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Travel Guide
Visiting Portugal
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Top Attractions in Portugal
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum houses one of the finest private art collections assembled in the 20th century, spanning 5,000 years and ranging from ancient Egyptian artefacts and Islamic carpets to Flemish paintings and French decorative arts. Its purpose-built galleries and surrounding garden make it a calm and rewarding alternative to the city's busier sights.
UNESCO World Heritage
Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon
The Jerónimos Monastery in Belém is a masterpiece of the Manueline architectural style, commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501 to celebrate Vasco da Gama's voyage to India. Its intricate carved stonework, double-nave church, and two-storey cloister are among the finest in Portugal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Portugal. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Portugal.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. If you’re feeling unwell, but it’s not an emergency, call: Mainland Portugal: (+351) 808 24 24 24, press 9 for English. If you have hearing loss and cannot hear on th
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police112
Ambulance112
Fire112
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Portugal
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Portugal page at Yoogo.
Portugal uses the euro (EUR). ATMs (labelled Multibanco or ATM Express) accepting international cards are found everywhere with minimal fees. VAT at 23% is included in all shop and restaurant prices. Cards are widely accepted, though cash is handy in smaller cafes and rural areas.
Portugal is one of Europe's safer destinations. The main concern for travellers is road safety: speed enforcement is strict, and the alcohol limit is 0.49 g/L. General street crime is low, though normal urban awareness is advised in busy areas of Lisbon and Porto.
Comboios de Portugal (CP) runs the national rail network, with Alfa-Pendular high-speed trains reaching up to 220 km/h between Lisbon and Porto. Rede Expressos and Flixbus cover intercity bus routes. In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are available. Motorways use an electronic toll system (Via Verde) that requires registration if you drive your own vehicle.
Spring and early summer (April to June) offer warm, sunny weather without the intense heat of July and August. Autumn is mild and pleasant. Winter is rainier but sunny days are not rare, and it is a good season for cultural visits with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Portuguese is the official language. English is more widely spoken than in many neighbouring countries, especially among younger people and those working in tourism. Attempting a few words of Portuguese earns genuine appreciation. Note that trying Spanish is generally considered disrespectful given the countries' historical rivalry.
No specific vaccinations are required for standard travel to Portugal. The country has a well-developed healthcare system. It is sensible to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before any international trip.
Tipping is not expected in Portugal but is certainly appreciated for good service. At restaurants, around 8–10% is appropriate when warranted. At cafes, leaving €1–2 is a kind gesture. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro plus an extra €1–2 is the norm.
Mobile coverage is good throughout Portugal, including in cities and most tourist areas. EU travellers can use home data allowances without roaming charges. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes. Visitors from outside the EU may find it convenient to pick up a local SIM card on arrival.