Everything You Need to Know About Portugal Before You Go
A Brief Overview
I’ve been to Portugal twice - the first time I spent one month in Lisbon with some excursions to nearby towns and Lagos; the second time I spent a week in Lisbon, attended a wedding in Caiscais and a few days in Porto. Lisbon is one of the few European Cities that has never been destroyed by any of the world wars so most of the stuff around has been there for a long time. You can still find parts of the city built by the Moorish like Alfama and Mouraria, the rest was mostly rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake that destroyed a major area of the city. Lisbon is the paradise corner by the Atlantic, you will see there is a melting pot of ideas and different people ready to make things happen. It will be hard to fit all Lisbon has to offer in a short amount of time, from surf classes, beautiful gardens, amazing food and mad parties! As lots of startups are popping up in what some call the hidden gem of Europe, we start to see their economy being stimulated out of an extended financial crisis. Even though a lot of people still suffer from this situation, they are starting to see a bright future ahead.
A Lot to Love
Endless summer: Even in February you will see how comfortable it is when you are in the sun...you might even forget it’s winter!
The prices: It’s definitely one of the least expensive countries in Western Europe. Even though we can start to feel the prices slowly going up everything is still pretty affordable.
The beauty: Lisbon has a beautiful contrast of historical and modern. You will see how quirky the city his with areas built as a maze such as Alfama to the contemporary massive buildings built after the 98 Expo.
The people: You will find that the Portuguese are pretty open people - a big part of Portuguese culture to welcome new people and they take big pleasure in showing you around!
The food: eating is indeed a ritual. They don’t just do a quick sandwich - if you are going to eat, take your time and properly prepare your meal.
English is not a problem.
Facts & Figures
Population: 531K
Language: Portuguese
Lisbon is older than Rome! (approximately 4 centuries older in fact)
The water you see in Lisbon is actually a river, not an ocean. (The Tagus River to be precise)
Lisbon’s Vasco da Gama bridge is the longest bridge in Europe. 15,000 people dined there during its inauguration, a world record for largest dining table!
Do’s and Don’ts
Introductions:
Girl to girl and girl to boy: 2 kisses on the cheek
Boy to boy: handshake
Formal: handshakes for everyone
Do’s:
Don’t skip the custards - they are mandatory.
Get lost in the old town
Sunset at a viewpoint with wine
Don’ts
Do not buy drugs from the guys selling on the street - you will most likely get scammed or in trouble. They will try to sell you anything from knock-off designer sunglasses to marijuana, cocaine and MDMA in the same breath lol
The 28 tram is packed and a lot of pickpockets happen there - be mindful
Never reject food from a grandmother - a very dangerous act lol
Money
CURRENCY: Euro
SYMBOL: EUR; €
EXCHANGE: 1 Euro = 1.06 USD
= 0.88 GBP
= 121.05 JPY
ATMs are located all around the city.
Debit and Credit Cards accepted almost everywhere, except small local shops and public markets. It is a good idea to always have a small denomination of cash with you.
Tipping is welcomed but not expected. You usually round up and leave your coins behind. Higher end restaurants usually tip 10%. Tipping is not expected in taxis.
Getting Around
WALKING
Walking around is very safe in Lisbon, although the hilly cobblestone streets can be exhausting and very slippery when wet. Watch out for crazy drivers and scooters but walking is definitely the way locals move around.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Metro is the way to go. It is very easy to use, very organized, and takes you all over the city. Buses and trams are also convenient but victim to heavy traffic in Lisbon.
Metro
Best way to get around. Open daily from 06:00 - 01:30.
Buses, Trams, & Boats
Buses, trams, and boats use the same pass as the Metro.
Tickets
VIVA Viagem or preloaded cards can be acquired at metro stops. This card can be used for Metro and Bus/Trams/Boats. Monthly passes are also available through the public transportation office.
Taxis
Always ask first! When you’re taking a taxi, without a meter or using the app, always ask for the price before starting your journey.
Tuk Tuks
A tuk tuk ride is a fun and exciting experience. As with taxis, always determine the fare before you take off.
PLACES TO WORK
COWORKING SPACES
Located upstairs from Time Out Market, this is an excellent location that’s centrally located and very close to some of the best food options in the city. Also, they have SO MANY PLANTS, which is super awesome and there’s evening yoga classes sometimes and organized surfing trips.
LAPTOP-FRIENDLY CAFE`S
Hello, Kristof ($$):
Delicious homemade cakes and lots of great magazines
Mon - Fri 09 to 18
Copenhagen Coffee Lab ($$):
If you are a true coffee lover, you will find a second home here. Even though it’s a real coffee place, try the chai latte.
Mon - Fri 08 to 19; Sat & Sun - 0930 to 19
Cafe Tati ($$):
Closest to all the action of Pink Street but super relaxed vibe during the day
Amazing brunch but only on weekends
Tue - Sun 11 to 01'
Pois Cafe ($$):
Located in the old town, this is a great spot to go if you want to balance work and exploring the city
Try the Austrian specialties
Mon 12 to 23; Tue - Sun 12 to 23
A outra face da Lua ($$):
This is your chance to get a makeover done while working. You will find inside not only a cafe but also a great vintage clothing shop.
Try their variety of teas
Mon - Sat 10 to 2230; Sun 14 to 21
PLACES TO EAT
Cruzes Credo ($$):
Beautifully cooked Portuguese food with a contemporary twist
Don’t skip dessert and make sure you try “the worst chocolate cake in the world”
Hours: 1000-200
Chef Marlene Vieira ($$):
Inside the Timeout Market a great place to try some real Portuguese Food
The “Cozido à Portuguesa”, definitely not recommend to vegetarians
Thu to Sat 10 - 02; Every other day 10 - 24
Food Temple ($$)
Really quirky restaurant in the old town with a vegan menu that is always changing
Wed to Sun 1930 - 24
The Menu changes a lot but if possible try the vegetable tempura
Cervejaria Ramiro ($$)
Fresh seafood, considered by many the best seafood place in the city
1200-01; Closed on Monday
Eat pretty much anything and finish with the famous Steak Sandwich “Prego” if you can
4 Caravelas ($$)
Cocktail Bar with a variety of tapas only 2 minutes away from Time Out Market
Tue to Thu 19 - 02; Fri to Sat 19 - 03
Great place for happy hour and some tapas
NIGHTLIFE
Lux Fragil:
It is Portugal's most internationally renowned venue and one of Lisbon's biggest nightclubs. The venue is known for its stunning waterside location and regular appearances from world famous DJs and performers.
2300-700
Enjoy a “Luxini” while enjoying the terrace view!
K Urban Beach:
It’s situated on the beach, has 3 dance floors and a big terrace from with an amazing river view
2300-600
Enjoy dinner in their Japanese restaurant before clubbing
PARK
Park is a rooftop parking lot turned into a hip, elevated garden terrace. 180º views of Lisbon can be enjoyed in the sunny afternoon or by starlight through the evening. Potted plants and wooden patio furniture provide a natural ambiance and casual comfort.
1300-200
Enjoy their tapas with a good Portuguese wine
Casa Independente:
When you step inside, it looks like you’re on an old movie set and everything has come back to life. This is a place where you can find everything and easily spend the whole afternoon, and maybe stay for dinner and live music!
1900-200
Try their awesome sangria
Pavilhão Chinês:
One of the most unusual bars in the city. Transport to a older and simpler time makes you feel at home.
18:00-2:00
Enjoy their cocktails while playing a game of pool
DAY TRIPS
Sintra:
Historical center filled with nature and history. Looks like a lego castle with all the bright colors.
25km from Lisbon
Try their local pastry
Cascais:
Known as the Portuguese riviera, it was used as a summer retreat by the European nobility for centuries. Easily accessible by train from Lisbon.
29km from Lisbon
I recommend Santini and taste one of Portugal’s best ice creams
Óbidos:
Charming small and fortified town that reminds me of a medieval film set
85km from Lisbon
If you love golf, then you need to come here and play on some of their amazing courses.
NAZARÉ:
Portugal’s most famous fishing village
127km from Lisbon
This place is where the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave ever surfed was beaten. I think there may even be a Netflix documentary about this.
ÉVORA:
The Historic Centre of Évora is the finest example of a city of the golden age of Portugal after the destruction of Lisbon by the 1755 earthquake.
132km from Lisbon
Go here for the local gastronomy and great local wines.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS
Porto:
Portugal’s second biggest city is world famous for its production of fine Port Wine.
Definitely try the local Francesinha
Check out the library that inspired JK Rowling to write Harry Potter. Pro Tip: show up at 4pm before it closes or grab a ticket online ahead of time for the end of the day for less crowds. Do not wait in line.
Lagos
Beautiful beaches and a crazy nightlife
Ask for a Dom Rodrigo while drinking an espresso
Geres National Park:
Portugal’s only National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Take a hike on the mountain and see the impact of the last glaciation
Coimbra:
Home to a treasure trove of historic sites
Visit the University of Coimbra to admire one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, the Joanina Library
Sagres:
Its surf school, impressive cliffs and beautiful beaches make this place a must to wave hunters
Praia do Martinhal, a gorgeous beach, considered one of the best kept secrets in the Algarve
SAFETY & TIPS
WALKING AROUND
There are no particular places you should avoid. Walking around alone late at night should be avoided.
CRIME
Pickpocketing is most common. Also, avoid the drug solicitors in the touristy areas of town.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Avoid staying alone in Bairro Alto after it closes, either go back home or just follow the party to the pink street. Alfama can be a bit shady some time. Intendente and Anjos used to be complicated neighborhoods that now are getting trendy but still have some problems.
DRINKING WATER
The tap water in Lisbon is perfectly safe to drink.
ALCOHOL LAWS
Drinking alcohol in public spaces is legal. You will see many parks and viewpoints filled with people drinking and enjoying the outdoors. Please do so responsibly :)
GREETINGS
When greeting people of the opposite sex a kiss on each cheek is very appropriate. When in doubt, always use a handshake.
EMERGENCY
Dial 112 in case of a medical, crime, or theft emergency.