30 Key Portugal Packing List for a Week (+ PDF Download!)
Once you have your Portugal itinerary all planned and you’re ready to head for the airport, all you need is a comprehensive Portugal packing list to get you out the door!
I’ve made my way around Portugal on several occasions, allowing me to perfect my ultimate packing list for both carry-on folks and those who want to bring every shirt they own with them “just in case.”
I’ve included separate packing lists for both summer and winter, so you’ll know exactly what to bring no matter when you’re visiting. Additionally, I’ve provided a list of items you can probably leave at home, a list of my top packing tips, and answered several helpful questions regarding your trip!
30 Key Portugal Packing List Items
The list below mainly caters towards women, however many of the items will cross over for men, as well. Clothing, a travel backpack, sunglasses, shoes, flip-flops, etc. will all be needed for both men and women.
I love using Amazon for most of my travel products since they provide a testing period where you can see if you like the product and if you decide you don’t, you can return it no questions asked!
1. Flowy Stylish Pants
Remember when I said the Portuguese dress well? That doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable!
Of course, jeans and nice leggings are acceptable and appropriate, but these flowy pants are my favorite because they keep me cool on hot days, they go with most pairs of shoes, and come in a variety of colors so I can mix and match them with tight or loose tops.
They’re also very comfortable and stylish so you’ll feel great on a day full of sightseeing!
2. Flowy Long Skirt
Flowy skirts are great for exploring Portugal. You’ll find many of the locals wearing them and due to the tight waste, they don’t slip down and they fit very well with either a loose or tight t-shirt.
Stylish, comfortable, and cool – these are my favorite types of skirts for exploring both Portugal and Europe!
3. Comfortable Shorts
No matter how you plan on spending your time in Portugal, these shorts can fit every vibe. From Lisbon and Porto’s eclectic bars, nightclubs, jazz and dance clubs, to Aveiro’s quiet waterfront, you’ll be comfortable and stylish in a slightly fitted pair of lightly colored shorts.
A dress or skirt would also work well, just make sure that you’ll be comfortable wearing your walking shoes with whatever outfit you choose.
4. Summer Dress
A summer dress is an essential Portugal packing list item for summer. Most people tend to wear colorful dresses with accents of white, similar to the style of Lisbon’s elegant facades.
Pick something that’s universally stylish and appropriate for the streets of Porto to the nightclubs of Lisbon and the charming streets of Óbidos!
5. Tank Tops
I LOVE these tank tops. I actually have two different styles myself and I fit right in in the Alfama district in Lisbon.
They come in fun colors and designs, are flowy and light, super soft, and they are appropriate for both the streets of the city and the nightclubs on Pink Street!
6. T-Shirts
A couple of different t-shirts that come in a variety of colors is essential on any Portugal packing list.
I usually pick something with lacey edges (like the one shown above) for a little bit of style and a few t-shirts that will go with jeans, shorts, or leggings.
7. Long Sleeve Shirts
Yes, even in the summers, it can get cool at night in Portugal… especially if you’re on the water.
Pack at least one or two long sleeve shirts that can either be used as layers or simply to cover your arms if you don’t feel like wearing a light jacket.
8. Athletic Shorts
Depending on which parts of Portugal you’ll be visiting, there’s a good chance you’ll either be going to the beach, doing some hiking (Sintra has some great hikes and castles), or doing an extensive amount of walking.
Especially in the summer heat, athletic shorts are great for staying cool and comfortable. They also come in many different styles and designs, so you can make them look as stylish as you please!
9. Women’s Bathing Suit
Women, even if you’re visiting Portugal in the dead of winter, it’s a good idea to have a bathing suit with you.
Hotels and resorts all over the country have pools, and in the summers you can find waterfalls, endless beaches (we love the beaches in Cascais), and even hot springs!
10. Men’s Bathing Suit
Men, you should also bring along a bathing suit just in case.
It can get very hot in the summers, and these cool board shorts can work both as a bathing suit and as a sweet addition to your outfit for the day.
11. Rain Jacket
Owing to Portugal’s location along the Atlantic Coast, there’s always a chance of rain, wind, and quickly changing weather patterns to look out for.
Even if you plan on traveling to Portugal in the summer, be sure to include a rain jacket on your Portugal packing list!
12. Day Pack
This Himawari travel backpack comes everywhere with me… seriously, all over Europe!
It’s the perfect size and comes in a range of varying colors and designs. It easily holds my water, snacks, rain jacket, my portable battery pack (listed below), and so forth without issue.
It’s super sleep and fashionable and is TSA carry-on approved!
13. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Even though style is important to the Portuguese, be sure to bring with you a comfortable and supportive pair of walking shoes. Everywhere you go, you’re going to find uneven sidewalks, broken cobblestones, and hills…. lots and lots of hills.
There’s a reason why Lisbon has been nicknamed “the city of seven hills!” A pair of walking shoes that will keep your feet protected and comfortable is essential on your Portugal packing list. Seriously, don’t leave home without them!
14. Stylish Sandals
When your day full of sightseeing is done and you want to go enjoy a nice evening meal or a night out on the town, it can be good to switch out of your walking shoes and into something a little nicer.
Especially, if you plan on hitting the beach, a pair of sandals or flip-flops should be in your bags on your way to Portugal!
15. Sunglasses
Stylish and they keep those beating sun rays out of your eyes, not to mention they hide your jetlag eye bags… sunglasses should definitely be on your Portugal packing list.
16. Portable Power Bank
Perfect for when your phone or camera starts to run out of battery while you’re away from your accommodation. I actually use this exact one since I’ve had it for over 5 years and it still works fantastic.
Since I like to use my phone for both my mode of communication and my primary camera, it sometimes runs out of battery rather quickly… so I actually have 3 of these!
17. Reusable Water Bottle with Filter
While the water is mostly safe to drink in Portugal, it’s never a bad idea to run it through a filter just in case… especially if you’re getting it out of the tap.
This reusable water bottle with a filter comes everywhere with me since it has a 2-step filtering process that removes any bacteria, parasites, chemicals, and microplastics that may be in the water.
Sean and I each have one and they successfully filtered our water all over the world from Kyrgyzstan to Peru, and even Nepal!
18. Currency
Portugal is part of the European Union and uses the Euro. If you’re coming from outside of Europe, it’s usually a good idea to pick up some currency from your local bank before departing.
I usually allow up to 3 weeks for the money to arrive at the bank and I only order enough to get me through the first 48 hours or so. There will be plenty of banks and exchange centers in the airports and cities in Portugal.
Just be sure to avoid any streetside ATMs or exchanging money on the street! Scams are quite common and you may receive fake money or an extremely poor exchange rate.
19. Universal Outlet Converter
If you’re coming from the U.S. or elsewhere in the world (outside of the U.K. and Europe), you’ll need an adapter to be able to charge your electronics.
I like this universal travel adapter since it allows me to only carry one adapter for every country in the world. It saves both time, space, and money if you plan on traveling to countries outside of the U.S., the U.K., and Europe.
20. Passport
Whatever you do… don’t forget your passport! Be sure it has at least 2 blank pages, isn’t bent or has water damage, and won’t expire within 6 months of departing from Portugal. More on this below.
21. Camera
I personally use my phone as my primary camera, but if you prefer to carry a separate camera with its own SD card, you won’t be alone!
This Sony is a great option since it’s small enough to fit into a purse but also takes high-quality pictures.
22. Hanging Toiletry Bag
If you’re traveling to Europe for the first time, there’s something you need to know… most hotel, Airbnb, and hostel bathrooms in Europe are very small. This leaves very little room for your toiletries and usually ends in them being knocked over onto a less-than-clean floor.
To save yourself the disgust and frustration, opt for one of these hanging toiletry bags! I seriously love mine since it can hold all of my shower stuff, makeup, and first aid essentials in one place.
23. Packing Cubes
If you aren’t sure what packing cubes are, be ready to have your mind blown. These handy little cubes are like the secret weapon of travel, and they make packing and unpacking easy.
I love using them because they help me to organize my clothes and belongings in a way that keeps everything neat and tidy. They also reduce the amount of space your belongings take up in your luggage, so you can pack more on every trip.
Plus, if you get different colors, you can easily identify what is in each cube! I highly recommend trying packing cubes on your next trip – it will truly make your life so much easier. These are the ones I have, and I can’t recommend them enough!
24. Snacks
Typically you’ll hear me say that you should be eating strictly local foods to really e,brace the culture, but in Portugal, even in the main cities like Lisbon and Porto, it can actually get a little difficult to find simple snacks that aren’t a pastry.
I know, I know, stop complaining… but if you eventually get tired of pasteis de natas and coffee and aren’t quite ready for a sit-down meal, having some backup protein bars is going to come in handy. Quest bars are my personal favorite!
25. Lightweight Jacket
I personally love this Eddie Bauer lightweight down jacket since it rolls up nice and tight to save space, can easily fit inside your day bag, and will keep you warm if the weather takes a turn.
Another plus is it’s slightly fitted, so you don’t have to look like you’re dressing for a blizzard in the middle of summer.
What NOT to Include on Your Portugal Packing List
26. Revealing Clothing
Like I said, most people in Portugal, locals and tourists alike, dress very nicely. So booty shorts and stilettos are going to attract all the wrong sorts of attention.
In fact, you can get in trouble for wearing too revealing or inappropriate clothing. Churches, museums, and many restaurants have dress codes that don’t allow provocative or revealing clothing, so I suggest leaving the spaghetti strap tank tops at home.
27. High Heels – the #1 item to skip on your Portugal packing list
Sensible shoes are absolutely essential in Portugal. Leave the high heels at home! I watched several girls nearly break their ankles while walking around the cobblestone streets of Lisbon and I was very happy to have my cute, but sensible, shoes on.
Everywhere you visit in Portugal you’re going to find steep hills, uneven sidewalks, steep curbs, and broken cobblestones. Do yourself a favor and opt for stylish shoes with heels of less than one inch. Don’t worry, you can still look fashionable without risking an injury.
28. Tourist Giveaways
The big ticket items include money belts, baseball hats, selfie sticks, and maps. Avoid wearing these items as the Portuguese are never seen with these and it will be very obvious that you’re a tourist (not that they need these items to tell anyway).
Unfortunately, when you look like a tourist, sometimes you get treated like a tourist. Pickpockets and scams are much more common among tourists than locals and nobody wants to end their vacation with a missing wallet or phone.
Do your best to research your route on your phone or before you leave your hotel for the day. Having a giant map out on the sidewalk is a clear statement to the locals that you are lost and distracted.
While we found the locals to be quite kind and hospitable, we have heard horror stories from other travelers of locals offering to help give you directions then expecting payment after. The more confidence you have in your plan the less likely someone is to target you.
29. Open-Top Purses and Backpacks
Again with the pickpockets. Keeping your purse or backpack open to the public might as well be a giant “welcome” sign to pickpockets.
Only bring with you bags that can zip shut and you can easily keep on the front of your person. Unfortunately, pickpockets are extremely common across Europe, so you shouldn’t give anyone any reason to target you.
30. Rolling Luggage
As I already mentioned, the streets in Portugal are less than even. Rolling suitcases will easily become damaged and I’ve even seen wheels completely break off of tourists’ suitcases while they were dragging them across the sidewalks!
Opt for duffel bags or backpacks and do your best to avoid bringing luggage with wheels.
Packing Tips for Portugal
Whether you’re getting your Portugal packing list together or you’re packing for another foreign country, there are a few travel tips you should know.
✔️ I always place the heaviest items at the bottom of my suitcase or backpack.
This way they don’t become top-heavy and fall over or put unnecessary weight on my back and hips.
✔️ Using a shower cap or cloth bag to hold your shoes will do a good job in preventing your dirty footwear from touching your clothing or hygiene products.
Try not to use plastic bags since it is wasteful and some countries actually forbid bringing plastic bags into their country.
✔️ Hair elastics, bobby pins, and eyeglass cases make for great DIY ways of keeping your electronics and wires together.
Nobody likes tangled headphones, phone chargers, etc., so by rolling them and securing them in a tight roll, they’ll stay neat, tidy, and NOT at the bottom of your bag.
How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Portugal
The basics of not looking like a tourist in Portugal stem from avoiding the things I mentioned above including not using a giant map and not wearing money belts, giant backpacks, or baseball caps while sightseeing or in public.
Do your best to fit in! If the locals are dressed a certain way, try to mimic their style. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but if you want to fit in, you’ll need to look like them as much as possible. Bring along some of the items on my Portugal packing list above to help you.
And even with these steps, they’re likely still going to know that you’re a tourist. Locals have a funny way of spotting a local a mile away, so it’s a pretty normal part of traveling. Embrace it!
What to Wear in Portugal in Spring and Fall
In addition to what you will need in the summer, there are a few items to include on your Portugal packing list if you’re wondering what to wear in Portugal in March, April, or May.
While we already mentioned that you’ll need a rain jacket, it’s of the utmost importance during the shoulder seasons. Rain is almost always guaranteed in the spring and fall so an umbrella and rain boots are good ideas, as well.
Additionally, warmer clothes are a must. You’ll want to pack a couple of long sleeves, some sweaters, and mostly long pants or capris for Portugal in October and November. Temperatures average in the 60s and drop as low as the low-50s in the evenings.
So, if you’re wondering what to pack and wear in Portugal in October and November, here’s a pretty good list:
✔️ Jeans
✔️ Sweaters
✔️ Leggings
✔️ Tall Socks & Boots
✔️ Rain Gear
✔️ Fleeces
Be prepared for the weather to change at any moment by keeping a raincoat and extra layers in your day pack while you’re out.
What to Wear in Portugal in Winter
While Portugal does maintain semi-warm temperatures year-round with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you should still come prepared if you plan on visiting between December and March.
Winter jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves should be included in your winter Portugal packing list along with plenty of layers and warm boots.
You may not need to wear all of these at the same time, but it’ll be good to keep them in your backpack in case you need them when you’re walking around.
What to Wear in Portugal in Summer
If you’re wondering what to wear in Portugal in June, July, or August, let’s just say you’re going to want to keep things in line with the three C’s… casual, comfy, and cool!
Whether you’re heading to the beautiful Cabo da Roca or the Algarve to do some sea kayaking, you’re likely going to need a very similar packing list to the one I created above.
You may want to include a few extra pairs of shorts and one or two fewer pairs of long pants, but everything else should still be included on your Portugal packing list.
Bathing suits, sunglasses, and flip flops are going to plague the beaches while sundresses and boat shoes will cover the boardwalks and the top Porto boat tours and these 11 incredible Lisbon boat tours!
You’ll also probably want to bring your own beach towel and snorkel gear if you plan on a vacation full of beaches and swimming!
Aim to pack light-colored clothing including shorts, dresses, t-shirts, tank tops, and swimwear. I also recommend packing outfits that will look nice with comfortable walking shoes, since sandals aren’t going to offer much support or protection on the loose, cobblestone streets.
You’ll also want to come prepared with a lightweight travel backpack like the one I listed above, sunglasses, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen (though you can pick this up when you arrive if you aren’t planning on checking any bags).
Things To Do Before Departing for Portugal
When it comes to getting ready to leave for any big trip, there are a few things you should do before jetting off to the airport. If you need help planning your European itinerary, check out my article on how to plan a trip to Europe.
First, be sure to check the weather for the time you’ll be gone. While the weather reports often change every 24-48 hours, they’ll still give you a pretty good idea of what temperature range you can expect and how you should pack in a long-term forecast.
It’s not always going to be sunny skies and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in Portugal. In fact, the winters get very cold and the spring and fall bring along cooler weather and frequent rains, as well.
It’s also a good idea to lay all of your belongings out before packing them. It can be easy to forget which items were already packed, and nobody likes unpacking to double-check that they have something.
You should also give your phone company a call and let them know you’ll be traveling. If you cross international borders without updating your phone plan or putting your phone in airplane mode it can result in hefty data roaming charges.
A call to your credit card companies is also necessary. Be sure to let them know your exact dates of travel and all of the destinations you’ll be traveling to, including the cities you may have layovers in.
This can help prevent fraudulent charges from going through in the event that your personal information gets stolen and keep your credit cards from getting shut off. If your credit card company doesn’t know that you’re traveling out of the country, they may freeze your card if they don’t recognize foreign charges.
Always check-in for your flight before getting to the airport. This will save you a lot of time at the kiosks when printing out your boarding passes and will let the airline know to expect you.
Lastly, be sure to hire any pet, plant, or house sitters if you need them. Especially if you’re traveling in the winter, nobody likes to return home from a trip and have to shovel their driveway before they can go inside!
Passport Requirements for Portugal
Before arriving in Portugal, you’ll want to ensure your passport follows these guidelines:
✔️ Your passport won’t expire within 6 months of departing from Portugal
✔️ Your passport has at least 2 blank pages
✔️ Your passport was issued within the last 10 years
✔️ Your passport isn’t wrinkled, bent, or water damaged
Travel Insurance for Portugal
Since nobody likes to spend a lot of money on travel insurance, we go with SafetyWing. It’s travel insurance that was created by nomads for nomads, so it’s super affordable!
We paid just $19.50 per person for full insurance for our two-week trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. They are very up-front about what is and is not covered, so it’s easy to customize your package. Insurance rates start as low as $42 per month!
Another great option that travelers often use is World Nomads.
FAQ
These are some of the most popular questions that I get asked regarding travel around Portugal. If you have any additional questions, feel free to send me an email and I’d be happy to help!
When is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?
Most people will probably tell you that the best time to visit Portugal is in the summer months between June and August, but I have to say that I typically disagree with this.
We found this to be the busiest season of the year by far for Portugal (and most of Europe for that matter), and we weren’t in love with our experience.
The beaches were crowded, there were long lines at all of the restaurants, bars, and attractions, and everything was far more expensive than in the off-season.
When we first visited in March, we had practically everything to ourselves, we found cheap flights and accommodations, we had time to chat with the locals since the shops weren’t too busy, and we got incredible photos that weren’t filled with tourists!
We found the shoulder seasons of spring and fall to be the best time to visit Portugal for numerous reasons. However, if you really want prime beach weather, try to visit towards the middle of September.
This is when most tourist families have returned home for the start of the new school year, so you’ll actually get some elbow room on the beaches.
How Should I Prepare for a Trip to Portugal?
You can prepare for a trip to Portugal almost exactly the same way you would prepare for any trip abroad.
Check the weather, ensure care is provided for your house, pets, and plants, pick up some local currency, and pack appropriately. A few phone calls to your banks, credit card providers, and phone service provider may be necessary, as well.
Once all of that is done, it’s a good idea to brush up on some Portuguese by learning a few common phrases. “Please“, “thank you“, “how much is…”, “I would like…”, and “where is…”are good starting points.
Even though many people in the major cities of Portugal do speak English, there are plenty of more rural regions where English is NOT widely spoken.
It’s best to come prepared by learning a few helpful phrases or bringing along a pocket-sized travel guide with you. The Rick Steve’s Portuguese Phrase Book is a great option!
What Should I Pack for 7 Days in Portugal?
The only thing you’ll need to be mindful of when planning your one-week Portugal packing list is the quantity of each item you bring.
If I were traveling to Portugal for 7 days, I would pack enough clothes for 3-4 days and then book an accommodation with laundry services either in-house or nearby so I didn’t have to travel with too many items.
Plan out one outfit per day (with the option to switch things around relatively easily so you can be flexible with the weather) then aim to wash everything about halfway through your trip.
This will save you a lot of extra weight and will help you get ready a bit faster each day since you won’t have as many items to choose from.
If you want to know how I like to pack, take a look at my minimalist packing list for females traveling to Europe!
What Should Tourists Wear in Portugal?
In Portugal, the dress code is generally casual but chic. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll probably be spending a lot of time on your feet exploring. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal for hot, sunny days, while a mid-weight jacket or sweater is great for cooler evenings.
Given Portugal’s coastal location, don’t forget a bathing suit if you’re planning to hit the beaches. It’s also a good idea to pack a nice outfit or two if you plan on dining in upscale restaurants or enjoying a night out in the city.
Remember, Portuguese people tend to dress a little more conservatively, so avoid overly revealing clothing. When visiting religious sites, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered.
Most importantly, pack clothes you feel comfortable and confident wearing that don’t make you stand out too much.
What Type of Plug is Used in Portugal?
Glad you asked! The outlets in Portugal use plug types C and F. Keep in mind that Portuguese outlets supply 230V and 50H of electricity, so your American or other foreign electronics will become a serious fire hazard if you try to plug them in without the proper converter.
The universal outlet converter I linked to above is the perfect way to prevent this. You simply plug the converter into the wall outlet, then plug your phone charger, hairdryer, etc. into the converter. Easy!
Do I Need Bug Spray in Portugal?
Yes, packing some bug spray for your trip to Portugal is a good idea, especially if you plan on enjoying outdoor activities or dining outside. While Portugal doesn’t have a significant mosquito problem, you might encounter some buzzing nuisances, particularly in the evening.
Also, if your Portugal itinerary includes hiking in the countryside, bug spray will help protect you from ticks, which can be present in these areas.
However, it’s not a major concern and should not disrupt your travel plans – just a precaution to help you stay comfortable during your trip.
What are the Best Shoes to Pack for Portugal?
It can be easy to want to pack for a sleek and stylish wardrobe on your trip to Portugal, and while I highly recommend dressing nicely, I would leave the stilettos and the uncomfortable shoes at home.
Portugal is primarily made up of mountains, hills, cobblestone streets, vineyards, rivers, and rugged coastlines. No matter where you visit in the country whether it be to the city or the countryside, sensible shoes are a must for any visit.
Do yourself a favor and pack comfortable walking shoes or sneakers to get you from place to place. I always bring along a pair of nice sandals or stylish booties if I want to look stylish later once I have gotten to my destination, but there’s nothing worse than trying to traverse across Portugal covered in blisters.
Trust me, it’s not worth the effort. Pack 1-2 pairs of comfortable shoes that go with multiple outfits and will carry you over long journeys.
How Much Money Should I Bring to Portugal for a Week?
The amount of money you should bring to Portugal for a week really depends on your personal travel style and spending habits. However, to give you a rough idea, Portugal is one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe.
For budget travelers, around €50 to €70 per day should cover hostel accommodation, meals at local restaurants, public transportation, and modest sightseeing.
If you are comfortable eating food truck meals and grabbing snacks at the local general store or supermarket, then you can keep costs exceedingly low.
If you prefer mid-range comfort, consider budgeting around €100 to €150 per day. This would cover a 3-star hotel, meals at mid-range restaurants, car rental or taxi fares, and more extensive activities and excursions.
Luxury travelers should budget at least €200 per day, which would cover a 4 or 5-star hotel, dining at high-end restaurants, private tours, and premium experiences. Though, in the summer months, this could go as high as €300-400 per day!
Remember, these are just rough estimates. You should also budget for any shopping you plan on doing in addition to unexpected expenses (i.e. scams, extra souvenirs, etc.) It’s always better to overestimate a little to avoid any stress.
And don’t forget, most places in Portugal accept credit cards, but it’s always handy to have some cash on hand.
You can find one-way trains from Porto to Lisbon as low as €10 but they can reach nearly double or even triple that price depending on the season, day of the week, and seat class you choose.
Tour prices will vary between cities and what’s included.Food and wine tours in Portugal start at around €45 per person while guided walking tours in Lisbon start at around €20.
Depending on what your interests are, you may need to adjust your budget accordingly.
What am I Forgetting to Pack for Portugal?
When going on any trip, most people forget the basics: shampoo, toothbrushes, flip flops, deodorant, medication, and the most obvious – their passport!
So for your trip to Portugal, ensure you have the necessities as well as a few fun items like your camera, a good day backpack, and some currency for gifts!
Like I’ve said before, Portugal is absolutely overflowing with culture from its romantic castles and historical ancient ruins to its decadent cuisine and hospitable, friendly people.
On any trip to Portugal, it can be difficult to know what to pack which is why I created this ultimate Portugal packing list to help you get to the airport quicker than ever! Just be sure to leave room for some of these amazing souvenirs from Portugal.
