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Gringo Inca’s Austria Guide: Adventuring in Elegant Central Europe

pine trees with snow capped mountains and blue sky behind

Explore emerald landscapes accentuated by imposing snowcaps. Or take a peak at the lives of Europe’s old rulers in showy palaces and formidable fortresses. Then, enjoy a local wine or cafe Viennese as you decide on your next destination. This easy-to-navigate country offers an exciting range of options, from history and culture to outdoor adventure. In our Austria guide we provide the basic essential information (language, weather, transportation, when and where to go, etc.). But of course we have our typical angles, emphasizing novel cultural experiences and the outdoors… always the outdoors :)

How to get around

handsome man and pretty lady in a train compartment

Transportation is wonderfully efficient in Austria. We’re talking about multiple trains a day connecting major (and not so major) cities, from coach to sleeper class. And once in town, you’ll find the local transportation systems easy to use. Buses connect smaller cities and even quiet villages with the rest of the country. We used multiple modes of transportation and found them to be clean and safe.

If for some odd reason you enjoy driving while on vacation, you can rent a car to traverse the magical Austrian topography on the autobahns. The minimum age to rent a car is 18. You’ll need an EU-issued or international driver’s license.

Languages

German is the official language of Austria, and most Austrians (8.3 million) speak the Austro-Baviarian dialect. Swiss German, a dialect that most other German speakers find difficult to understand, is the first language for 300,000 Austrians.

The majority of people speak English, especially youth and people in the cities. You’ll likely encounter other foreign languages, such as Italian, French, and Spanish.

What to Pack

As with any place, you should pack clothes for the climate and time of year. Most of Austria has a temperate climate, although western Austria has a wetter Atlantic climate.

In other words, summer afternoons are warm but not sweltering hot. And the beautifully snow winters are an outdoors-lover’s dream. So dress according to the season. Our strategy for clothes was to use layers, because springtime Vienna (and definitely Innsbruck) has chilly mornings and comfortable afternoons.

Packing for gear is much more itinerary-specific. Someone planning on visiting museums and = doing a couple of day hikes won’t need the same equipment as someone hiking the Lynx Trail.

Our 8-day trip included day hikes, and every night we slept in a hotel. This was our packing list:

Sneakers (wore on the plane)
Socks, underwear
Two pairs of easy walking pants
Shirts for layering: two short-sleeved, two long-sleeved, one thermal
Sweater
Rain jacket
Sunglasses
Hat
Neck pillow
Eye shades (these were the only reason I could sleep on the overnight coach seat from Vienna to Innsbruck!)
GoPro and charger
Phone and charger
Noise-cancelling headphones
Book
Notebook
Wallet with credit card and plenty of Euros
Passport!

How Many Days do I Need?

historic Vienna; yellow restaurant and white buildings including church spire with clock — Scene from Vienna’s Historic Center

Honestly, this really depends on how much time you have/want to spend. We were here for 8 days and would have liked to stay longer. There are simply too many elegant towns, exciting hikes, and world-class cultural experiences to get bored.

Cost

Votive church in Sigmund Freud Park, Vienna

There’s no one-size-fits-all budget for visiting Austria. As with anywhere else, factors such as the time of year, preferred activities, and plane ticket make individual budgets widely vary. So it’s no surprise that a Google search for “cost to travel Austria” provides a range from $50 to $200 a day!

We’re not going to tell you a fixed amount to visit Austria. But we will provide tips for keeping the overall price down:

First, make sure to decide on your MUST-do’s. If it’s a seasonal sport, then obviously that’ll limit your options. Plan with this “must-do” as the centerpiece of your budget, as it’s the least flexible part of your itinerary.
Remember that flights and hotel stays are more expensive during the more popular months (December-February/March and July-August).
Consider staying in hostels or pensions instead of hotels. Austria also has plenty of prime camping areas, providing a wonderfully inexpensive way to enjoy the magic of Central Europe!
Set lunch menus, called Mittagsmenü, are easy to find and cheaper than ordering a la carte.
Set a price alert on whatever flight search app or site you use.

When to Visit

innsbruck; river with multicolored houses and snowcapped mountains behind — Typical sight while walking on the riverside in Innsbruck.

The most popular times to visit Austria are winter and summertime. These seasons are excellent for enjoying the Alps, historic castles and classical music. But naturally, these are the most expensive times to visit Austria.

If you’re flexible time and activity-wise, consider a “shoulder season” trip such as in May or September. The weather is still good for hiking and mountain biking, and the large tourist attractions are appreciatively not as crowded.

Where to Go and What to do in Austria

sunset over Victorian style buildings in Vienna — Sunset in Vienna

Innsbruck

Also read our full article on Innsbruck :)

Bergisel Ski Jump for extreme sport watching and beautiful views of the Tyrol region.
Castle Ambras: The world’s oldest museum is right next to Innsbruck and a great short hike from/too Lanser-see.
Hiking: Innsbruck is surrounded by epic hiking spots. Check out Karwendel Nature Park for perhaps the country’s best trekking (and biking).
Italian food: After all, Italy’s right next door!
Mierders alpine coaster: This coaster is open in the warmer months and goes as fast as gravity (and your braking instincts) allow.
Town of Innsbruck: Take a couple of days to enjoy Maria-Theresien-Strass and some museums, including the Tirol Panorama.

view through a castle window to snowcapped mountains — View of the Tyrolean landscape from inside Castle Ambras

Just outside of innsbruck

Landeck: A cosy Tirolean town near the Venet Skiing Area and with magical hikes along the “Mystic Canyon of Tyrol”.

Pfunds: This village is where Italian, Swiss and Austrian cultures combine for a unique Tyrolean experience. Medieval farmhouses and two ski areas (Kaunertal Glacier and Silvretta Arena) are the main attractions.

Salzberg

Augustiner Braustubl: Like Naples and its pizzerias, Austria is chock-full of great drinking spots. But this specific beer garden stands out among them all for its size, suds, aura, and age (the brewery is from 1621).
Festung Hohensalzburg: This is one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, and it sits on a hill overlooking the rest of Salzburg.
Hiking: Several spectacular hikes combine natural beauty and history. Lake Hallstatt to Rudolf’s Tower is one of Austria’s most picturesque hikes.
Mirabell Palace: Built in 1606, the palace in Salzburg’s Historic Center is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mozart: Arguable the world’s most famous composer, he was born and spent the first part of his life here. Salzberg offers all the Mozart, from visiting his birthplace to attending a concert.

Vienna

Check out our full article on Vienna for more information!

Food: The capital has a solid international presence, but don’t skip out on schnitzel, goulash, spatzle, or strudel.
Museumsquartier: A 90,000-square meter plaza that’s home to museums, art shops, and cafes.
Opera House: At least take a tour (if not go to a show) at one of the world’s most famous opera houses!
Schonbrunn Palace: Imagine life inside the Hapsburg’s summer retreat or just stroll around acres of royal gardens.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral: The historic center seems to rotate around this iconic religious and historic symbol.
Vienna City Hiking Trail (Stadtwanderweg 1): There are plenty of urban and day hikes in the area. This one in the beautiful Beethovengang neighborhood is a tranquil stroll over hills where you can rest and imbibe at the local wineries.

Austria Guide: Conclusion

yellow home with triangle wooden roof and red windows — Streets of Innsbruck

In Austria one can sample the elegant life of past nobility or chill in classy cafes for hours. And the very next day, you might hike through villages and breezy Alpine forests, all under a clear cerulean sky.

Austria is small enough to make visiting multiple locations in a short trip very realistic. Its quick, punctual public transportation system helps, too. But most importantly for us, the trail systems throughout the Austrian Alps are safe, seemingly infinite, and fantastically breathtaking.

The Best Itineraries for Portugal: All You Need to Know

This pint-sized country really packs a punch in responsible travel and adventure options. Because of this, it can be a struggle to come up with itineraries for Portugal. So we created this guide to narrow down what you can do in this Mediterranean marvel. Read on as we:

Answer the most common traveler questions on Portugal
Review essential information for anyone traveling there
And provide the best Fun & Earth-Friendly Travel experiences in the entire country

*Note: This extensive guide is for mainland Portugal. The island of Madeira is not included since we didn’t get to visit there.*

Why Visit Portugal

There are a LOT of very excellent reasons to visit Portugal!

Because of the weather, you can comfortably bike or hike for days, or just spend your time strolling castles, surfing waves, and spending evenings listening to live music outside.

Speaking practically, it’s also a (relatively) inexpensive country with great transportation and safety ratings. Let’s start with the need-to-know and common questions on Portugal:

Create the Best Itineraries for Portugal: Basic Travel Information

Cost

Keep in mind Portugal is a cheaper European destination. So it’s not as expensive as England or Germany but is definitely more expensive than spots in Latin America and East Asia.

Some things are in fact cheaper than they are in the USA, like espresso, beer, and wine (God bless Europe!).

Here’s the rule of thumb: if you’re going to do bare-bones budget traveling then you can get by on 40-50 Euros/day. That includes lodging in dormitory hostels, cooking most of your food, and being picky on what activities to do.

If you are going as more of a middle-of-the-road traveler (not budget backpacking but also not luxury travel), budget out 90-110 Euros a day.

Currency

Portugal is part of the Eurozone, so they use the Euro. You may be able to pay your hotel or some services in US dollars, but in general prices and cash are handled in Euros.

The Euro has been slightly stronger than the US dollar for some years now. For reference, in June 2022, 1 USD equaled 0.96 Euros.

Food

Pastries are big in Portugal. Everyone and their mom will tell you to try the “Pastéis de Nata“. And their mom is right!

But seriously. One of these with an espresso was our preferred breakfast! These custard tarts are most popular in and around Lisbon.

Besides for butter and sugar-filled sweets, expect Mediterranean fare with a variety of delicious seafood options. Despite it being a smaller country, each region of Portugal offers local ingredients and specialties.

Portuguese are especially proud of their sardines, olive oil, cheeses and wine.

Cultural Note: The Portuguese don’t dine until late, at least compared to Americans. A couple of times we were exhausted and looking for early dinner around 6pm but nothing was open!

Language

The Portuguese are a very multilingual people! We were able to speak English everywhere we went. Also 10% of Portuguese speak Spanish according to World Atlas.

Still, people appreciate when you at least greet them in their language. Fortunately, as a Romance language, Portuguese is pretty easy to learn.

These are common greetings:

English	Portuguese	Pronunciation
Welcome	Bem-vindo(a)	baym-VEEN-du(ah)
Hello	Olá	OH-lah
Good Morning/Day	Bom Dia	bom GEE-a
Good Afternoon	Boa Tarde	boa TAHR-gee
Good Evening/Night	Boa Noite	boa NOEE-tee
See You Later	Até Logo	ah-teh-LOh-gu
Bye	Tchau!	TSHAH-u
Everything good?	Tudo bem?*	tu-du BAYM?
Yes	Sim	seem
Please	Por Favor	pohr fa-VOHR
Thank You	Obrigado(a)	o-bree-GAH-du(dah)
You’re Welcome	De Nada	gee NAH-da

*Often a person will say “Tudo bem?” immediately after a greeting. While technically it means “everything OK?”, it’s a friendly follow up that doesn’t need anything besides a “sim, obrigado!” as a response. The other person isn’t expecting a big explanation on how your day is going. Unless you really want to share something truly amazing (or terrible) that happened, which of course is ok!

I recommend learning some Portuguese if you have time. It’s a fun language and has more than 200 million native speakers. But with these simple greetings you’ll feel a bit more at home and even impress some people!

Safety

Although every place has its share of crime, Portugal is safer than most countries. Per MacroTrends the crime rate in 2018 (the latest year published) was 0.79 per 100,000 people. That is over 6 times safer than the United States’ crime rate of 4.96 per 100,000 people.

In fact, the Global Peace Index ranked Portugal as the 4th most peaceful country in the world in 2021!

Still, you will stand out as a non-local, and as a tourist the most common threat is getting pickpocketed. So keep your wits about you as you would in any new place.

Transportation

Within Portugal

Public transportation is safe, frequent and inexpensive inside Portugal. There are extensive bus and subway systems in Lisbon and Porto, and the country’s trains connect major cities and even towns like Sintra and the Algarve.

We discovered it wasn’t necessary to buy tickets ahead of time to go to the incredibly popular Sintra or to bus from there to Ericeira. In fact, some local service trains only allow purchase of a ticket at the station.

Our guides for Ericeira, Lisbon, Porto and Sintra provide more information on bus and train routes for those destinations as well as how to get around once you arrive.

To Portugal

Portugal’s train system doesn’t easily connect to the rest of Europe’s. Portuguese rail gauges are a different size because they were built around the time of the French Empire, and the Portuguese didn’t want to make a possible invasion easy.

What does that mean for the modern ~~Napoleonic foot-soldier~~ traveler? It means you have to take a train from Spain to the Algarve or northern Portugal (usually Porto). From there high-speed trains connect you to the rest of the country.

Of course you can also fly to the international airports in Lisbon and Porto.

What to Do in Portugal

We are always looking for fun, responsible options (and love being outside)! And fortunately Portugal offers amazing adventures for Fun & Earth-Friendly Travel.

Without further ado, here are our most-recommend activities for itineraries in Portugal:

Algarve:

The southern beaches of Portugal are beautiful and hug picturesque medieval towns. The downside is that some of these towns are a bit sprawling now, particularly the capital, Faro.

What to Do: Chill in one of the 16 towns, located in one of the warmest regions in Europe. Eat some epic seafood, visit magnificent shores to catch some waves, and slow down a bit in the beautifully warm Mediterranean climate.
How to Arrive: Take a train/bus from Spain or a train from Lisbon (2 hrs, 50 minutes)

Arouca Geopark:

Not far from Porto are excellent hiking trails in Paiva Gorge and this Geopark, which features the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world at 516 meters (1,692 feet) long!

What to Do: Get in some excellent hiking next to the Paiva River and test your fortitude for heights on the suspension bridge! There are also boating opportunities.
How to Arrive: You can take the Route 9 bus to Sebolido or the Line 15501 train to Recarei-Sobreira. From either Sebolido and Recarei-Sobreira you’ll have to take a taxi to Passadicos do Paiva, which is 7.5m (12km) west of Arouca. If you drive from Porto the 46 mile (74km) trip will take about an hour and a half.

Don’t have a car and don’t want to transfer? Or do you prefer going with someone knowledgeable about the area? Then you can hire a local expert to take you to Paiva.

Camino de Santiago:

It’s not just France and Spain! Although it is a religious pilgrimage trail, today adventurers and lovers of the outdoors also populate the Camino de Santiago.

What to Do: Portugal’s is the 2nd-most popular Camino at 162-174m (260-280km) long. It actually refers to 3 different paths. One hugs the coastline, another goes inland through small rural towns, and another starts inland before connecting with the coastal route. You can walk or bike either one, and even try out one section at a time. Lodging in towns is normally easy to find, and people are accustomed to Camino travelers.
How to Arrive: Technically you can start anywhere on the Camino. Most travelers start in Porto, although some start in Lisbon and go north from there. The coastal route hugs the coastline towards Vigo, Spain. From there you’ll go through Pontevedra and arrive at Santiago de Compostela. The Litoral route starts inland then joins the Coastal route. The Central route is the most popular and stays inland, hooking up with the other routes in Redondela, Spain, right before Pontevedra.

For a thorough guide on taking the Camino de Santiago in Portugal, I refer to Stingy Nomads.

Ericeira Surfing:

Just over an hour from Lisbon is a Surf Reserve with dozens of perfect, horseshoe-shaped beaches.

What to Do: Surf! If you are a newbie, take a lesson and you’ll ride gentler waves in a small class. For extra you can get a private lesson. An overlooked activity is to bike the Lizandro cliffs (book a ride in advance). Or just chill in a pretty beach town, it’s all good.
How to Arrive: The bus company Malfrense leaves Lisbon’s Campo Grande station at regular intervals and costs 6.50 Euros. The ride takes 1 hour, 40 minutes. From Sintra, take Malfrense from the Portela de Sintra station. That trip takes 50-60 minutes.

We finished our trip here and fell in love with the waves and the town. Before going to Ericeira, read our travel guide.

Porto:

Nothern Portugal’s biggest city offers great city walking, a cool arts district, inexpensive port wine tastings, and views of the Douro River.

What to Do: Get your literature on at Livraria Lello! It’s dubbed the World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore for a reason. Tours of the 6 bridges and wine tastings are popular and fun, too. Read our guide for visiting Porto to learn more about this beautiful city.
How to Arrive: Trains from other spots in the north, Lisbon, and Spain arrive frequently. There’s also an international airport.

Lisbon Nightlife:

The nightclubs in Lisbon are famous in Europe, and we found the streets of Alfama really came to life once the sun set. Of course, as Portugal’s biggest city, there is a LOT to experience for history, culture, being outdoors, and food. Read our guide for visiting Lisbon for more info.

What to Do: The nightclubs, particularly those next to the river, are highly recommended for partiers. But for something more intimate, stroll the streets of Alfama and you’ll come across a slew of outdoor Fadó concerts and the wonderful ginjinha ladies.
How to Arrive: Trains and buses constantly arrive from nearby towns, and also from Algarve and Porto. The international airport is Portugal’s main hub.

Sintra:

I don’t know where to begin with Sintra. It has a special, addictive energy, and its castles and palaces bring you back centuries. It’s one of our favorite places and MORE than worth a day trip from Lisbon (we recommend more time if you have it!)

What to Do: Oh my. For starters there’s the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, popular palaces like Pena, and a hiker’s option with the Castle of the Moors. Find out the best things to do in Sintra with our article here.
How to Arrive: It’s a 45-minute train ride from Lisbon to the end of the line, Sintra station. You have to start at the Oriente or Rossio stations in Lisbon. Tickets are EUR 2.30 one-way. Keep in mind the Rossio route gets crowded mid-day.

How Much Time do You Need to Visit Portugal?

Ok. Slow travel is the BEST travel, no doubt. Not just for the environment but also because you will have a much better and “real” experience when you take time to settle in an area for a while.

You’ll find the secret spots that most travelers pass by or never learn about. And locals will get to know you, so everyone has a more personable and fulfilling experience.

But. If you can’t just plop down in Sintra for a few weeks, consider we did this itinerary in 10 days:

Lisbon: 5 Days
Porto: 2 Days
Sintra: 1 Day
Ericeira: 2 Days

We were only in Porto for a night, which wasn’t enough. And going from there to Sintra is not easy because you have to go through Lisbon. So ideally we’d have had another day in Porto and another in Sintra at a minimum.

If you only have a week to ten days: Because Portugal’s a long country (north-south), you’re best off picking either the North (Porto/Arouca Geopark and surroundings, with a possible trip to Lisbon) or the South (starting in the Algarve). This will help to avoid spending a lot of time traveling.

It’s over 4 hours from Lisbon to Porto by train to give a point of reference.

If you want to see EVERYTHING on the list of what to do in Portugal (above), from the Algarve up to Paiva Gorge, 3 weeks is the minimum time you’d need to really enjoy every spot.

The Best Time to Visit Portugal

Obviously you need to know when is the best time to visit in order to brainstorm itineraries for Portugal.

Fortunately, the country is nice to visit year-long because of its mild Mediterranean climate. Its capital, Lisbon, is the sunniest in Europe.

But it does get cold in the winter months, especially in Northern Portugal. The colder months also have more precipitation. So the best time to go for warmer, sunnier days is from May to September.

These are the average temperatures in Lisbon and Porto:

Lisbon Average Temperature by Month in F (60F = 15.5C; 80F =5.6C)

Porto Average Temperature by Month in F (50F = 10C; 70F = 21C)

Keep in mind much of Europe vacations in August, and that the Algarve and beaches near Lisbon (Ericeira, Cascais) are VERY popular spots.

Conclusion

This was everything we could think of to help someone create the best itineraries for Portugal. Of course, our thing is Fun & Earth-Friendly travel, so we’re biased towards cultural and outdoor experiences. But we’re convinced your trip will be most excellent with these tips.

Let us know if you’re going to Portugal, or if you have something to add from a recent trip there!

And if you haven’t yet, sign up to our email list (top right corner) and follow us on Pinterest to stay informed on the latest in responsible travel :)

-Brad & Janina

Ericeira Travel Guide

It’s hard to believe that of the 10 surf reserves in the world, there is one just an hour from a European capital. But Ericeira isn’t a secret for vacationers, and for good reason. It’s a pretty whitewashed town and bountiful in beautiful beaches. We learned Ericeira isn’t just for surfing (although you should try it here!). Find out how to start your trip with our Ericeira travel guide!

What to Do

The Popular Stuff

Surfing: There are 7 beaches within the Surf Reserve and each offers excellent waves depending on ocean conditions. If you’re new-ish at all to surfing, I recommend a 2-hr lesson to start off like I did. Book a lesson with a local here :)
Beach Town Fun: You know, like walking from beach to beach, dancing late into the evening, and enjoying happy hours at sunset. It’s a sunny beach town, so take advantage!

Other Outdoors Adventures

Bike Tour of Lizandro Cliffs: A sweet option if you want to skip the shore and still keep moving outdoors. Book a ride here.

What to Eat

Ice Cream: Ericeira has several highly-rated ice cream shops. Our personal favorite? Veneza, located right in the plaza. They’ve got deserts and espresso drinks too!

Seafood: To no one’s surprise, the seafood in this town was outstanding! Get a fixed price lunch for the freshest, best bang for your buck.

Where to Stay

There are countless hotels and vacation homes to rent out in Ericeira. We stayed at a locally run spot, Villa Ana Margarida. It was close to everything, decorated with a uniquely fun ocean theme, and had great breakfast options.

You can check it out and make reservations here.

Surfers should consider Chill in Ericeira Surf House, which is walking distance to Futuro beach. They offer massages and yoga lessons in addition to surf lessons! See/book here.

What to Pack

Bring stuff for being outside, especially the beach, and for sunny Mediterranean weather:

Bathing suit
Wetsuit (you can also rent one; this part of the Atlantic is not warm!)
Sunblock
Hat
Sunglasses
Sandals
Walking shoes (sneakers are fine)
A couple sets of clothes for warm weather but also some pants and long sleeved shirts for cooler evenings
Sweater and rain-jacket if going in the winter

What to Buy

There is actually a number of good, unique shops for souvenirs here. If you’re looking for surf clothes/gear/etc, Ericeira’s the place.

Transportation

cars and whitewashed buildings overlooking sand

How To Get To Ericeira

You can easily get to Ericeira by bus. The company Malfrense has 1-2 buses per hour from about 7am to 11 pm daily. From Campo Grande metro station in Lisbon, the ride takes between one hour to one hour and forty-five minutes.

If you’re in Sintra, the same company has frequent buses to Ericeira and the ride takes about an hour. Buses leave from the Portela de Sintra train station. I recommend avoiding this station at night, as it seemed a bit desolate and sketchy.

In both cases you buy the ticket from the bus driver. A ticket costs EUR 6.40. It’s only a 10-15 minute walk from the stop in Ericeira to the beaches.

Finally, Ericeira is only an hour’s drive by car.

Getting Around Ericeira

sexy lady running through whitewashed streets

Ericeira is small enough to walk around, so that was our only way of transportation. If you have a car, know that many streets are bumpy and narrow with lots of curves.

When to Visit Ericeira (Including Weather)

The weather in Ericeira is a lot like Lisbon‘s:

Conclusion

sunset over sea seen through two circles

We spent the final days in Portugal here and couldn’t have been happier. Despite its massive popularity with European vacationers, Ericeira keeps a chill vibe. Definitely go for some relaxing and outstanding outdoor fun!

Travel Guide for Porto

When I was tasked with writing a travel guide for Porto, I thought of wine, cobblestone, Harry Potter, and adventure. And if any of those interest you, I’d recommend you check out this city in northern Portugal!

What to Do

The Popular Stuff

6 Bridges Tour: A 50-minute tour on the Douro River that follows the path of Portuguese wine merchants. You’ll be sailing on the traditional “Rabello” boats. Buy tickets here
Bridges walk: From any major neighborhood you can reach one of the famous bridges. The most famous is the double-decker Dom Luis I, connecting the Ribeira neighborhood with the wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Port Tasting: Portugal’s most famous wine gets its name from this city. We recommend walking over the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and having your choice of tastings at any time of the day :)

Cultural Experiences

wooden room — 2nd floor at Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello: Any travel guide for Porto has to mention this place! You must buy tickets online to enter, and the difference in price is taken out when you buy something. This is the official site for tickets. Also get the ice cream next door.
Harry Potter Tour: The idea that JK Rowling took inspiration from Porto is more than a fan theory- she actually lived here! If you’re a lover of the series check out the spots that inspired the author. You can buy tickets ahead of time here.

Outdoor Adventures

Arouca Geopark: Arouca is just an hour from Porto and this adventure park includes the Aguieires waterfall and trekking in Paiva Gorge. In 2021 it became home to the world’s longest suspension bridge too (516 meters, or 1,692 feet long)! Stay in Arouca or take a day trip. Tickets include a few options: hiking Paiva Gorge (no bridge), a hike + walk over the bridge, or hike+bridge with a traditional boat tour.

What to Eat (and Drink!)

Port wine: Because it’s Portugal’s wine, and specifically Porto’s wine! And because it’s everywhere here.
Francesinha: This is a Porto specialty. A sandwich that you need a spoon or fork to eat with, this has layers of meat and cheese and is topped with a tomato sauce. It’s often served with fries.

Where to Stay

Baixa: The downtown location means you can walk anywhere and are in the middle of the city’s best night life! Porto’s main cathedral and Livraria Lello are here. The downside is that it can get noisy.
Cedofeita: This is unofficially Porto’s Arts district, with a great museum and lots of art studios. It’s walking distance to the center of action but quieter. If you’re looking for a nice guesthouse start here.
Ribiera: This whole area is a UNESCO world heritage site! It’s right along the river and includes the Dom Luis I bridge.
Vila Nova de Gaia: Ok, this is technically outside Porto, but its ridiculous amount of port wine lodges makes it worth considering! It’s connected to Porto via the Dom Lius I bridge. You’ll also get great views of the city from here.

We always recommend Hotelscombined for finding where to stay. They guarantee best prices and even let you filter out big hotels for a more authentic stay in a locally-run house.

What to Pack

Your packing list would be similar to that for Lisbon:

Light layers for the Mediterranean weather.
A jacket for cooler winter months
Sunblock (in summertime)
Hat
Sunglasses
A good walking backpack. You don’t a heavy-duty hiking backpack; a small one-day pack is perfect.
Good walking shoes. Again, not for major hikes, but have a good pair of sneakers.
A rainjacket, especially if you visit between November and March

Of course you’ll need outdoor sport clothes if you hike in Arouca. Bring everything in the above list plus these:

Solid hiking shoes
A sturdy backpack instead of a smaller daypack
Large water bottle and snacks
Basic first aid kit if not going with a guide
Comfortable clothes that you can walk for hours in

What to Buy

There are fortunately not too many tacky tourist shops in Porto. For an authentic Porto gift or souvenir, look around the Art District of Cedofeita or buy a book at Livraria Lello like we did!

And of course there’s always Port wine :)

Transportation

How to Get to Porto

Most visitors by train come from Lisbon (a 4 hour-is ride depending on service) and it’s also only a 2.5 hour trip from Vigo in Galicia, Spain.

If you’re road tripping, take highway A1 from the south or E1/A28 from the north. (I recommend the A28 since you’ll see the coastline!). And make sure you understand Portugal’s toll system too!

Finally, Porto has an international airport that connects it to the rest of Portugal and Europe. It’s a 55 minute flight from Lisbon.

Getting Around Porto

Much like Lisbon, Porto is SUPER walkable! It’s actually smaller than the capital and still offers great weather for being outside.

Unfortunately, Porto’s metro doesn’t make it to most tourist spots. You can take the trams (trolleys), but they are just as much for the experience as a mode of transportation.

There is a bus system too, but we really recommend just walking or in worst-case scenarios, taking a taxi.

One very mentionable exception is for visiting Vila Nova de Gaia. If you don’t want to walk over, a 1.85 EUR bus ticket will take you from Porto to the doorstep of de Gaia’s best wine lodges. The buses operate from 6am to 1 am.

When to Visit Porto (Including Weather)

Really, you can visit Porto all year. Just be prepared for cool days and cold nights from November until March, and expect warm days and evenings from June until September.

The only other thing to consider is the rain. While in July Porto averages 5 days with rain, the winter months of December and January have an average of 18 rainy days.

Note: 50 F = 10 C; 70 F = 21 C

Conclusion

lacing artwork — The ceiling at Livraria Lello

Porto’s another great city that you can explore on foot. We reached the Cathedral, Livraria Lello, Dom Luis I Bridge, and Vila Nova de Gaia all on foot in just one day.

Plus, nearby are the world’s longest suspension bridge and Paiva Gorge in Arouca. So you can get your culture and adventure on even if you’re short on time!

Travel Guide to Lisbon Portugal

Dance and clap with strangers to traditional Fadó with the sound of glasses clinking late into a Tuesday night. And spend the day wandering through bright cobblestoned streets on the way to a castle. This is an old Mediterranean city with a young soul. We loved it here, which made this travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal a blast to write!

It may sound weird but Lisbon didn’t SMELL like an old city. The air is crisp and full of evidence that people are enjoying themselves. Think alcohol, espresso, salt air, and sometimes a slight scent of cigarette smoke. It’s also not a huge capital city (half a million people live there), so it’s easy to escape to famous beaches and outdoor adventures.

What to Do

The Popular Stuff

Commerce Square: Lisbon’s huge main plaza is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and the Tagus River. The Square’s Rua Augusta Arch and statue of King Joseph I are highlights. But our favorite was walking along the river at evening, drinking piña coladas from a pineapple!
Lisbon card: This includes entrance to the most popular attractions and public transportation (including to Sintra and the nearby beach, Cascais). It’s super convenient and pays for itself if you stay at least a few days. Buy it here.
Sao Jorge Castle: The castle is perched above the rest of the city. You’ll get great views, walk on medieval walls, and visit an archaeological museum. The line gets long so get your ticket ahead of time.
Tram No. 28: Lisbon’s most famous trolley is a fun blast from the past. It runs all day, connecting Commerce Square with neighborhoods uphill both on the eastern and western parts of town.

Cultural Experiences

Go for a walk! Lisbon is one of Europe’s sunniest cities and the weather is quite perfect. There are public gardens and squares all over town, where you can enjoy a drink or pastel de nata (see below) to break up the day.
Check out the museums. If you’re looking for something uniquely Portuguese, I recommend the Fado museum in the Alfama neighborhood
Fado night! Any night of the week you can walk around Alfama and stumble upon multiple shows. Try a ginjina while you’re at it

Nature/Wildlife/Outdoors

Night time e-bike tours. E-bikes still need you to pedal and are nice for Lisbon’s hills and cobblestoned streets. You can get tickets ahead of time here
Sintra Day Trip: Sintra’s eccentric castles, nestled in nature, are a 1-hour train ride from Lisbon. Trains leave throughout the day. This is included in the Lisbon Card
Urban parks hike: Stroll through the Parque Eduardo VII and its famous greenhouse. From there you can take the 1.6-mile hike to Lisbon’s largest park, Monsanto Forest Park. Take the marked hike named Corredor Verde de Monsanto.

What to Eat

Ginjinha: After sunset the ginjinha ladies come out, God bless them. For just 1 Euro try a shot of this cherry-like liquor. Even better, pay the extra 50 cents for the chocolate shot glass!
Pastries: Everyone told us to try the pastries, especially the pastel de nata, and they were right! Pastel de nata is a custard tart with cinnamon and is most popular at breakfast.
Seafood: It’s probably not a surprise, but there are many fresh seafood options in Lisbon. Try the escabeche de polvo (octopus salad), really! Locals enjoy sardines on bread, and we recommend trying them with someone who knows what they’re doing.

Where to Stay

There are LOTS of good neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon, and each has its own charm and character. The most-visited ones include:

Barrio Alto: You’ll probably end up here even if you don’t stay here. The city’s best nightlife is in Barrio Alto, as well as the admittedly touristy Bica Funicular.
Chiado: Elegant and full of stores and cafes, Chiado also is home to the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the famous Cafe Brasiliero. Chiado has arguably the best views of the city too.
Parque da Nações: This residential neighborhood is good for longer term stays and families.

These are all great spots, but if we had to choose ONE neighborhood to recommend, it would be Alfama. Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and walking distance to most major attractions such as the Sao Jorge castle and Commerce Square.

Plus, walking around Alfama is a trip on its own! The cobblestone streets turn into a collection of outdoor and indoor Fado concerts at night, and during the day you’ll wander among traditional restaurants, cafes, and avenues that stand out solely for the azulejos.

Since it’s in the city, there are no ecolodges but plenty of locally-owned bed-and-breakfasts and apartments for staying in Alfama. We use HotelsCombined to find such locally-owned spots. That’s because you can filter out hotels, and HotelsCombined uses a unique algorithm to find popular spots at good prices.

Check out where to stay in Alfama here!

What to Pack

Bring clothes for Mediterranean weather. That means:

Light layers, since it will be sunny and warm during the day and cool at night.
Sunblock.
Hat
Sunglasses
A good walking backpack. You don’t a heavy-duty hiking backpack; a small one-day pack is perfect.
Good walking shoes. Again, not for major hikes, but a good pair of sneakers are perfect for Lisbon.
A rainjacket, especially if you visit between November and March

What to Buy

Lisboans REALLY love their seafood! So much that you can buy canned sardines and other seafood as a souvenir. The cans are beautifully designed and nothing like the ones at your local supermarket.

Plus, the Portuguese sardine fishery is a good sustainable model to support :)

If you try and like the ginjinha, bring a bottle of that home too!

There are also many, MANY small shops selling all types of products for tourists. These can range from personalized artisanal products to dime-a-dozen magnets and other cheap stuff likely not even made in Portugal. These places are concentrated in high tourist traffic areas such as next to Sao Jorge castle. Don’t look for them; they’ll find you.

Transportation

How to Get To Lisbon

Every travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal needs to mention this: it’s a little tricky if you’re coming from outside Portugal.

See, Portugal’s train system doesn’t easily connect to the rest of Europe’s. For example, you’d have to change trains at least twice to visit from Madrid in next-door Spain.

Simply put, you have to arrive to Portugal- either in the north (to Porto for example) or the Algarve down south. And then you’ll find regular, fast trains to Lisbon.

Trains from the Algarve can take as little as 2 hours, 50 minutes, and from Porto expect a trip of just under 4 hours.

Getting Around Lisbon

Since Lisbon’s weather is so nice and the city’s not too big, walking was our preferred method of travel.

But if you’re in a rush, the trams (trolleys) and metro system will get you to where you need.

A single fare on the metro costs 1.50 Euros. A 24-hour card is 6.40 Euros.

You can also take the metro (or a taxi outside) from the airport to any major neighborhood.

When to Visit Lisbon (Including Weather)

Lisbon is great to visit year-round, since it’s one of the sunniest cities in Europe. It does get cooler in the winter but is still very mild. Average temperature in winter months hovers around 55-60 F (13-15.5 C).

Lisbon temperature by month, in Fahrenheit. (60 F= 15.5 C, 80 F = 25.6 C)

BUT keep in mind you’ll get more rain if you visit during the cooler months of November through March. There won’t be torrential downpours, but bring a rain jacket if visiting in the winter.

Conclusion

man leaping next to statue — A handsome man leaping for joy at Commerce Square/Praça do Comércio

This travel guide to Lisbon, Portugal is just the beginning. We’ll be adding more on the country in future posts.

But to sum it up, Lisbon is AWESOME! It was the beginning of our trip in Portugal and the perfect introduction to a new country. Que legal!