Are you packing your suitcase for Portugal? A typical one week Portugal itinerary can take you from Lisbon to Porto, or you may spend three days in Lisbon, and then head to the Algarve beaches.
Wherever you go in Portugal, use this helpful checklist to make sure you don’t leave home without those needed items.
Don’t worry if you forget something. You’ll be able to buy that item when you arrive.
Travel Essentials for Portugal
Passport or ID card: Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein need only a valid ID card. Citizens from Canada, US, South America, Australia, New Zealand and from most Asian countries traveling to Portugal need a passport only – no visa is required for stays under 90 days. Citizens from other countries should see here.
Airline tickets: If you have an e-ticket, print out the email confirmation just in case.
Hotel reservations: Having a print out may be useful for taxi drivers.
Credit / debit cards: Visa, Mastercard and American Express are widely accepted. Bring an ATM debit card to withdraw euros from your checking account. In Portugal, ATMs, or Multibancos (MB), are easy to find, at the airport, Lisbon and Porto, and even in small Portuguese towns.
Driver’s license: You’ll need one if you want to rent a car.
Any medicines you need: If you go to a pharmacy in Portugal, medicines will probably have a different name. So, if there is anything you can’t live without – bring it with you.
Toiletries: Shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, and don’t forget your deodorant to to stay fresh while travelling in Portugal.
Smartphone (and charger): It has become essential for most travellers as it has everything – camera, guide book, map, wallet, etc.
Camera: Portugal is very photogenic thanks to its light, landscapes and colourful buildings. Bring a proper camera if you want to have more power than your smartphone can provide.
Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen: Especially during late spring, summer and early autumn, the sun is very strong in Portugal. Wear sunscreen on any exposed skin, even if you’re not on the beach. Choose a 30 SPF or above to protect you from sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer.
What Clothes to Pack for Portugal
The Sé Cathedral in Lisbon
Whatever the season, make sure to pack:
Lightweight comfortable walking shoes: That usually translates to trainers, or sneakers, which will be fine whatever the season. In summer, you might want to bring sandals or flip flops. Boots might be useful in winter, especially if it’s raining, or if you’re planning some countryside hikes (but even those hikes can be done in running shoes).
If you wear heels, note that cobblestone streets across Portugal and the Portuguese calçada (traditional pavement featuring mosaics of limestone and black basalt) especially in Lisbon make it a challenge to walk.
Layers: The weather in Portugal has many sunny days. But depending on what time of year you go, it can get hot or cold, or somewhere in between. Obviously, check conditions before you arrive and see our Lisbon Month by Month page for a rundown of what to expect from the weather. It’s pertinent for most of the country.
Swimsuit: In hot weather, do as locals and flock to the Algarve. If you’re visiting the Portuguese capital, check out some Great Beaches around Lisbon.
