If you are dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, charming colorful streets, and mouth-watering pastéis de nata then Portugal is your travel paradise. Whether you’re navigating Lisbon’s historical city, exploring Porto’s wine cellars, or relaxing with your family in the Algarve, these must-know travel hacks will save you time, money, and hassle.

From family-friendly ways to skip the lines to tips to beat the heat, here’s how to travel like a pro in Portugal!

1. When landing late in Portugal, make sure you pack all your necessities or use BabyQuip service to purchase them on your behalf. Shops in Portugal usually open at 9 AM and close at 9 PM, which means you have to stock up on water, snacks, diapers and wet wipes.

2. If you are planning to use a stroller, use Google Maps’ wheelchair-friendly feature. Both Lisbon and Porto have a lot of stairs, so it will make your life much easier.

3. Get your phone ready for your trip:

  • Download offline Maps for of the city and area you are staying in
  • Download taxi apps (Uber and Bolt) as they are much cheaper than regular taxis
  • Download food apps especially for when you are tired and want to eat in – Uber Eats, Bolt Food or Too Good To Go (zero-waste food concept)
  • Add this handy map of the best playgrounds to your Google Maps
  • Comboio de Portugal – if you are planning to use trains, get this app to purchase your tickets and check timetable
  • DeepL – majority of Portuguese speak English, however, if you face issues with communication DeepL is a great app to help you with translations
  • Google Maps is great for organising your transportation around the city, restaurant bookings and general info.

4. Rent your baby gear to avoid loss and damage of your gear and fly lighter

5. If you want to jump on the picture-worthy Lisbon’s tram make sure you arrive early morning (before 9 am). Children under the age of 4 travel for free and you can pay in

cash on board. If you are travelling with small children all public transport offers priority boarding and seats. If you don’t mind the route, we also suggest riding tram 12, 24 or 15 instead.

6. Check out big events and celebrations in Portugal from concerts to festivals and local events like Santos Populares in June.

7. Dress in layers – Mornings and evenings can be cooler, especially in the north.

8. Comfortable shoes are a must – Cobblestone streets demand good footwear.

9. Pack light. Many streets have stairs and hills, especially in Porto and Lisbon – Leave room for souvenirs – Portuguese ceramics, wine, and textiles are worth bringing home

These handy hacks can help you save time, money and stress while helping you make unforgettable family memories.