Things to Know Before Travelling
Portugal regularly tops European bucket lists and its cities, namely Porto and Lisbon, are no stranger to tourism. But Portugal is more than just its captivating cities, it's golden beaches and mountainous peaks, verdant valleys and quaint towns. In fact, their friendly ambiance invites you to embrace the local way of life. So if you want the lowdown on all things Portuguese, look no further than our list below:
Safety in Portugal:
While Portugal is generally safe, exercise caution in Lisbon and Porto, particularly regarding pickpockets, who are a common concern in the country's bustling urban areas.
Driving in Indonesia:
Navigating city traffic may pose challenges, but Portugal has excellent highways, perfect for road trips. Motorways often have tolls but rental cars usually come equipped with electronic tags to ease toll payments.
Dining and Dancing in Indonesia:
In Portugal, the evening meal takes centre stage, usually served around 9pm. Brace yourself for delightful traditions such as plates of small appetisers like pâté, sardines and olives, as you await the main event of frango no churrasco and arroz de pato (duck rice). Note, some appetisers are offered without you asking for them. Charges may incur if consumed.
Lisbon's nightlife thrives into the early hours, with many establishments opening around 10 pm. Prepare for a vibrant nightlife experience.
Travel Tips:
Avoid crowded trams in cities during peak hours, typically from 6 to 10 pm. They tend to be packed full of commuters and tourists. Trains run across the country, linking the green hills of Braga with the cobbled streets of Lisbon and Porto. They are high speed (you can get from Lisbon to Faro in just 3.5 hours) and relatively hassle-free.
Useful Insights:
Most museums close their doors on Mondays.
Credit card acceptance may be challenging outside major cities.
Opt for private car parks, especially in big cities at night, ensuring secure parking. Costs in major cities generally range from 20 to 25 Euros per night.
