Wear shoes for hills
Lisbon and Porto are steep, with polished cobblestones that become slippery in the rain. Comfortable footwear matters more than a stylish pair, and the trams get crowded quickly.
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Where to stay in Portugal
Tiles, hills and a coastline that is never far away.
Portugal is small enough to combine a city and a coast in one trip, and the main cities are easy to walk if you accept the hills. Lisbon and Porto both reward getting an apartment with a view rather than a car; trains connect the larger towns, and the food is excellent well below the top of the price range. The Atlantic keeps the weather mild but changeable.
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Portugal
01
1 city guide
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- City guide
- Lisbon
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- Europe
- On the desk
- Porto · Madeira · Faro
City guide
1 city guideCity guides in Portugal
One city, deeply mapped — more are being researched.
Before you book
The country-level things that change the stay.
Portugal · Country hub
Carry some cash for small places
Most places take cards, but small tascas, market stalls and older cafés may prefer cash. A few euros in your pocket saves awkward conversations.
Check the tram and funicular queues
The most famous trams and lifts draw long queues at peak times. Walking a stop or two away often gets you on sooner, and the lesser-known routes are usually calmer.
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Not sure which city to start with?
Tell me how long you have and what you want from the trip. I’ll help you choose the city and the base.
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Ask about your routeA note from the editor
“I’d rather tell you which area to skip than sell you another list of ‘best hotels’.”
The guides are independent. Booking links may earn a commission; they never change the shortlist.
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