Portugal is a southern European country located on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. It is one of Europe's oldest nations and a must-see for lovers of history, food, wine, architecture, and culture. Here are ten tips to keep in mind when visiting this dream country.
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Footwear - Make sure you wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles. Much of Portugal is hilly. When you see the cobblestone streets, you will be glad that you are wearing a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Packing - It is a good idea to dress in layers as they allow you to adjust to the temperature. Loose natural fibers are perfect for the summer and warm sweaters are needed in the winter. May through September is considered summer and are the warmest months. Autumn in Portugal is October - December, and winter is January and February.
The Language - Portuguese is the official language and English is not widely spoken so it is a good idea to learn some basic phrases. Thank you in Portuguese is obrigado if you are a man, and obrigada, if you are a woman, bom dia is good morning, boa tarde is good afternoon, and boa noite is goodnight.
Go for A Walk - One of the best ways to experience Portugal is to go for a walk. Porto is a city where walking around is the best way to find its hidden gems that will surprise you at every turn. The hilltop city of Sintra is one of the most scenic places in the country to walk because it is surrounded by palaces and country estates. One of the joys of Portugal is to explore the markets where you will find an array of fresh produce and fish as well as local arts and crafts.
Porto Card - Get a Porto Card online that offers free and unlimited use of public transportation in Porto as well as free admission to six sights and museums, and up to a 20% discount in more than 20 restaurants, bars, and cafes. If you purchase a Porto Card online before your trip you will not incur any surcharges and fees.
Lisbon Card - Get a Lisbon Card online that offers a free pass for 35 museums, monuments, and places of interest. It also offers free transportation on the Lisbon Metro, and 5% to 10% discounts in participating stores that offer authentic Portuguese articles.
Changing Money - It is always good to have a little local currency on hand. Look for the Multibanco signs that allow you to withdraw Euros directly from your bank account. Avoid Euronet machines as their surcharges are expensive. Always get small bills, no larger than 50 euros.
Eating Out - It is standard practice for waiters to bring you little dishes of olives, bread, cheese, and cold meats, but these are not free unless they are part of a menu. Anything you eat will be added to your bill. If you don't want to pay for them, don't eat them and send them back, and you will not be charged. Don't be afraid to send these goodies back. Seafood is super fresh here and the catch of the day is charged by weight, so before ordering your fresh fish, find out approximately how much it costs by weight. Most Portuguese meals begin with a soup that is not necessarily vegetarian.
Wine - Although Portugal is famous for Port wine, in general, Portuguese wine is excellent. On the menu, you will see red, white, and rose as well as Verde (green) wine! This doesn't refer to the color of the wine, Verde wine means young, acidic, and slightly sparkling.
Museums - Some museums in Portugal offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month and, most are closed on Mondays.
