Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio are recommended for Portugal. Consider hepatitis A if you plan to eat local street food or explore rural areas. Hepatitis B is advisable for long stays or close contact with locals. Rabies isn’t necessary unless you plan extensive outdoor activities. Always check current guidelines, as requirements can change.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Portugal, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for PortugalCulture & Customs
When in Portugal, greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. *Obrigado* (thanks) goes a long way. Respect queue culture and don’t cut in line. Meals are leisurely; don’t rush dining experiences. Dress modestly when visiting churches. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but leaving some change is appreciated. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Portugal is quite progressive, but discretion is advised in rural areas. Women generally travel safely, but staying aware in crowded spots is wise.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Portugal.
- Bacalhau à Brás: This is a classic dish made with shredded salted cod, onions, and finely chopped potatoes bound together with scrambled eggs. It’s a staple on Portuguese tables and showcases the country’s love affair with bacalhau (cod), which they claim to have 365 recipes for—one for each day of the year.
- Francesinha: Originating from Porto, this is a hearty sandwich made with layers of ham, sausages, and steak, covered in melted cheese and a rich tomato and beer sauce. It’s like a Portuguese take on a croque-monsieur and a must-try for anyone craving comfort food.
- Caldo Verde: A comforting soup often referred to as Portugal’s national soup. It combines thinly sliced kale, potatoes, and chouriço (a type of Portuguese sausage) for a simple yet soul-warming dish. It’s especially popular during celebrations and gatherings.
- Pastéis de Nata: These iconic custard tarts are a sweet treat you can’t miss. With a flaky pastry and creamy custard filling, they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Initially created by monks, they’ve become a symbol of Portuguese sweets.
- Arroz de Marisco: A seafood rice dish similar to paella, but with a more soupy consistency. Bursting with shellfish and rich flavors, it’s a prime example of Portugal’s maritime influence on its cuisine, especially loved along the coastal regions.
Yes, the tap water in Portugal is generally safe to drink, and locals do consume it regularly. However, some travelers prefer bottled or filtered water due to taste preferences or sensitivity to mineral content. If you’re concerned, carrying a reusable water bottle with a filter is a good compromise.
The main language in Portugal is
Portuguese. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Portuguese skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Portugal includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Portugal,
English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas, tourist destinations, and among younger generations. Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have a high proficiency in English, with many locals in the hospitality, retail, and service industries able to communicate effectively. In tourist hotspots, you’ll find that menus, signs, and information are often available in English.
However, in rural areas and smaller towns, English proficiency may be lower, and communication might require basic knowledge of Portuguese phrases. While many Portuguese people are eager to help tourists, learning a few key phrases in Portuguese can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Overall, travelers can expect to navigate most situations in English, but being open to learning some Portuguese can enrich interactions and foster goodwill.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Portugal is EUR (€).
In Portugal, ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas. Multibanco is the main network, and it’s pretty reliable. Stick to using ATMs attached to banks for better security. It’s best to carry some euros in cash, especially if you’re heading to smaller towns or planning to visit markets because not everyone accepts cards there.
For daily expenses, cards are accepted almost everywhere, but don’t count on it in remote areas. Visa and MasterCard are your safest bets. If you have American Express, it might be hit or miss.
Stick with euros—no need to carry dollars as they’re not useful here. If you need to exchange currency, do it at banks or official exchange offices for better rates. Avoid airport exchange counters unless it’s an emergency, as their rates are usually not great.
Tipping in Portugal isn’t mandatory but appreciated, especially in touristy areas. In restaurants, leaving 5-10% is common if the service is good. For taxis and other services, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving small change is usually sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.