portugal bus tours

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• Tag Bus Hop-on Hop-off (boat optional)
• Hour Glass 72h

Hop-On Hop-Off – Freepass - 4 Lines

Buy the Freepass and have 72 hours to experience Lisbon and Cascais traveling on our hop-on hop-off buses on 4 differente lines. 2 walking tours to discover Alfama and Baixa-Chiado at your own pace are included. You can also choose the option to include the hop-on hop-off boat in this package.

• Hour Glass 48h

Hop-On Hop-Off – 2 Lines

Choose the best combination of 2 hop-on hop-off bus lines in Lisbon and Cascais to use with your 48 hour ticket: Belém & Cascais, Belém & Oriente or Belém & Castelo. 2 walking tours to discover Alfama and Baixa-Chiado at your own pace are included. You can choose the option to include the hop-on hop-off boat in this package.

• Tag Guided tours
• Hour Glass 9h

Sintra Deluxe

Enjoy a Sintra Deluxe tour – a day spent in the town of Sintra, visiting the Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and Estoril.

• Hour Glass 11h

Fátima (full day)

A special tour which includes a visit to Óbidos, Batalha, Nazaré and Fátima. Enjoy a full day tour and discover more about Portugal.

• Tag Hop-on Hop-off
• Hour Glass 24h , 48h

Hop-On Hop-Off

Hop aboard our panoramic bus and discover the city of Porto with a 24h or 48h ticket. Discover Porto your own way with only one ticket. 2 walking tours are also included in your ticket!

• Tag Food tour , Guided tours

Historic Douro Valley

On this day trip from Porto, we visit the Douro Valley, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit this region to witness its breathtaking beauty. Lunch included.

The perfect host. This is how our customers see us, which fills us with pride. Who are we? We are Cityrama: the partner that will ensure that you will not miss out on the most beautiful, special, known and hidden treasures of Portugal. We are the perfect hosts to show you around our country by the sea. Why? Because we are dedicated to creating unique attractions and experiences, always meeting that which is our top priority: your expectations.

Travel Agency

Our goal is to ensure you have the trip you’ve always dreamed of, without having to worry about anything else.

From multi-day tours to visits that will take up only part of the day, with or without a tour guide, in a group or individually, count on us to get to know Portugal.

Count on Cityrama for any type of bus rental service. We have a diversified fleet, capable of serving corporate groups, leisure groups or events (such as weddings, for example).

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5 star tours according to our customers.

We highly recommend this wine lovers tour from beginning to end . Joao was so polite and kind and went out of his way to stop and talk to us about all our curiosities about the Douro valley. We had the most unique experience at both vineyards meeting the owners and tasting their varieties of wines along with their olive oils and their almonds . He picked an amazing top notch restaurant for our lunch with breads and olives and wines and a full course meal and ended it with dessert and port. It was absolutely delicious . Joao took great care of us , picking us up and delivered us back to our flat. Thank you to you and your family arranging this unforgettable experience.

This was a great way to see the city and get to taste some port. We saw many of the sights in Porto with detailed information provided by our guide, Isabel. The boat ride gave us a river view of all the bridges and we also spent some time out at shore where the river starts. The lunch wasn't the best but our fellow tour-takers made it enjoyable anyway.

Nice Half day tour and easy way to see Aveiro. Guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and transportation was easy.

It was a great tour, we enjoyed our trip. Our tour guide let us explore the places after giving information of the places we visited. I recommend this tour!

Had an excellent time with Louisa, she was awesome in giving the history of the places we visited. The only unfortunate thing was the weather that day, it was cold and cloudy, but we had a lot of fun! Obidos was the last stop and it was so pretty! We stopped there for an hour and it wasn’t enough, at least 2 but even that might not be enough!

My mum and I had a wonderful tour of the Algarve with Carlos. A very informative, reflective and entertaining commentary, followed with beautiful sights, a wonderful lunch and interesting destinations full of rich history. This is definitely the most comprehensive trip we have been on, and we feel like we have learned so much in one day. Thank you for an amazing tour!

Traffic Updates

• Chevron down Hop-on hop-off - Shopping & Zoo Line

Whenever there is a football match at the Estádio da Luz, the panoramic circuit of the Shopping & Zoo Line does not pass by the Estádio da Luz or the Colombo Shopping Centre. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

• Chevron down Hop-on hop-off: bus stops 4, 5 and 13 Blue Line suspended

For reasons beyond our control, the bus stops number 4, 5 and 13 of the Blue Line are suspended. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

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Bus tours in Portugal

Welcome to OsaBus bus tours in Portugal. Our designed coach tours in Portugal offer you the key to unlocking this beautiful country’s hidden treasures. Whether you’re seeking a small group family tour, or a group of friends eager to explore, our tours are designed to cater to all your travel desires.

Check out our ready made bus tour packages or request a custom made private small group bus tour.

Special offer and Wholesale deals available for Travel professionals. Contact us for more information.

Bus tours Portugal

Looking for a bus tour for your group? Our large charter bus selection is one of the best in Portugal. We know how important comfort is. That’s why we offer roomy buses on all our bus tours in Portugal.

Minibus tours in Portugal

Need a bus tour for a small group? Family trip in Portugal or a smaller shared group traveling around Portugal, we got you covered.

Minivan tours Portugal

Private and Individualy built group tours by bus or a samll van. Luxury or economy chauffeur driven minivan tours in Portugal. Extra small group bus trips in Portugal and in other parts of Europe.

Ready to go Packages

We offer many different bus tour packages: all-inclusive , custom made, private as well as shared group bus tours. Ask for more information.

Hotels included

All our packages include accomodation, which in most cases is a centrally located 4 star Hotel. For private bus tours we can adjust the accommodation per customer requirements.

Everything else

Our tours also include tour guides and group leaders. Additionally on a request basis we can help you with everything else, flight booking, custom itinerary development and much more.

What are the options for bus tours in Portugal?

Family trips (4 people and above).

Our bus tour in Portugal is perfect for families looking to create cherished memories together. With a minimum requirement of just 4 people, families can explore the wonders of Portugal in a comfortable and engaging environment. Guides ensure that both adults and children have an enriching experience, catering to the interests of all family members.

Small group tours (Up to 16 People)

Our small group tours in Portugal, accommodating up to 16 people, can be tailor-made just for you or you can choose from our ready to go coach trip package deals in Portugal. These small group bus tours allow for flexibility, spontaneous stops, and a deeper connection with the destination, making your journey through Portugal truly unique.

Large group tours (Up to 55 People)

Our Portugal bus tours cater to the needs of larger groups as well, accommodating up to 55 people and even bigger if needed per customer requirements. With our spacious coaches, comfortable seating, and knowledgeable guides, large groups can travel together seamlessly. Check out our ready to go bus tour packages in Portugal.

What to expect on a bus tour around Portugal

Prepare for an unforgettable bus journey through the most captivating regions of Portugal.

With our local guides, you’ll unravel the mysteries of iconic landmarks, indulge in gourmet delights throughout the entire coach trip in Portugal. Expect seamless travel, delightful cultural encounters, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Book your European bus tour with OsaBus.

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Coach / Bus Tours in Portugal and Spain 2024/2025

94 coach / bus trips around portugal and spain with 2,610 reviews.

Coach / Bus Family

Northern Spain & Portugal 16-Day Tour from Barcelona

"Great tour, excellent guides, Carlos exceded from Barcelona to Porto." Gabriel, traveled in July 2023

• €50 deposit on some dates

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus Christmas & New Year +2

Iberian Explorer (13 Days)

"We covered an amazing amount of things in a very short space of time, and I will highly recommend the trip to anyone who wants the best bang for their buck." Michele, traveled in May 2024

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Coach / Bus Historical Christmas & New Year +4

Spanish Ring with Lisbon

"Enjoyed the sightseeing, foods. We took lots of pictures and had a blast." Sachindra, traveled in July 2023

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Coach / Bus +2

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

"It was very organised and informative. All the details were covered." Shaneez, traveled in September 2023

In-depth Cultural Family Explorer Coach / Bus Christmas & New Year +3

South of Spain with Lisbon

"Best tour guides ever, Ana, Maria, Yolanda, and Sabrina were awesome. We loved Sabrina who spent the most time with us." Roger, traveled in July 2022

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus Historical +2

Spain & Portugal Explorer

"Well organised, great tour coach drivers." Paul, traveled in February 2024

• 10% deposit on some dates

Explorer Family Coach / Bus Historical Christmas & New Year +2

Portugal, Andalucia and Morocco from Madrid

"Good for the prize of the tour." Joselyn, traveled in April 2022

Iberian Discovery & Morocco

"Hotels were nice. Group was on time and friendly." Marcia, traveled in October 2023

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus +1

Fátima, Lourdes & Shrines of Spain - Faith-Based Travel

"Well organised, wonderful safe drivers, very thoughtful." tracey, traveled in September 2023

Highlights of Spain & Portugal

"I didn't expect that so many places we visited in a short period of time even though there was a couple of days it rained." Arlene, traveled in November 2022

Portugal And Spain Coach / Bus Tour Reviews

Great tour, excellent guides, Carlos exceded from Barcelona to Porto , from Porto to Caceres great lady guide, from Caceres to Madrid, also excellent lady guide...

I really loved our tour guide Ana Rita Lima. She helped us through a couple rough patches and I appreciate that. Very energetic and delightful!! I loved every bit of the tour except the hotel quality on the first night of the tour. It needed a vending machine that worked and more opportunity to get snacks upon arrival. It was just very basic. Also the hotel in ( I can't remember which city) we didn't have air conditioning. Our tour guide told us of where to be cautious (pick pockets) and some things we should be aware of. I appreciate that they stopped regularly for food and bathrooms breaks. Our driver, Rui, ( proved to have great skill, navigating in traffic, fog, rain and parking!! Overall, a great tour, with important history and valuable information!! With the exception of two poor quality hotels it was a memory that will last a life time. By the way, the Best Western in Barcelona is much better than the one we stayed in on the tour.

It was an incredible experience to see all of the different places in Spain! It felt like we were stepping into a movie with every new place we visited. Which made sense because a lot of those places actually were movie locations. Our tour guide, Emmanuel, was a funny and awesome guy. He was very patient, very accommodating, and informative; and he made sure that nobody was left behind.

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Buses in Portugal: How To Get Around Portugal By Bus

Following on from the article about getting around Portugal by train , I’ve put together a guide to getting around Portugal by bus. I’ve travelled extensively by bus here – taking buses throughout the country and even into Spain as well.

Portugal has an extensive bus network that is made up of two types of buses which I think of as “local buses” and “coaches.”

The coaches are usually for trips lasting for several hours but can be as little as an hour or less. They are usually fairly new, have working air con, are quite comfortable, and sometimes even have an onboard food and drinks service. They usually connect cities and large towns with each other.

The local buses, on the other hand, are often a bit out of date but very functional – much like the trains. They usually connect small towns and villages with each other.

Between the two, you can get to and from just about anywhere in mainland Portugal and even beyond the border as well.

Unfortunately, finding bus journey information isn’t usually as easy as going on Google Maps and letting Google tell you when the next bus is. If only.

Don’t worry, it isn’t too difficult. Most people travelling in Portugal take longer distance buses (e.g. Lisbon to Porto or Porto to Faro) which means using the Rede Expressos website (which is easy to use, don’t worry). It’s only really challenging if you’re trying to get the bus in small towns and cities, but we’ll get to that.

Coach travel in Portugal

The Rede Expressos website is very easy to use. You can easily look up tickets, buy them online, and have the tickets delivered to your email. This article gives tips on using that website, but you could also use flixbus.pt to find cheap bus tickets and busbud to compare bus ticket prices. The buses one these websites are usually companies that do long distance. Unfortunately, many local bus timetables aren’t available online.

You don’t need to print the tickets

As long as you can show the PDF on your phone, that’s enough. I usually have my identification close by in case I’m asked for it, but I never have been.

You can book your tickets last minute

Although you should probably book in advance in case there are any technical issues, I’ve booked tickets less than an hour before a journey and it hasn’t been a problem.

Seats are allocated in order

The ticketing system automatically assigns the first person to buy a ticket seat 1, the next person gets seat 2, etc. If you want a chance of getting a seat by yourself, manually change your allocated seat before paying.

Credit card problems?

Sometimes payment processors in Portugal reject non-Portuguese credit cards. That happens to a lot of people when they’re trying to book train tickets, so it might happen to you if you’re trying to book bus tickets.

If it does, try going through PayPal instead. You don’t actually need to have a PayPal account – you can actually pay with your credit card or debit card via PayPal as well.

Tip: Lisbon is ‘Lisboa’ in the searchbox rather than ‘Lisbon.’ Also there are two bus stations (Sete Rios and Oriente) and you will probably have to do a search for both.

Zip/Post Code problems?

The invoice section seems to only be designed for Portuguese postal codes, which follow this format: 1200-047. You can’t insert a UK postcode or US zip code. The solution is to simply not fill in the invoice section, which is optional, and just skip ahead to the payment. For those that don’t live in Portugal, the main payment options will be either the credit card option or the PayPal option. If the credit card option doesn’t work, you can still use your credit card and pay through PayPal.

Discounted coach tickets

Rede Expressos offers discounted coach tickets for the following groups, and you can select your ticket type on the homepage when before you begin your ticket search.

• Senior (65 or older)
• Youth (13-29)
• Child (4-12)
• Baby (up to 4 years old)
• Military (65 or older)

You will need to present ID if you’re travelling on a discounted ticket.

Other coach companies (e.g. Flixbus)

As well as Rede Expressos, there are a few international bus companies that operate in Portugal and have their own bus networks.

• Flixbus – Most useful for international routes (e.g. Lisbon to Sevilla) but it offers some routes within Portugal as well. You can see all the routes on the route maps page .
• Omio – Pulls in results from Rede Expressos and also some other Portuguese bus networks like EVA. It’s the same results that you can get anywhere else (although slightly more expensive) but pretty presented and easier to use.

Local bus travel in Portugal

While the coaches on Rede Expressos cover journeys between cities or large towns (e.g. Lisbon to Porto), local buses connect smaller towns and villages.

Local buses are managed by regional bus services. For example, there’s a “Rodoviária do Alentejo,” “Rodoviária do Oeste,” and “Rodoviária do Tejo.” The biggest challenge is often working out which is the local website that you should be looking at.

You probably won’t be able to buy tickets online

While you can easily buy coach tickets online, there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to buy your local bus tickets online: you’ll have to buy them at the bus station.

Don’t expect any mod cons

These buses are usually much older and don’t have wifi, toilets, or even air con.

Most bus stops don’t have timetables

For whatever reason, bus stops (especially bus stops in the countryside) don’t have printed bus timetables inside them. You’ll probably either need to wait for the next bus (if you’re already there) or go into the local tourist information office to get a copy of the bus timetable. 

International bus journeys

If you want to book an international ticket, for example to somewhere in Spain or France, there are a couple of websites that you can use.

• Rede Expressos – As well as domestic tickets, you can also buy international bus tickets to Spain and some destinations in France.
• Flixbus – Offers routes from Portugal to destinations all over Europe including Barcelona, Paris, and Luxembourg. From there, you can connect to hundreds of other destinations like Rome, Prague, and Budapest. ( See the route map here )
• Alsa – Spain’s national bus network, which also includes some routes into France as well.
• Eurolines – Offers international routes from Portugal to destinations all over Europe: everywhere from Amsterdam to Zagreb.

FAQs about bus travel in Portugal

Which is better in portugal, bus or the train.

It’s down to a matter of preference.

Personally, I think there are a lot of pros to the buses over trains. The first being that they cover the whole of the country and the second being that the bus stations are always in the city centre (some train stations are 10 km or more away from their actual destination).

Which is cheaper in Portugal, bus or the train?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a black and white answer to this and you will have to check both.

If you’re travelling cross country (e.g. Lisbon to Porto), and you’re booking in advance (7 days or more), then the train is probably going to be cheaper as you can usually get a discounted ticket. It’s not always the case, though: sometimes the bus is cheaper. You really do need to check both.

If you’re travelling a short distance, coach travel (e.g. Rede Expressos) can be more expensive than the train as Rede Expressos, for some reason, has a minimum ticket price of €6.

Which is faster in Portugal, bus or the train?

If you take an AP (Alfa Pendular) long distance train it’s normally faster than the bus: for example the train from Lisbon Oriente to Porto Sao Bento takes 2h51 while the bus from Lisbon Oriente to Porto takes at least 3H15.

For shorter distances, there’s usually not a big difference.

Can I bring my bike on the bus?

You can bring your bike on Rede Expressos buses, but you will need to buy it a bike ticket. More information about transporting bikes can be found on the website’s terms and conditions .

Can I bring my pet on the bus?

You can bring your pet on Rede Expressos national buses, but you will need to buy it a pet ticket and follow the pet travel rules .

Spotted a mistake? Suggest a correction

What buses should I get in the Algarve?

My husband and I will be traveling from the Lisbon airport to Lagos. What would you suggest as our best mode of transportation? Also I’m hesitant to purchase bus or train tickets in advance in case of flight delays. Do you have any advice? Thanks!

Hi, a group of friends and I are planning the Camino Portugues, but we only have a week. We will fly into Porto, but start the trail at Valenca-Tui. But the coast route from Porto to Vila do Conde looks awesome, so we thought we’d do this first. My question is can we get a bus from Vila do Conde to somewhere on the main bus route from Porto to Valenca-Tui? Can we find timetables or routes online for local buses. Thanks

Hi, we are arriving at Lisbon Airport with bikes and want to take the bus (it seems there are no trains) to Evora. Can’t seem to find buses, either, but I assume there is one. Can you help? Thanks.

Hello, Could you please suggest how can I travel BY BUS/TRAIN from Lisbon airport to Setubal. I tried almost all options to find a aschedule but it was frustrating. Please help.

One option would be to get the bus from Lisbon Sete Rios to Setúbal. Timetables and tickets on Rede Expressos.

Are buses reliable, are they generally on time?

It varies considerably depending on the location. The intercity network of coaches is generally reliable though.

Thanks, buddy

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Portugal small group tours: A fabulous 5 day Itinerary

This tour is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies .

Subject to change. Updated November 17, 2023.

November 13, Thursday Day 1:

Welcome to Lisbon, and the start of your Portugal small group tours. I’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel. Your room will be ready when you get there if you wanna take a nap or freshen up. The rest of the day is all yours.

Meet in the lobby of the hotel to go over to our Welcome Dinner! We’ll be enjoying a traditional Fado performance with our dinner. Fado is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and is something not to be missed when you’re visiting Portugal. 

November 14, Friday Day 2:

After breakfast (which is included all week), I’ll be giving a walking/tram tour that will include a tour of the Castle of St. George.

Audio guides will be included where they are available. We’ll also be able to check out the Santa Justa Lift.

In the evening, we’ll be heading out on a Food and Wine Walking Tour! The best way to experience a new place is through their food!

November 15, Saturday Day 3:

Today we head out of Lisbon on a day trip to Sintra, Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca!

“Find the colorful Pena Palace hidden behind the tallest trees of Sintra! This unique masterpiece seems to make all the fairytales come true. Allow yourself to wander around the palace’s yards and gardens and take the chance to explore its lavish chambers.

Next, head over to the center of Sintra and get time to wander on your own. Take recommendations of the city’s must-see locations as well as the best restaurant options for delicious traditional Portuguese dining from your guide. Find Sintra’s local flavors where time slows, and every corner reveals a slice of the town’s magnificent gastronomy. Immerse yourself in the town’s romanticism as you explore its cobblestone and picturesque squares.

Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Continental Europe and amaze yourself with the impressive views of the ocean crashing against the high rocky cliffs. Enjoy the harmony between the sound of the waves and the fresh breeze, where “earth ends, and the sea begins”. Allow yourself to be embraced by the Portuguese Riviera, while enjoying a short walking tour around the charming Cascais.”

November 16, Sunday Day 4:

After breakfast this morning, I’ll be taking you on quick tram trip to Belem! We’ll be able to see the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower and most importantly taste the famous Pasteis de Belem!

You’ll have the evening free any last-minute site seeing or shopping you have on your list as our final day will be full to the brim with a very exciting day trip!

November 17, Monday Day 5:

On our final day, we’ll be venturing further into Portugal on a day trip to Fatima, Batalha, Nazare and Obidos!

“Follow in the footsteps of Catholic pilgrims on a full-day sightseeing tour of Central Portugal from Lisbon. Transfer from the Portuguese capital, and drive through a vast variety of landscapes on your way to the towns of Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos.

Travel in an air-conditioned van to the extraordinary town of Fátima, where an apparition of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared before 3 children every month between May 1917 and October 1917. Visit one of the major shrines of the Catholic faith, a complex that contains the tombs of 2 of the young shepherd children, the crown of the Virgin in the Chapel of the Apparitions, and a section of the Berlin Wall. Buy lunch in a local restaurant far from the tourist crowds and taste authentic Portuguese food.

Continue to the fishing port of Nazaré for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Popular with surfers, Nazaré was where Garrett McNamara surfed a 79-foot wave. Finally, tour the picturesque town of Óbidos, taken from the Muslims in 1148. Forming part of the dowry of numerous Portuguese queens, Óbidos maintains its medieval feel inside the old city walls, with cobblestone streets and flower-bedecked houses.

After our day trip, we’ll go to our Farewell Dinner, where we can exchange stories, pictures and enjoy each other’s company for one final night.

November 18, Tuesday Day 6:

Sadly, we will all go our separate ways today but I’ll get you back to the airport so you can start your trip home.

Safe travels as you head home! Until we meet again!

Included in your Portugal Small Group Tour:

• Airport transfers to/from the hotel
• Five nights hotel
• 5 hot breakfasts at the hotel
• 1 entree, a side, and one alcoholic beverage or dessert
• Food during the walking tour will probably count as a meal.
• St. George’s Castle
• Santa Justa Lift
• Jeronimos Monastery
• Any entry tickets needed on day trips
• One Metro Card
• Sintra, Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca
• Fatima, Batalha, Nazare and Obidos
• One food and wine walking tour
• Walking tour of Lisbon with Jessy
• One guide who is a text away if you need her (that’s me!)
• Brighter Things Amenity Kit mailed to you before the trip to make your flight more comfortable

For example: flying internationally if this is your first

• A swag bag waiting for you full of fun stuff.

NOT Included in your Portugal Small Group Tour:

• Public transportation or cabs used during free time
• Any meal not listed above
• Meals and snacks during day trips
• Entry tickets to places suggested for free time

This tour is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

Subject to change. Updated on November 17, 2023.

~ The Rabbie's Blog ~

Things to Know Before Travelling to Portugal

Exploring new areas can be exciting, but there’s always one or two things you best know before you go. And travelling to Portugal is no different. While situated amongst other popular European countries, it's always best to discover local customs and cultures, especially if they’re vastly different to your own home countries. Let’s dive into the top 5 things to know before making your journey to Portugal, so you can ensure your trip is a success.                

Coming up in this article:

Pack Comfortable Shoes For Exploring

Plan, plan, then plan some more, learn basic portuguese, public transport vs hire cars.

• Local Delicacies 

Visiting Portugal FAQs

5 things to know to make your trip to portugal easier.

Making the most out of your tour of Portugal is key, which is why preparation is needed no matter how many times you’ve travelled around Europe. Breaking down our top 5 tips, we explore what to pack, local transportations, and not forgetting the best food to try. Let’s get started, so that your tour of Portugal is as seamless as it can be. 

Comfort is key for any trip you may take, but especially if you’re travelling to Portugal. Touring from Lisbon and other cities, you can find the streets covered in beautiful cobbled stones, while further a field can have steep inclines only the best grips could cope with. If you’ve not experienced cobblestones before, our top tip is to watch your footing. Not only can they be very slippery, in non-grippy shoes they can start to hurt the souls of your feet over time, so pack your most comfortable gripped footwear! As one of the most walkable countries in Europe, we’d hate for you to miss out on the captivating sights because of uncomfortable footwear. 

Get ready to put your best foot forward and step into a kaleidoscope of mosaics when you venture to Portugal this year.

Planning your trip should be fun and not seen as a chore. It's this dedicated time which can allow you to start getting excited for what's to come and the adventures you're about to embark upon. But the most important part of planning is to create a loose agenda. Now we’re not expecting you to ensure every minute of your day is accounted for, but having a rough idea of what you want to see and do, or the places you most want to eat and drink at can help guide you. Ultimately, you want to make the most of your Portugal trip, and not leave feeling like you could have seen more had you planned your time better. 

If you’re touring as a solo traveller , you may be told not to plan your itinerary, but without a guide of some sort, you may find yourself missing key aspects of Portugal. If you’re still not convinced by planning, turn your head to our guide of things to do in Lisbon to get you started. 

If you’re an adventurous traveller, or like to go more off-grid, knowing basic Portuguese will go a long way. While in the tourist hotspots (Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve) English is widely accepted. But as you tour further afield, you may encounter locals with limited English. For peace of mind (and good manners) knowing the local phrases is beneficial when travelling to Portugal. 

• Hello - Olá [O - la]
• Goodbye - Adeus [A - day - us]
• Please - Por favor [poor - fah - vore]
• Thank you - Obrigado [Ob - re - guard - oh]

When you travel Portugal, you’ll soon realise it’s a very walkable country, with a pretty good public transport network. But we understand the need for freedom and to not have to rely on timetables to get you from A to B. Why not get the benefit of both by having someone drive for you, and allow you freedom at each stop when you take part in one of our small-group tours?  

Public Transport

• No need to drive yourself, allowing you to enjoy a glass or two of the famous local tipple, Port.
• Major cities are widely connected and easily accessible.
• Metro Lines in Porto and Lisbon
• May have to rely on local taxis when wanting to visit more remote locations.
• Using public transport can be a very time-consuming experience, which may not be ideal when travelling to Portugal for a short period of time.
• You have to stick to a timetable which could often lead to unpredictable delays or closures.

Hire Cars 

• Hiring a car allows you to visit where you want, when you want.
• Provides you easy access to off-the-grid destinations, not easily accessible by public transport.
• You can stick to your own timetable.
• You need to be 18 years old to hire a car, but on occasion some companies will not allow you to hire a car if you’re under 25. This varies from company to company, so it's worth checking beforehand.
• It can be stressful to drive in a country which you haven’t done before. From not knowing the roads, the rules or having time to take breaks, the chances of having accidents could be a lot higher.  

Local Delicacies

Being a European country conveniently located near the sea provides guests travelling to Portugal with a wealth of fresh seafood options. One to seek out on your travels has to be Pastéis de Bacalhau, sometimes referred to as salt cod fritters. But if seafood is not your first choice, and you’re craving something a little sweeter, a Pastéis de nata is not to be missed. From the outside they may just look like a plain old custard tart, but they are so much more than this. From the crisp flakey pastry which melts with every bite, to the velvet filling which coats the inside of your mouth, each bite will leave you aching for more.  

What Currency is Used in Portugal?

Portugal uses the Euro (EUR) as their primary currency. It can be handy to have your currency already converted prior to your trip, but it’s always best to check the exchange rate first. Alternatively, you can travel to Portugal with a bank card or a prepaid travel card, some banks may even offer a separate travel card so it’s always worth checking. But in both situations, cash is still considered king in Portugal, so make sure you have it on hand before you land.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Portugal?

A trip to Portugal is a good idea all year round, however, the best time to visit in our opinion is in spring (March - May). Travelling within this shoulder season not only is beneficial if you don’t like the busyness of tourists, but also the weather can still be pleasant. 

Do I Need a Visa To Visit Portugal?

If travelling to Portugal from the UK or USA, currently you don’t need a visa for a short term stay. This also applied when visiting a European country within the agreed Schengen Area. Meaning as a tourist, you can stay for 90 days or less in a 180-day period. This being said, there are certain regulations you do need to consider before flying such as, the remaining period left on your passport before expiry. If in doubt, you can head to the GOV.UK website or travel.state.gov , which will be able to help advise you further.

Experience The Wonder of Portugal For Yourself

It’s never too early to start planning your next European getaway. Step outside the capital’s walls and explore the beauty Portugal has to offer you this year. Led by knowledgeable drivers and guides, roam the peaceful landscapes all in the comfort of your vehicle. Who knows what tales you’ll bring back. To ensure you don’t miss out, sign up to our newsletter which brings you all the latest from Rabbie’s, including new tour dates and destinations. What are you waiting for?

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11 Day Portugal Tour to Lisbon, Algarve and Porto

11 days, 1 country and 16 cities

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This Best of Portugal journey reveals a nation’s proud history, warm-hearted locals and soul-warming cuisine. Starting in Lisbon, you’ll travel north and south to explore a Templar stronghold, watch thoroughbreds perform at an Alentejo farm and visit the Algarve.

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11 days itinerary trip from Lisbon to Lisbon visiting 1 country and 16 cities

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Lisbon, Évora, Porto, Coimbra and Tomar

Discover the Algarve, Lagos, Castelo de Vide, Viseu, Nazaré and Óbidos

Visit the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the cathedral in Évora, the Palace Gardens at Palacio de Mateus, the Stock Exchange Palace, Arabian Hall and a local port wine cellar in Porto, the University Library of Coimbra, the Convent of Christ in Tomar and Batalha's Gothic Monastery

View the Castle of Guimarães and the Shrine at Fátima

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I'm an American who visited Portugal for the first time. The affordability and walkability of Lisbon blew me away.

• I traveled to Lisbon for the first time and was surprised by many things. 
• The capital city felt smaller and more affordable than the other European destinations I've visited.
• I wish I had spent four days rather than a week in Lisbon and explored more of Portugal.

As someone who's spent their entire life in the tristate area , I'm always interested in comparing other metropolitan areas to New York City. 

My mom and I have had the Portuguese capital on our travel bucket lists for a while and wanted to see everything it had to offer. We flew seven hours from New York to Madrid before hopping on a short hour-and-a-half flight to Lisbon. 

We explored different neighborhoods, like Bairro Alto and Chiado, and visited sites such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. 

These were some of the biggest surprises during my first trip to Lisbon.

Editor's Note: The writer took this trip in February 2022. 

The first thing I noticed was how much smaller Lisbon felt compared to the other European cities I've visited.

When I visited other European cities , it sometimes took me a while to find my bearings and figure out how to get around. However, Lisbon felt much smaller and easier to navigate.

For reference, Lisbon is around 33 square miles , which is smaller than Paris ( around 41 square miles ), Rome ( around 500 square miles ), and London ( around 600 square miles ). 

Even though Lisbon is almost as big as Paris, it felt smaller since everything was so close together.

Almost all of the destinations on our itinerary were within walking distance from where we stayed or just a short ride away from our hotel. The furthest spot we visited in Lisbon was a 25-minute drive away.

Each neighborhood had a distinct feel, and I couldn't believe how easy it was to tell them apart.

Lisbon is divided into several different neighborhoods, and I had no trouble telling each one apart. 

Baixa is a central neighborhood that's home to popular attractions like Restauradores Square, Praça do Comércio, and Rossio; Bairro Alto has some of the city's best nightlife spots; and Chiado is the go-to area for great shopping and beautiful public squares. All of them were worth a visit. 

In addition to the above neighborhoods, my other favorites were Alfama and Belém. Tourists should visit each area to take in its unique beauty and ambiance. I found it super interesting to compare their similarities and differences.

Overall, Lisbon didn't feel like New York in the slightest, especially without all the honking and other noises. But I adored the European city's colorful buildings and the way its neighborhoods all intertwined.

I could walk almost everywhere I wanted to go in the city — but it was very hilly.

Before you decide where to stay in Lisbon , it's important to research the city's different neighborhoods, especially if you plan on walking everywhere. 

I chose the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz in the Marquês de Pombal neighborhood because it was within walking distance of Baixa and Chiado. Plus, my room had a gorgeous view  of the city.

Places were even closer than they seemed on the map. On our first day in Lisbon, the hotel concierge told us to take a taxi to Chiado and Rossio. However, we decided to walk and ended up arriving in less than 30 minutes. 

As someone who's always on their feet in New York, this journey was a breeze compared to the daily walks I take with my dog . However, the city is hilly, and walking for too long can be brutal. There's no shame in taking a car back. 

Also, Lisbon has a prominent nightlife scene. So if you don't plan on going out or don't want to hear music blasting all night long, you might want to stay in a quieter area.

I'm so glad I visited during the off-season. The temperature was mild, and there were fewer crowds.

We visited in February, which is considered Lisbon's winter and offseason. It was the perfect time to go.

The city was less crowded than it would've been during the summer season, but the weather was still warm enough on several days of our trip that we could wear light jackets or short-sleeve shirts.

The food, transportation, and souvenirs were more affordable in Lisbon than I expected.

My trip to Lisbon was more affordable than my vacations in other European cities  — including London, Paris, Rome, and Milan. 

To be fair, prices may have dipped since I visited during the offseason, but I budgeted a lot more for the trip than I ended up spending. 

When my mom and I went out to dinner, I spent between $25 and $35 on both meals, which included appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Our most expensive meal in Lisbon was around $45, and we ordered a lot of food. 

Prices vary depending on the restaurant. I didn't go to any Michelin-starred eateries during my trip, but I did go to upscale restaurants. 

Additionally, the priciest Uber I took in Lisbon was $15, and it went all the way to the other side of the city. 

In some other European cities, I spent a lot more money on transportation and dining (many restaurants charged over $50 for an appetizer, two main courses, and a dessert), so the prices in Lisbon were a pleasant surprise.

The famous Pastéis de Bélem were worth all of the hype.

Lisbon is famous for its Pastéis de Bélem, a sweet pastry with custard filling, and they were worth the hype.

Pastéis de Bélem originated at a shop in Bélem with the same name . The rest of the country calls the sweets "Pastéis de Nata," but Pastéis de Bélem come from this specific shop in Lisbon, which has used the same secret recipe to make them since 1837.

When I tried my first Pastel de Bélem, it was heavenly. I completely understood why people raved about them. Not only was the treat delicious, but it was affordable too. Each one cost around $1.34.

Our tour guide said Pastéis de Bélem has crazy lines during Lisbon's busy summer season from June to August, and the shop sells thousands of its pastries each day.

Thankfully, I visited during off-hours in the winter, so I only had to wait a few minutes. But I talked about the pastry for the rest of our trip.

I felt like I only needed a few days to explore the city and regretted not seeing more of Portugal.

The biggest mistake I made when planning this trip was budgeting an entire week for Lisbon. I didn't expect the city to be as small as it was.

I saw the bulk of the city in four days and then spent the rest of the time relaxing. It was nice, but I wouldn't follow the same itinerary if I visit again.

Portugal is a beautiful country, and I would've liked to see more of it. I wish I'd spent three or four days in Lisbon before exploring another area , like Porto. 

Pictures didn't do Lisbon justice, so I recommend seeing the city with your own eyes.

After arriving in Lisbon, I was surprised by the city's beauty. Though I wouldn't put the Portuguese capital in the same category as Paris or Rome, I was still very impressed by its pastel-colored buildings, ornate tilework, and picturesque scenery.

I'd seen plenty of photos before I visited, but it was still surreal to see Lisbon in real life. 

The miradouros, or viewpoints, were the best places to see the city. I visited as many as possible and was amazed by the incredible view at each one of them.

Overall, I'd recommend a visit to Lisbon. From its beauty to its charming neighborhoods, the city is like a real-life watercolor painting.

This story was originally published on August 31, 2022, and most recently updated on June 24, 2024.

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