Welcome to Portugal

Culturally rich, charming and effortlessly appealing, Portugal is an Old WorlStart in an Old gem. If you’re in the country for a short stay, concentrate your visit on Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley, branching out if time allows.

Start in the capital, tracing the winding streets of the Alfama district, popping into bookstores in trendy Chiado and living it up with the locals in chic Bairro Alto in the evening. Take time to see the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Belem Tower. In Porto, set in the beautiful Douro Valley, visit wine lodges and vineyards where port was born.

Take a side trip to Sao Bento railway station to see some of the country’s most stunning azulejos tiles, then take a cruise along the Douro River. Soak up the warm weather of the Algarve and its enticing cities of Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura and Portimao. From Sintra to Evora, from Nazare to Obidos, Portugal and its charmed coastal location is the envy of Europe.

Unique Facts

• Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries, including Brazil, Mozambique and Equatorial Guinea.
• Lisbon is home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Bertrand Chiado on Rua Garrett. It dates back to 1732.
• More than half of the world’s cork comes from Portugal. The world’s largest cork forest is here and it is illegal to cut down a cork oak tree (native to Portugal) without permission from the government.
• Portugal is famous for fado, a form of Portuguese singing dating back to the 1820s. Different styles can be heard in different regions of Portugal. Fado is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
• Portugal is one of the world’s top surfing spots, thanks to its 497 miles of coastline.

Language

Portugal’s official language is Portuguese.

When To Go

The best time to go to Portugal is in the spring (March through May) or in the fall (September and October). The weather is beautiful during these seasons and the crowds are smaller.

Airports

Lisbon Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for three months beyond departure date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Portugal: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

The road network in Portugal has been significantly expanded. Be aware of aggressive, high-speed driving.

The most common public transportation options are taxi service, ride-sharing services, such as Uber, and bus service.

There are four different train types in Portugal: regional trains for shorter distances, intercity trains for getting between major cities and towns, subway systems in Lisbon and Porto; and the high-speed train that connects all major cities.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Lisbon
Av. das Forças Armadas, Sete-Rios
1600-081 Lisbon
Portugal
Telephone: +(351) (21) 770-2122
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(351) (21)-770-2122 or +(351) (21) 727-3300
Fax: +(351) (21) 727-2354
conslisbon@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Lisbon Tourist Information Center
Palacio Foz
Praca dos Restauradores
Lisbon, Portugal
Tel: 00351 213 463314

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

Crimes of opportunity are common, including pickpocketing, purse snatching at major tourist sites, in restaurants and on public transportation. Safeguard your belongings. Avoid ATMS in isolated and poorly lit areas. Secure belongings in your hotel or rental home.