Portugal: Know Before You Go

So You’re Visiting Portugal? Here’s What No One Tells You (But I Will)

Portugal’s hot right now-and I don’t just mean the weather. Everyone’s either booking a trip, buying property, or considering a permanent move after watching one too many TikToks featuring golden sunsets and grilled sardines. If you’re planning your first visit, let me be your brutally honest, slightly over-caffeinated travel fairy godmother. Some tidbits of wisdom:

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1. Do Not Pack Heels. I Repeat: DO. NOT. PACK. HEELS.

The streets of Lisbon are basically a medieval Slip ’N Slide-cobbled hills, stunning but slippery tiles, and rain that turns everything into an ice rink. Once upon a time, I could speed-walk in heels down Greene Street in SoHo, but in Lisbon? I nearly hydroplaned right into a tuk-tuk.

What to bring instead: Sneakers, boots, or flats with real grip. Think traction, not fashion. Or suffer the consequences (and possibly a bruised tailbone).

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2. Get “Wise” About Your Money

You know that moment when the ATM fee pops up and you laugh because it must be a mistake? Yeah, it’s not. Portuguese banks don’t play nice with U.S. banks, and I once paid $75 just to withdraw some euros. I wish I were exaggerating.

Solution: Set up a Wise account (formerly TransferWise) before you travel. It’s the cheapest way to pull money out of Multibanco ATMs. And very important-only use Multibanco. Avoid Euronet like you would a street performer with eye contact and a puppet.

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3. Learn a Little Portuguese (Seriously, It’ll Help You So Much)

Yes, English is widely spoken in the touristy spots. But wander into a cozy, local tasca, hop on public transit, or ask someone for directions in Alfama, and you might hit a language wall. Portuguese isn’t Spanish, and it’s not exactly intuitive if you haven’t studied it.

Download these before you go: DeepL, Memrise (European Portuguese version), Drops. And yes, Google Translate’s conversation mode is Brazilian Portuguese, but in a pinch, it works. Just smile a lot and try. The locals will appreciate the effort, even if you butcher the pronunciation of “pão.”

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4. Ask Questions Before You Book That Quaint AirBnB

Portugal is full of charming old buildings that are full of… quirks. That historic Airbnb in Alfama might be stunning, but will your taxi be able to drop you at the door? Will you have to haul your luggage up 73 uneven steps? Is there heat? AC? A normal-sized shower?

Ask about:

• Accessibility (physical and taxi/Uber access)
• Heating and cooling (important year-round)
• Shower size (especially if you’re over 6’ or claustrophobic)
• Noise levels (those charming cobblestone streets echo like a drumline)

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5. December & January? Bundle Up, Baby-cakes

Before we moved here from Santa Monica, people told us Lisbon’s weather was “just like Southern California.” Lies. December and January are cold, wet, and damp in a way that seeps into your bones and your bedding. Many buildings were designed to stay cool in summer, not warm in winter.

Bring layers. And if your hotel or Airbnb doesn’t offer a heater and a dehumidifier, reconsider or prepare to cozy up to some serious mold.

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Portugal is magical, beautiful, soulful, and full of charm, but it’s also full of steep hills, slick streets, and quirks you might not expect if you’re just basing your trip on dreamy Instagram reels. But with a little prep (and sensible shoes), you’ll fall head over heels just like the rest of us (but then, I’m partial- it’s the land of my ancestry).

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or shoot me a message. And if you’re thinking of moving to Portugal, read this post. 😉

Thanks for reading-and don’t forget to subscribe if you want more honest, practical, and occasionally sassy Portugal travel advice.