This post contains affiliate links. If you book or sign up through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I use or would suggest to my own friends visiting Portugal.
Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore.. but a few smart bookings can make a big difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.
After living here for years and helping many travelers plan their visits, here’s what I recommend you book before your flight .. and what you can leave flexible until you land.
Your Flight and First Night’s Stay
Sounds obvious, but some people get caught up in itinerary planning and forget the basics. Make sure you’ve booked:
- Your flight
- Accommodation for at least the first night
- Your arrival transport (airport metro, Uber, or taxi)
Having these settled means you can start your trip relaxed—not scrambling for directions at baggage claim.
Your SIM or eSIM (Don’t Wait Until You Land)
You’ll want data the moment you land—to book an Uber, check your Airbnb code, or pull up directions.
I recommend getting your mobile data before you arrive, and the easiest way is with an eSIM from Airalo. It’s a prepaid, travel-friendly option that works right when your plane touches down. No lines, no shops, no roaming fees.
You just install the eSIM on your phone before your trip, activate it on arrival, and you’re online.
Local tip: Airport SIM kiosks are overpriced, and smaller cities don’t always have good options. Get your data sorted at home—you’ll thank yourself later.
Travel Insurance (Book It Before You Need It)
Portugal is safe, but things still go wrong—delayed bags, illnesses, or missed connections.
I use and recommend SafetyWing. It’s travel insurance made for modern travelers: medical coverage, trip delays, lost luggage, and more—plus flexible daily pricing and easy sign-up.
You can get a quote here in 2 minutes, and everything’s digital—no paperwork needed.
Wise Debit Card (Avoid ATM Fees and Bad Exchange Rates)
Portugal is mostly cashless, but not everywhere. Some kiosks reject international cards, and ATMs can come with nasty surprises.
I use Wise to:
- Pay with a debit card locally
- Withdraw euros without high ATM fees
- Transfer money between currencies at a fair exchange rate
You can sign up for free here and use the app right away (even before the card arrives!)
Local tip: Wise is especially useful at train stations, ticket machines, or small-town bakeries that still prefer card or cash.
Must-Book Tours and Day Trips
Portugal doesn’t require you to book everything but.. the best tours do fill up, especially in spring, summer, and fall.
If you’re planning to visit:
- Douro Valley
- Sintra
- Popular wine regions
- Walking food tours or Fado shows
…it’s worth reserving early through GetYourGuide. You can cancel easily if plans change, and they work with legit local guides.
Train Tickets (Only If You’re on a Fixed Schedule)
Portugal’s train network is solid, and you can usually buy tickets on the day. But if you want a specific time, first-class seat, or are traveling on a weekend or holiday, it’s smart to book a few days in advance.
Use cp.pt to reserve tickets online—no printing needed.
Local tip: On the Lisbon to Porto route, book an Alfa Pendular train and sit on the right side for ocean views.
Restaurant Reservations (Sometimes Helpful)
You don’t need to book every meal, but it’s smart to make a reservation if:
- You’re dining in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve
- It’s a weekend or holiday
- You’re going for a Michelin star or popular seafood place
- You’re traveling with a group
TheFork and OpenTable both work here.
What You Don’t Need to Book Yet
You can skip advance planning for:
- SIM cards (if you get an eSIM like Airalo, you’re set)
- Ubers or taxis (just use the app when you land)
- Local trams, metros, or city buses
- Most museums (walk-ins are fine unless there’s a special exhibit)
- Restaurants in smaller towns (they’re usually walk-in friendly)
What I Personally Use Before Every Portugal Trip
Here’s my actual toolkit. Here is everything I use or recommend before flying:
- Airalo – for affordable eSIMs that activate on arrival
- SafetyWing – travel insurance I trust and use
- Wise – for ATM access and smart payments
- GetYourGuide – for wine tours, walking tours, and day trips
- CP.pt – for train bookings when I’m on a set schedule
- Google Maps, Moovit, and Rome2Rio – for figuring out local transport
Bonus: Free Portugal Planning Checklist
If you want to make sure you’ve booked everything you need (and nothing you don’t), I made a free printable checklist you can use.
Download your Portugal Trip Planning Checklist here . It includes what to book, what to pack, and what to skip.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to plan every minute of your Portugal trip.. but sorting out the right things before your flight makes everything smoother.
If you’re still unsure about what to book, or have questions about specific tours or towns, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help travelers get the most out of Portugal.