Portugal

Exploring Portugal

We haven’t logged a full Team USA training trip to Portugal yet, but it’s high on our list — and we wanted this page live with genuinely useful information while our destination guides are still in progress. Portugal is one of Europe’s most underrated stops: dramatic Atlantic coastline, cobblestone old towns, and some of the best seafood and pastries you’ll find anywhere on the continent. Whether you’re passing through Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve coast, a little planning goes a long way.

Portugal uses the euro, and while contactless payment is widely accepted in cities, it’s smart to carry some cash for small cafes, markets, and rural areas. Portuguese is the official language, though English is common in tourist areas, especially Lisbon and Porto. Locals tend to eat dinner later than you might expect, often after 8pm, and lunch is typically the biggest meal of the day. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated. Portuguese culture values a slower pace, so don’t be surprised if service feels more relaxed than you’re used to — it’s part of the charm, not a lack of attention.

Portugal is small but incredibly diverse for its size. Lisbon offers steep hills, yellow trams, and viewpoints over the Tagus River, while Porto is famous for port wine cellars and the dramatic Douro Valley just inland. The Algarve, in the south, draws visitors with dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and some of the mildest winters in Europe. Inland regions like Alentejo move at an even slower pace, with rolling plains, cork forests, and small towns where little has changed in decades. If you only have a few days, pairing one city with one coastal stop gives you a good sense of the country’s range. Renting a car makes sense if you want to explore the Douro Valley wine region or smaller Alentejo towns at your own pace, since public transit there is limited.

Portuguese cuisine centers on fresh seafood, especially bacalhau (salt cod), along with grilled sardines, hearty stews, and the famous pastel de nata custard tart found in nearly every bakery. Coffee culture is strong here too — a quick espresso at the counter is a normal part of the day, not a sit-down event. Most shops close for a few hours in the early afternoon in smaller towns, so plan errands and museum visits around local hours rather than assuming everything stays open all day. Water is safe to drink from the tap in most of the country, which helps keep travel costs down. Vegetarian travelers will find plenty of fresh produce, cheeses, and bread-based dishes, even though the traditional menu leans heavily toward meat and fish.

Trains and buses connect Portugal’s major cities efficiently and affordably, making it easy to explore beyond Lisbon without renting a car. Summers are hot and dry, especially inland, while the coast stays milder thanks to Atlantic breezes; spring and fall are ideal for sightseeing without peak-season crowds. Before you travel, check the U.S. State Department’s country-specific guidance at travel.state.gov for up-to-date entry requirements and safety information.

Have you traveled to Portugal, or are you planning a trip soon? We’d love to hear your recommendations and questions in the comments below — this page will keep growing as our own Portugal stories come in.

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