Portugal for First-Timers: What Every Traveler Gets Wrong (And How to Get It Right)
Are Youâre Ready for Portugal?Â
Booked your flights? Check. Found a cute Airbnb or a nice hotel? Check. Watched a few Reels and TikToks about Lisbon? Double check. Googled âbest things to do in Portugalâ? Of course you did.
But hereâs the thingâPortugal isnât what you think it is. If you show up unprepared, you might end up:
- â Sitting at a closed restaurant at 6 PM, wondering why no one eats dinner early.
- â Walking 20,000 steps a day because you didnât realize Lisbon is ALL hills.
- â Ordering sangria instead of our much better local drinks.
I donât want that for you. So hereâs what most travelers get wrongâand how to actually enjoy Portugal like a pro.Â
1. Like Spain? Youâll Love Portugal Even More.
We get itâour Spanish neighbours are cool. But if youâre expecting Portugal to be just like Spain, youâre in for a surprise, a really good one.
- The language? Nope, not Spanish. Portuguese is smoother, with a mix of soft sounds and a melody thatâll have you wanting to learn a few words (start with "obrigado")..
- The food? Skip the tapas mindset and dive into our petiscos, fresh seafood, and epic stews.
- The culture? Our history is built on explorers, maritime trade, and a deep love for codfish.Â
How to Get It Right:â Learn a few basic Portuguese words (âObrigadoâ (thank you) is a good start. âUma cerveja, por favorâ (one beer, please) is even better. đť â Â Donât say "Portugal is like Spain." Itâs not. And saying so wonât win you any friends here. đ |
2. Lisbon: A Free Leg Day With Every View
If you think youâre going to casually stroll through Lisbon in flip-flops, youâre in for a surprise.
- The hills can be brutal. Youâll climb more stairs in one day than in a month back home.
- The cobblestone sidewalks? Beautiful, but sometimes slicker than an ice rink.
- Walking everywhere sounds great⌠until you hit your third hill of the day.
How to Get It Right:â Wear real shoesâsneakers, not sandals. â Use public transport (trams, metro, and Ubers are lifesavers). â Take breaks at viewpointsâtheyâre EVERYWHERE, and the views are unbeatable. |
3. Youâre Eating Dinner Too Early
If you show up at a restaurant at 6 PM expecting dinner, youâll get an empty dining room and a confused waiter.
- We eat late. Lunch is around 1-3 PM, dinner starts at 8 PM (or later).
- Early birds end up in tourist traps. If a place serves dinner at 6 PM, itâs catering to tourists - not locals.
How to Get It Right:â Have a late-afternoon snack (try a bifana or a plate of queijo & presunto). â Embrace the late dinners. When in Portugal, eat like us. You will love it! |
4. Wine Is Cheaper Than Water (And You Should Take Advantage)
Okay, letâs be realâwine isnât exactly cheaper than water⌠unless youâre buying some overpriced, hand-bottled, glacier-fed, Himalayan monk-blessed premium water. But in Portugal, you can get seriously good wine for ridiculously low prices.
- Douro reds? Smooth, rich, and ridiculously affordable.
- Vinho Verde? Slightly fizzy, light, and perfect on a hot day.
- Port wine? Forget what you think you knowâreal Port is amazing.
How to Get It Right:â Always order the house wine. Itâs good, cheap, and what locals drink. â Try vinho verde. If youâve never had it, youâre in for a treat. (Pro tip: Pair it with seafood!) |
Portugal Will Surprise You (In a Good Way).
So yeah, you might as well start planning your next trip now. đ
đ Need help making your Portugal trip stress-free and unforgettable?
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âď¸Â Questions? Not sure where to start? Get in touch â I'd love to help you plan your next trip to my country, Portugal.