Exploring Portugal: 7 essential tips for your journey

You likely know someone who has visited Portugal and can't stop talking about it. After a two-week adventure in Portugal with my family before the pandemic, I can confidently say it's an excellent destination for families. Yet, every great place has its challenges, and here are some insights from my experience traveling with kids in Portugal.

Lisbon isn't stroller-friendly

There's so much to adore about Lisbon. It's tidy, safe, and a joy to wander through. However, be prepared for its cobblestone streets and steep hills, which may be tough for little ones to navigate. One of Lisbon's key areas is called "Bairro Alto," meaning "high neighborhood," for good reason.

This information comes from a two-hour walking tour of the city, focusing solely on stairs, not hills:

While you don’t need to embark on a two-hour walking tour, if you're traveling to Portugal with a baby, I strongly recommend using a carrier instead of a stroller. For those with toddlers, consider visiting areas equipped with public elevators and/or using a stroller that can handle uneven surfaces. On a positive note, some elevators in Portugal, like the Santa Justa Lift, are attractions in their own right.

Additionally, if any adult in your group has mobility challenges, similar considerations about the terrain apply — so make sure to plan your logistics accordingly.

We found that Ubers were affordable and readily available. Most rides within the city cost less than $7 for Uber X, with many under $12 for Uber Black.

Be sure to visit the Maritime Museum

A well-known Instagram hotspot in the Belem District of Lisbon is the Monument of Discoveries, which is worth visiting just for the view it offers.

However, our favorite place turned out to be right across the street at the Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha). It captivated our kids much more than other museums, as it took visitors through the journeys of Vasco da Gama and other Portuguese explorers. The museum even showcased artifacts from da Gama's voyages within its extensive collection. As a traveler, I was particularly fascinated by the historical maps and globes displayed throughout the museum.

Younger children will especially enjoy the Galliot Pavilion at the museum's end. This expansive exhibition hall features royal yachts, brigs, fishing vessels, and various Portuguese ships, providing plenty of space to explore.

Entry to the Museu de Marinha costs $6 for adults and $3 for children aged 4 to 12. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm during summer and from 10 am to 5 pm in winter.

Lisbon's iconic trams can get extremely crowded

If you've seen pictures of Lisbon, you're likely familiar with the famous yellow trams that glide through the city's unique neighborhoods. However, that's not what we experienced in the pre-COVID days.

What we observed was a bit more congested than the postcard-perfect scenes.

I’m not sure when those photos of empty trams were taken, but during our entire week there, we never encountered a tram that wasn't packed to standing room only. If you and your family plan a future visit, think about whether you'll be able to comfortably practice social distancing before hopping on.

Make sure to visit Sintra on a sunny day

Before our trip to Portugal, everyone we spoke to insisted that we must see Sintra, particularly for views like this:

This is yet another instance where our experience didn't match our expectations. After all, fog can occur unexpectedly.

Our somewhat overcast day shrouded the views as a thick fog settled over Sintra. We couldn't even catch a glimpse of the ocean, even when we drove just a short distance away. In hindsight, I should have been more mindful of the fact that Sintra's charm is highly dependent on the weather, given its proximity to the ocean about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from Lisbon.

The waters in the Algarve are colder than those of the Mediterranean

If you're an ocean swimmer, here's something to consider: average water temperatures in the Algarve, southern Portugal, peak in the low 70s by mid-August. When we visited in late June, the ocean was about 67 degrees, according to Sea Temperature, which felt too cold for anything more than a quick toe-dip. Those few degrees significantly affected our swimming experience.

For kids who love building sandcastles and chasing seagulls, the Algarve's beaches are perfect — sandy and inviting, unlike the rocky beaches found in many Mediterranean destinations. Just remember that you might have to navigate a long flight of stairs to reach your beach spot. Here are more tips for exploring the Algarve with kids.

A house with a private pool can be surprisingly budget-friendly

TPG highlighted the Pine Cliffs Resort, which is a fantastic option for families or groups. While it's definitely a solid choice, consider renting a house with a private pool as well. We rented this one for 30% less than a room at Pine Cliffs for a week in June. With three bedrooms, including one in a turret, two ocean-view patios, and furnishings that look like they came from an HGTV episode, I’d say $254/night (before discounts) was an excellent deal.

Getting to Portugal has never been easier (during normal times)

Currently, Portugal is not open to most Americans due to COVID-19. As of January 26, 2021, anyone aged two and older traveling from Portugal to the U.S. must present a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Alternatively, documented proof of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days from a licensed healthcare provider is also acceptable.

Despite the current restrictions, Portugal's pre-COVID popularity hasn't gone unnoticed by airlines. TAP Air Portugal operates several routes, including non-stop flights from Washington, DC, Chicago, and San Francisco. TAP is part of the Star Alliance, and I've found excellent availability using United MileagePlus for 30,000 miles each way in economy or 70,000 miles each way in business class. United is a Chase transfer partner. Air Canada's Aeroplan is also a solid choice if you wish to transfer from American Express. TAP tickets come with a free stopover in Lisbon or Porto, helping to stretch your travel budget further.

The takeaway

Believe the buzz: Under normal circumstances, Portugal offers fantastic opportunities for an unforgettable vacation, though it may not be ideal for every type of traveler. My teenager, who is notoriously hard to please, ranked Portugal among his top countries. When I inquired why, his simple reply was, "I liked the vibe there." I got what he meant: between the rich maritime history, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming locals, I enjoyed the vibe as well — though I’m sure having a private pool added to the experience.