What I’d Do Differently: Portugal Edition

Updated April 2026 | 3 min read

Portugal by train is at the top of my list, and I have not been yet. This is the lessons post written before going: the mistakes other travelers keep reporting from Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, collected so a first trip runs like a second one.

Lisbon’s Hills Are No Joke

The most common first-timer mistake is packing light shoes on the assumption that Lisbon is flat like most European capitals. It is not. Alfama and Bairro Alto are steep cobblestone climbs. Wear proper shoes with grip and take the historic trams or elevators when your legs give out.

Porto Deserves Three Nights, Not Two

Two nights in Porto is the standard itinerary, and almost every trip report says it felt rushed. The Douro Valley wine tour takes a full day. Porto itself needs a full day of walking the Ribeira, crossing the Dom Luis bridge, and eating a francesinha. Three nights minimum.

Book the Algarve Train Early

The train from Lisbon to Lagos is scenic and cheap but the good departure times sell out. Travelers who wait end up on a midday train and lose half a beach day. Book on CP.pt as soon as dates are available.

The Pastel de Nata at Pasteis de Belem Is Worth the Line

The line looks long enough that people skip it. By every account it moves fast, and the pasteis are consistently rated above every other bakery in Lisbon. Go at opening time for the shortest wait.

Sintra Needs a Full Day

The classic mistake is combining Sintra with other sightseeing and reaching Pena Palace just before closing. Sintra has five major attractions spread across a mountain. Start early, buy combined tickets online, and give it the whole day.

What I Would Get Right From Day One

Taking the train instead of renting a car. The Portuguese rail network connects Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve efficiently and the scenery from the window is beautiful.

Travel Tools We Actually Use

• eSIM Data: Airalo eSIM for Portugal — Buy before you land. You need data the moment you arrive for navigation and translation apps.

Book Tours and Activities

• Portugal Tours and Activities on Viator

Gear We Recommend

• Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack — Carry-on sized, opens like a suitcase.
• Anker Nano Power Bank — Essential for long days of navigating with your phone.
• Packing Cubes (6-Pack) — We bring these on every trip now.
• Universal Travel Adapter — One adapter for every country.
• Rain Jacket — Lisbon weather shifts fast, especially in shoulder season.

Book on GetYourGuide:

• Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon
• Douro Valley Wine Tour from Porto

Find Flights to Portugal

Plan Your Trip to Portugal

Ready to book? Search flights to Portugal to compare prices across airlines. And compare hotel rates in Portugal to find the best deals for your dates.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. SafetyWing, Skyscanner, Airalo, Booking.com, Viator, GetYourGuide.

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