Portugal

Lisbon

• The National Tile Museum – from 10 euros
  The museum’s collections takes you through the history of tile-making from the 15th century to present day. 

• Jeronimos Monastery – from 10 euros
  A magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site in Lisbon's Belém district, built in the 16th century as a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery.  

• National Museum of Ancient Art – from 6 euros 
  With more than 40,000 items, this museum holds the largest number of works classified by the state as "national treasures." 

• Mercado Da Ribeira or the Time Out Market 
  Home to 26 restaurants, 8 bars, a dozen shops, a high-end events venue, and a cooking academy. This is the Original Time Out Market.

• Castelo de Sao Jorge – from 15 euros 
  A site of fortifications for centuries, pre-dating even Roman occupation, and changing hands with the dynamics of Portugal's turbulent history. It also offers one of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints. 

• Belem Tower – from 6 euros
  A 16th-century fortification located in Lisbon that once served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers and as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. This tower symbolizes Portugal's maritime and colonial power in early modern Europe. 

Nazaré

• E-bike tour – from 25 euros
  ‍Explore Nazaré’s stunning landscapes with ease and comfort on a mountain or an urban-style e-bike. Tours range in distance and terrain, including visits to beaches and villages. 

• Dolphin Observation Tour – from 40 euros
  Join this up to 2-hour dolphin watching tour in the surrounding ocean waters of Nazaré. This is a great activity to connect with nature and learn about these fantastic creatures. Everyone is welcome on board to experience the unforgettable feeling of watching dolphins in the wild! 

• Surfing class - from 95 euros for a private class
  Learn all the steps to catch your first waves and to stand up on the board, as well as how to read the sea and catching you up with essential surfing etiquette and safety rules

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

Please be eco-friendly.

• Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap. 
• Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws at restaurants and plastic bags when shopping. 
• Avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment. 
• Bring "reef safe" sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate because they kill coral. 

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so each traveler may bring only one main piece of luggage. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. 

Below are our staff picks for the best travel items. All products are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible. 

Remember: water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, beach towel, waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat.

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This trip is ideal for travelers seeking an introduction to Portugal’s history and culture, with some beach time included. 

Our base will be in Nazaré, a charming coastal town popular with surfers but with plenty of activities for non-surfers. The itinerary includes walking tours of medieval towns, coastal hikes, and unique culinary experiences, such as dining on seafood and enjoying a picnic lunch at a winery. 

If you enjoy traveling like a local, you can go on an excursion to Alcobaca via a local bus. You’ll have a few hours to take in this smaller town and explore some of the historical sites, and also participate in a tile-making workshop. 

Nazaré is one of Portugal’s premier beach destinations. You will have plenty of time to relax on the golden sands, swim in the waters, and watch the surfers. 

However, this trip spends only a little time in Lisbon, so if you really want to experience the city, you’ll have to extend your stay. 

A lot of free time during this trip will allow you to explore the towns at your own pace. There will be optional activities for you to choose from. Our idea is to give you time to relax and curate your experience as actively and adventurously as you prefer. If you prefer minimal downtime, this trip may not be for you. 

- Age requirement: 21+ 

- Group size: 16 max, average 8-10 

- Physical rating: Moderate. This trip is a good mix of activity and relaxation and includes moderate physical activities. Participants should expect to be active for 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle is helpful, though not required, to enjoy the trip.

Planning a trip to Portugal is definitely exciting, but you may have many questions. That's why we've created this guide to Portugal Travel FAQs. You don’t have to wonder about visa requirements or the best time to visit. The following answers will help you prepare for an unforgettable adventure with confidence. Everything you need to know is here right in these Frequently Asked Questions, so you can look forward to your smooth and stress-free trip to Portugal.

Feel free to reach out to our all-star customer service team at bookings@under30experiences.com or by messaging on WhatsApp +1 (888) 959-4436.

Yes! When travelers take advantage of our “Switch Your Trip” program, last-minute slots open up on sold-out trips. Visit our Trips On Sale page for the latest last-minute deals. Sign up for the list to be notified.

Portugal is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world. Recent laws show stronger support for LGBTQ+ people, with progressive changes in policies for transgender and intersex people, as well as stronger punishments for hate crimes.

If you’re traveling in the summertime, loose clothing that protects from the sun is best during the day, but cover your shoulders when visiting churches or other religious sites. The winters can get quite cool, as can the evenings in spring and autumn, so pack a light jacket and a raincoat too.

Yes, mobile coverage is good. The most economical way to use your phone in Portugal is by purchasing a local prepaid SIM.

The leading domestic carriers are Vodafone, TMN, and Optimus. However, ensure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a prepaid SIM. 

You can also consider an international roaming plan with your carrier at home, or purchasing an eSIM. If you use your own SIM, activate global roaming before departing your home country, and always check with your carrier about any additional charges.

Internet access in Portugal is generally good, with widespread Wi-Fi in cities and smaller towns.

Tipping is a practice in the travel and tourism industry in all the countries we visit. The amount you tip is up to you, but a general guideline is 5-10 USD per person daily for excellent service.

Tipping is not required but is very much appreciated.

We hire the best local Trip Leaders to give you the best cultural experience possible, and they receive fair pay. Your gratuity additionally supports them, their families, and their communities.

Tipping is a practice in the travel and tourism industry in all the countries we visit. The amount you tip is up to you, but a general guideline is 5-10 USD per person daily for excellent service.

Tips are not expected but are always appreciated. Leaving 5-10 percent of the final bill would be a nice gesture.

Portugal does not have a strong “tipping culture,” and there are no standards or rules regarding tipping. The tipping practice varies throughout the country, depending on the region where you are traveling. 

If you decide to leave a tip, please do so in euros.

Of course! This trip is yours to enjoy, and you can skip any activities you don’t want to join. Please note that opting out of included activities will not affect the trip's price.

Yes. Most banks will charge a fee for international withdrawals. Don’t forget to inform your bank before traveling abroad. While credit card payments are becoming more common, cash is still preferred, especially outside major cities.

Portugal's nightlife is exciting and diverse. Whether you’re looking for a quiet meal, beach walks, or dancing to the morning you will surely find it all.

Portugal uses standardized type F sockets and plugs.  

You can order a European travel adaptor here. 

Moderate. This trip combines activity with relaxation and includes moderate physical activities. You can expect to be active for 3-4 hours most days. An active lifestyle helps, though not required, to enjoy the trip. 

There is a hike that some travelers may find above a moderate activity level if they do not normally stay active.

This should be fine when traveling through Portugal. Portuguese cuisine offers a diverse range of dishes, including bread, various meats, fish, and seafood. However, nuts, especially almonds and chestnuts, are used in many baked goods.

If you have a nut allergy, avoid baked goods unless you can confirm the ingredients.

If you are a traveler with a dietary restriction, for extra safety, print an allergen card that describes your allergy in the local language. 

Portugal has glorious, much-underrated cuisine. Meals come hearty and well-priced often paired with good beer and excellent wine, followed by some of Europe's tastiest desserts. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. 

Sample Breakfast Menu: 

• Continental buffet breakfast, including hot and cold dishes: eggs, toast, pastries, fruit, yogurt, coffee, tea, and orange juice. 

Sample Dinner Menu: 

Please note the exact dishes will depend on the restaurants that your Trip Leader chooses, but you can expect the following options: 

• Grilled Sardines 
• Cocido a la Portuguesa: This Portuguese stew is a type of cozido, a traditional dish made by boiling ingredients. It has many Numerous regional variations and is considered part of the Portuguese heritage, as well as one of the national dishes of Portugal. 
• Bacalhau à brás: A Portuguese dish made from shreds of salted cod, onions, and thinly chopped fried potatoes, all bound with scrambled eggs. It is usually garnished with black olives and sprinkled with fresh parsley. 
• Bolinho de bacalhau: Typically made from a mixture of potatoes, bacalhau (codfish), eggs, parsley, onion, and sometimes a hint of nutmeg. Also called "salt cod fritters" or "salt cod croquettes." 
• Caldeirada de peixe: A Portuguese and Galician fish stew that combines different types of fish, potatoes, and other ingredients. 
• Polvo à lagareiro: Portuguese dish based on octopus, olive oil, potatoes, grelos, and garlic. 
• Cataplana: a fish stew from Algarve, prepared with shellfish and smoky linguiça. It is traditionally cooked and served in a copper cataplana pan.

Sample Vegetarian Menu: 

• Most Portuguese cuisine is meat or fish-based, so there are many options for pescatarians. Portugal offers local vegetarian dishes, including açorda, vegetarian caldo verde, vegetarian migas, and vegetarian francesinha. 
• The Trip Leader can suggest additional vegetarian-friendly  options from the restaurant’s menus.

Yes, the tap water in Portugal is safe to drink.

When you ask for water in a restaurant, they usually serve bottled water, but it’s fine to ask for tap water instead.

The lighter, the better! If you only have a rolling suitcase, that will work, but having a more mobile bag, such as a large backpack, would be easier to handle. We take private and public transportation, and locations change every 2-3 days. Loading your suitcase on and off different modes of transport can be challenging.  

You'll also need a daypack for your gear, food, and drinks for the day.

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. It is spoken throughout the country and used in government, education, and daily life.

While English is widely spoken, especially in major cities and tourist areas, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases is always appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience.

The best times to visit Portugal are in the spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). These shoulder seasons have fewer crowds while the weather is still comfortable.

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US citizens can enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism without a visa.

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