Places to Visit in Portugal
Western Europe's Atlantic-facing edge, where a maritime empire's wealth built tiled facades and hilltop miradouros that a 1755 earthquake and a fado soundtrack never quite let you forget.
Portugal has a Mediterranean-influenced Atlantic climate: hot, dry summers (June-September) and mild, wetter winters, with Lisbon on the country's central Atlantic coast serving as the main international gateway and hub for its hilly, tram-served historic core. Its trams and funiculars climb steep hills that a rental car is a genuine liability on; walking shoes matter more than in most European capitals. July-August is peak season with the highest prices and temperatures; May-June and September offer comparable weather with thinner crowds. Portugal is one of the more affordable Western European destinations for food and lodging. Service charge is not automatically included in most restaurant bills; a 5-10% tip for good service is customary but not obligatory.
Capital
Lisbon
Currency
Euro (EUR, €)
Time zone
WET/WEST (UTC+0/+1)
Calling code
+351
Best months
May – Jun, Sep – Oct
Visas and entry
Schengen Area member. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need no visa. Many other nationalities (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the Schengen short-stay rule; ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is expected to apply to visa-exempt visitors once phased in. Other nationalities require a Schengen visa.
Where to start in Portugal
The place ranked first in each of our city guides.