Popular sunny coastal country in Western Europe. Amazing food, architecture, culture, panoramic hilly views, and English-speaking latin country.
For decades, Portugal was one of Europe’s best kept secrets. A less-expensive country in Western Europe that had beaches and English speaking. You couldn’t have catered any better to travelers, expats, and nomads.
But then it blew up and got popular seemingly overnight. Everybody was buying property in Portugal that prices are totally jacked up now. Its capital, Lisbon, became one of if not THE top favorite expat/nomad locations in the world since about 2010. And I think in 2021 was the year that its popularity reached the brink. Housing became expensive and yet people still love Portugal.
If you’re going there today, it’s to enjoy the beauty and the hilly views and the beaches. (And for English-speakers, you can enjoy that the Portuguese speak amazing English compared to Spain or France.) Forget about the low-price thing.
1 week would be enough to see Lisbon, Porto, and mayyyybe a day trip to a nearby beach town. But Portugal truly deserves 2 weeks.
A foreigner would find the Portuguese to be friendly and speak great English. The cities are very colorful and often offer hilly landscapes with amazing panoramic views. Food is a mix of moderate carbs and seafood meats.
General tips for traveling in Portugal:
- Mobile carrier –
- Transportation –
- Public – metro, buses, trams are all reliable and easy to use.
- Rideshare – Bolt, FreeNow, Uber are all here.
- Weather –
Miscellaneous tips:
- Tap water –
- Food delivery –
Safety tips:
- dfd
Activities & Tours:
Foods to try:
- pastel de nata
- bacalhau (cod fish)
Customs & Language:
- Languages spoken –
- Hello & Bye –
- Yes & No –
- Thank you –
Itinerary suggestions:
- Lisbon 4 days, Porto 2 days, 1 day for beach down outside Lisbon.
Portugal cities (* = recommended, ** = must see):
- Lisbon** – absolutely must see. Beautiful and many things
- Sintra* – of course you gotta go here. Easy day trip from Lisbon.
- Porto* – a beautiful and easy stop to me. You could see all the main highlights in a day, but you also would be bored if you stayed longer.
Nearby countries:
- Spain* –
- France* –
Unfiltered notes: