Portugal Visitor Guide

About Portugal

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For those who do not know Portugal yet, we have prepared some information that may be useful to you.

Average temperature in August: 70 degrees Fahrenheit / 21 degrees Celsius
European Emergency Number: 112
Electric current: 230 / 400 volts, on a 50-hertz frequency. Portugal uses Type C and F plugs (two round pins). If you’re traveling from the U.S. or another country with different plugs, you’ll need a European plug adapter.

Operating Hours
- Subway – Every day from 06:30 am to 01:00 am
- Trains – Every day from 05:00 am to 01:00 am
- Buses – Every day from 05:30 am to 12:30 am. Night service from 12:30 am to 05:30 am
- Shopping Centers – Every day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- Pharmacies: In general, pharmacies are open on weekdays between 9am and 7pm (some close for lunch from 1 to 3 pm), and on Saturdays between 9am and 1pm.
- Embassies – Monday to Friday 09:00 am to 03:00 am
- Banks – Monday to Friday from 08:30 am to 03:00 am

Costs
- The local currency in Portugal is the Euro (€), and ATMs are widely available. You can typically withdraw up to 400 € at a time (twice per day). There’s no need to carry large amounts of cash, as most places accept credit and debit cards.
- Before you travel, be sure to notify your bank to authorize international card use and check for any foreign transaction fees.
- To give you a sense of everyday costs in Lisbon:
  - Lunch at a casual restaurant: 10 € (~$11)
  - Metro ticket: 1.50 € ($1.65)
  - Espresso coffee (“bica”): 0.65 € (~$0.70)
  - Bus ticket (purchased onboard): 1.85 € ($2)

Currency Exchange
You can exchange money at banks, which are open from 8.30 am to 3 pm five working days a week; at bureaux de change; and at automatic currency exchange machines (these are for currency sale transactions only).

Credit Cards
In Portugal, the most commonly used credit cards are: Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Europay / MasterCard, JCB and Maestro.
If your Visa or MasterCard credit card is lost or stolen, contact the following telephone numbers for assistance:
- Visa: Tel. 800 811 107
- MasterCard: Tel. 800 811 272

Tipping
Service is included in the bill in restaurants, though it is customary to leave an additional tip of about 5% of the total.

Commonly used phrases!

Things to do

Neighborhoods in Porto

Ribeira: historic waterfront, colorful buildings, riverside cafes
Baixa: central downtown, main shopping streets, elegant squares
Cedofeita: artsy area with galleries, street art, and trendy cafés
Foz do Douro: where the river meets the sea, beautiful seaside walks
Miragaia: narrow streets, historic charm, near Ribeira

SEE

Dom Luís I Bridge – iconic double-deck bridge, great for photos
Clérigos Tower – baroque church with panoramic views
Palácio da Bolsa – stunning 19th-century stock exchange building
São Bento Station – famous for its azulejo tile panels
Livraria Lello – one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) – historic cathedral with river views
Serralves Museum & Gardens – modern art museum with beautiful grounds

EXPLORE

Ribeira riverside – walk along the Douro, stop for a coffee or drink
Cais de Gaia – across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for port wine cellars
Foz do Douro promenade – beachside walk and sunset views
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal – scenic gardens with city views
Mercado do Bolhão – traditional market with fresh produce & crafts
Rua de Santa Catarina – main shopping street, cafés, and street performers
Galerias de Paris & Rua Cândido dos Reis – nightlife hub, bars, clubs

EAT

SWEET

Café Majestic – historic Belle Époque café, perfect for coffee, pastries, or a light dessert.
Confeitaria do Bolhão – traditional Portuguese bakery with pastel de nata and other sweets.
Leitaria da Quinta do Paço – famous for its éclairs and custard desserts.
Nata Lisboa – pastel de nata specialists, must-try for a classic sweet treat.
Manna Porto – modern café with delicious cakes and vegan desserts.
Padaria Ribeiro – bakery with traditional Portuguese sweets and seasonal treats.
Chocolataria Equador – artisan chocolates and creative desserts.

SAVORY

Brasão Cervejaria Aliados – famous for francesinha and other hearty Portuguese dishes.
Taberna dos Mercadores – cozy spot serving classic Portuguese meals.
Cantina 32 – modern tapas-style plates inspired by Portuguese flavors.
Casa Guedes – casual eatery, known for pork sandwiches with Serra cheese.
Adega São Nicolau – riverside tavern serving bacalhau and traditional dishes.
Mercado Bom Sucesso – food market with diverse savory options: burgers, sushi, Portuguese small plates.
Ode Porto Wine House – romantic fine-dining restaurant with seasonal Portuguese cuisine.
DaTerra – healthy plant-based dishes inspired by Portuguese cuisine.
Taberna Santo António – cozy, authentic Portuguese tapas bar.
Ribeira riverside restaurants – many terraces along the Douro for traditional seafood or grilled dishes.

DRINK

Graham’s Port Lodge – port wine tasting with stunning views over the Douro.
Vinum – rooftop bar at the wine museum, perfect for cocktails or port tasting with a view.
Base Porto – casual open-air bar in the city center, great for drinks with friends.
Bonaparte Downtown – cozy spot for cocktails and wine, tucked away in a historic street.
Mirajazz – live jazz bar with cocktails and intimate vibes.
Galerias de Paris street bars – vibrant nightlife hub with many options for cocktails and casual drinks.
PÉ de Pato – hidden cocktail bar with creative drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
Café au Lait – stylish café by day, casual wine and cocktails by evening.
Ribeira riverside bars – several terraces and bars along the Douro, perfect for a sunset drink.
Espaço 77 – modern rooftop bar near the city center, great for cocktails and city views.

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