in a future article.
After all, every great journey begins with a question. We hope yours leads you to discover not only Portugal's famous cities but also the people, landscapes, and traditions waiting throughout the rest of this extraordinary country.