The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in Portugal
Portugal is one of the dreamiest destinations for all types of travelers, especially those who crave sunny coastlines, friendly locals, and delicious seafood cuisine. Located on a peninsula in southwestern Europe, you can enjoy both beautiful architecture and comfortable weather year-round. If you’re planning to visit anywhere in Portugal as a first-timer, there are a few things you should know first to avoid making some of these very common mistakes.
Overloading Your Itinerary
Visitors to Portugal may underestimate the number of things to do based on the country’s size on the map. Even if you’re only visiting one city, such as Porto or Lisbon, you’ll be exposed to many historical architectural sites, culturally rich restaurants, and beautiful museums as a starting point. The vineyards of the Douro Valley can take an entire day to appreciate truly. Lisbon’s downtown district alone can require several days of exploration. Depending on the length of your trip, choose one city per trip. Allow yourself sufficient time to appreciate all that the country has to offer. You don’t want to be too tired to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Uncomfortable Shoes
Many American tourists are accustomed to flat terrain, and they often wear open-toed shoes or dress shoes on vacations that aren’t suitable for walking. Even if you rent a car, hire a driver, or use public transit, you’re probably going to have to spend a lot of time walking uphill, especially in Porto or Lisbon. Portugal is known for its gorgeous, rolling hills, but they can require a lot of stamina and strength to walk on. Unsuitable shoes can lead to blisters, sore feet, and distressed joints. Pain can easily ruin an enjoyable trip, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes that allow you to walk uphill.
Expecting English Everywhere
If you head to major Portuguese cities, like Lisbon, you’ll find a lot of natives who speak English. However, expecting this everywhere you go will be a mistake. Touring the entire country or visiting smaller towns will likely result in some language barrier problems. Even in large cities, smaller business owners may not speak English very well. You can learn basic Portuguese phrases to reduce frustration with communication, especially when it comes to asking for directions or ordering food. Translation books and apps are also helpful.
Ignoring Public Transport
If you plan on exploring multiple Portuguese cities on your trip, renting a car or hiring a driver is a good option. If you’re only exploring a major city, you may want to skip the rental car. City traffic makes many roads very congested, especially during peak hours. Public transit in large cities like Lisbon is extensive, diverse, and highly effective for navigating the city without worrying about traffic. Many visitors underestimate how impressive public transit is in other countries, especially in the urban hubs.
Skipping a Tour
If you’re new to the country of Portugal, trying to navigate the streets and understand the local hot spots by yourself can be tricky. Major tourist destinations may come up in your research, but you’ll miss out on exclusive locations and opportunities if you don’t opt for some guided tours. Companies offer private walking tours of beautiful Portuguese cities, such as Lisbon, where you can experience the rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning scenery just as a local would. You can also make many friends on tours, which can be great for solo travelers seeking some friendly connections.
Forgetting About Siesta
Siesta is a mid-afternoon period of rest in many countries, most famously observed in Spain and Mexico. Portugal also practices this habit, especially in more rural areas. You don’t want to forget about the afternoon siesta, as you may find yourself frustrated when businesses close up shop for a few hours. From noon to four PM, aim to avoid doing any activities that require visiting a business or restaurant. You can even take a siesta yourself! Sightseeing can be a great way to use up the afternoon, too. Be sure to schedule your meals around siesta time so you don’t go hungry. In larger cities, siestas aren’t as common to accommodate visitors.
Misunderstanding Restaurant Charges
Restaurants in European countries, particularly in Portugal, often operate differently from those in the United States. Portuguese restaurants usually include couvert, a small surcharge added to your bill if you choose to eat any of the appetizers placed on your table, such as bread, olives, or cheese. In America, it’s assumed that bread added to the table is free, and it usually is. In Portugal, it is typically not free of charge unless the service provider specifically states otherwise. You’re welcome to politely refuse the couvert dishes, but they usually will not cost more than a few euros on your restaurant bill.
Conclusion
Visiting a new country is an exciting experience, and Portugal is one of the most beautiful choices. You’ll enjoy delicious cuisine, a welcoming culture, stunning architecture, and gorgeous rolling hills. From vineyards to art museums, you won’t want to miss out on this beautiful European country. You can make a few mistakes when visiting, such as forgetting good walking shoes or expecting English speakers everywhere you go. Prepare for cultural differences and varying schedules to ensure a productive and enjoyable trip experience. Take the opportunity to learn some Portuguese phrases or practice the afternoon siesta.
