Lisbon rises over the Tagus on a tangle of hills best explored on foot and by the rattling Tram 28. Wander the medieval Alfama, where fado drifts from tiny bars, and climb to the miradouros for sweeping views.
In Belém, the Age of Discovery lives on in the Jerónimos Monastery and the riverside tower — and in the original pastéis de nata, still baked to a secret recipe.
Lisbon is affordable, sunny and endlessly photogenic, an easy city to fall for over a long weekend.
📌 Practical info
| 💶 Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| 🗣️ Language | Portuguese |
| 🛂 Visa | EU member — passport-free for EU/EEA |
| 🕐 Time zone | WET (UTC+0) — Azores UTC-1 |
| 🔌 Power plug | Type C/F, 230V |
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
April-October. Lisbon and Porto: April-June and September-October. Algarve beaches: May-September. Madeira: year-round (subtropical). Azores: best May-September for whale watching.
Do I need a visa for Portugal?
EU citizens — no. Schengen rules for non-EU. UK/US/Canada/Australia: visa-free 90 days.
Is Portugal expensive?
More affordable than Spain/Italy. Lisbon and Porto are mid-range (€60-100/day). Algarve premium in summer. Rural Alentejo and Madeira very affordable.
What is Portugal famous for?
Port wine (Porto), pastéis de nata, fado music, surfing (Nazaré, Ericeira), Algarve cliffs (Benagil cave), Madeira hiking, Sintra fairy-tale palaces, cork production.