To do ASAP: Passports
If you already own a passport, please ensure it is up to date. If you don't have a valid passport, apply for one sooner rather than later. Note that Portugal (and many other EU countries) requires that your passport be valid at least 90 days after your last day in Portugal. For example, if you are leaving Portugal on June 22, 2025, your passport must be valid until September 20, 2025. Typically, it takes at least 8-10 weeks to receive a new or updated passport (sometimes longer during high seasons of travel), so make sure to take care of this well in advance!
Do 5-6 months before
Beginning in mid-2025, all travelers from the U.S., that are non-EU citizens will need to apply for a visa to enter Portugal for stays under 90 days. The application is $8/7€ and must be completed prior to travel. Once completed, you will likely receive approval in a matter of minutes, however, some applications may take up to 30 days to process. Once approved, the application will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Sign up for alerts on when the application becomes available here and read more about it here.
ETIAS check-list
1. Apply for an ETIAS travel authorization well in advance – before you buy your plan ticket or book your accommodation
2. Make sure your passport details correspond to those in your ETIAS authorization – you will be refused boarding and entry at the border if they do not match
3. Make sure your passport is valid for 90 days after your last day in Portugal
Do 4-6 months before: buy your plane ticket
You should fly into Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).
Do 2-3 weeks before: order Euros
We recommend ordering Euros through your bank. Typically, this can be done via your bank's app or online, and allows you to pick up your order within 5 business days (sometimes sooner.) Although there will be many banks within Lisbon, we recommend traveling with some cash on hand for tips/taxis/incidentals/etc. Ordering in advance through your U.S. bank also allows you to receive the best exchange rate and minimize international ATM fees.
Do 1 week before: check your bank cards' travel policy
While this likely goes without saying, we recommend checking your debit/credit card's international travel policy / transaction fees to ensure you'll be able to use your cards at hotels, restaurants, stores, etc. It is also worth noting that some foreign countries may be less likely to accept AMEX and Discover for example, so we recommend doing some research ahead of time depending on your cards.
Do before you fly: check your cell phone international coverage
Though most cell carriers don't require you alert them in advance of international travel, we recommend looking into your international cell coverage policy in advance in case of any charges. (For ex: Verizon automatically charges $10/day for international data roaming that automatically restarts every 24 hours if you opt in.) If you are going to depend on Wi-Fi, it may be helpful to download WhatsApp for messaging.
Getting around in Portugal
- Rent a car at the airport.
- Uber and Bolt.
- Bus Services: Mafrense & Lisbon Buses.
- Portugal Trains.
- MetroLisboa.
Where to stay in Lisbon before and after the wedding weekend
If you're planning to stay in Lisbon pre or post-wedding, below are a some suggestions! There are a variety of traditional hotels, apartment-style hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels in Lisbon to choose from.
These are just a few options we came across during our own research, for further inspiration and recommendations, check out these top Lisbon hotel guides from Vogue and Condé Nast Traveler.
Sublime Lisboa
Located in the heart of the Amoreiras neighborhood next to one of Lisbon’s most privileged arteries, surrounded by historical buildings, charming gardens, museums, historical monuments and an Aqueduct, an elegant 20th century townhouse turned into a luxury boutique hotel.
The Ivens
An Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy, The Ivens is located in the historic Old Lisbon neighborhood and is walking distance from many touristic attractions. The hotel features 87 rooms, highly-regarded restaurants and bars, and cinematic design throughout each space.
The Vintage Hotel & Spa Lisbon
Located just off of Avenida da Liberdade (Lisbon's central walking boulevard), The Vintage offers expansive panoramic views from its rooftop bar, as well as 56 boutique rooms, two restaurants, a fitness center & spa.
The Independente
Nestled between two of Lisbon’s most central and trendiest neighborhoods, Chiado and Príncipe Real, Independente offers the perfect bohemian Lisbon experience. With the option of 22 elevated dorm-style rooms or suites, The Independente is a more inexpensive option without sacrificing quality or comfort.
Memmo Alfama Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Lisbon's picturesque Alfama district, Memmo offers 42 rooms, stunning views over the water from its rooftop terrace, a red tile pool and breakfast included every morning.
The Lisboans Apartments
A restored 19th century factory, The Lisboans serves as apartment-style 'hotel' located in the city's historic center on top of Roman pombaline ruins. With a series of one bedroom, two bedroom, and penthouse apartments, The Lisboans is ideal for families or friend groups of 4-6 people.
Baixa House
A group of 13 cozy apartments, Baixa House offers various room sizes for up to 7 guests and includes fresh breakfast en-suite each morning.
Lisbon neighborhoods to visit
• Baixa: One of the most central neighborhoods, encompasses Rua Augusta, a large pedestrian street that runs through central Baixa all the way to Praça do Comércio. Santa Justa Lift is also located in Baixa.
• Chiado: Main shopping district, right next to Baixa in the center of the city.
• Alfama: Oldest neighborhood in Lisbon with a lot of charm, traditional meals and traditional fado music. Home of São Jorge Castle and Panteão Nacional.
• Bairro Alto: Popular nightlife area, lots of bars, restaurants, and shops.
• Cais do Sodré: Also popular for nightlife. Home of the famous Pink Street.
• Príncipe Real: Popular neighborhood for boutique shops and trendy restaurants.
• Belém: Home to Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and several museums and art galleries, including Museu Coleção Berardo and the MAAT.
Tourist sites
• Praça do Comércio: Harbor-facing plaza where commercial ships used to unload goods, located on the north side is the Rua Augusta Arch which gives way to the boulevard Rua Augusta in Baixa
• Castelo de São Jorge: A historic hilltop castle with panoramic views
• Belém Tower: 16th century fortification used by Portuguese explorers
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos: Monument designed to commemorate Portugal's Age of Discoveries
• Jerónimos Monastery: Former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river
• Santa Justa Lift: A neo-Gothic elevator with a 150-foot tall vantage point
• Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: Highest point in Lisbon with a breathtaking view
• Panteão Nacional: A church that is the national pantheon of Portugal, can climb to the top for the views
• Ride Tram 28: Vintage streetcar along a scenic route
• Jardim Botonico d’Aduja: Botanical garden in Lisbon
• Jardim do Rio: Public outdoor space for a walk along the Tagus
• Mercado da Ribeira (Timeout Market): Upbeat food hall with more than 50 different vendors
Restaurants in Lisboa
• A Taberna da Rua das Flores: Tiny, very popular traditional spot. tberna.com
• O Velho Eurico: Another small, traditional spot. @ovelhoeurico
• Prado: Modern, seasonal Portuguese dishes. pradorestaurante.com
• Pica-Pau: Traditional Portuguese cuisine. www.restaurantepicapau.pt
• Ofício Tasco Atípico: Contemporary Portuguese plates for sharing. Famous cheese tart dessert. Bib Gourmand. www.oficiolisboa.pt
• Trinca: Modern small plates restaurant inspired by South American, Japanese and, Portuguese cuisines. @restaurantetrinca
• Las Dos Manos: Mix of Mexican and Japanese cuisines. www.lasdosmanos.pt
• Javá Rooftop: Trendy rooftop with great views, Mediterranean food. @java_lisboa
• Rosamar: Seafood grill and oyster bar. @rosamar_lisboa
• Senhor Uva: Wine bar, vegetarian friendly. @senhor.uva
• Shakar: Coffee and brunch. @shakarcoffee
Bars in Lisboa
• Lumi Rooftop: Rooftop bar and restaurant on the 5th floor the Lumiares hotel, overlooking Lisbon and the Tagus river.
• Red Frog: Speakeasy style cocktail bar.
• The Terrace: Terrace of the memmo Alfama hotel, views, tapas and cocktails.
• Bom Bom Bom: Natural wine bar, food, record shop.
• By the Wine: Wine and tapas.
• Black Sheep: Wine bar.
• Cafe Klandestino: Cocktail bar.
• Sneaky Slip: Speakeasy.
• The Old Pharmacy: Wine inn.
• Onda Cocktail Room
• Rude: Natural wine bar.
Bakeries in Lisboa
Must try: Pastel de nata, the Portuguese custard tart.
• Pastéis de Belém
• Alfama Doce
• Pastelaria Santo António
• Manteigaria
• Hello, Kristof
• Cafe da Garagem
• Castro
• Cafe Janis
• Pastelaria Lomar
Shopping
• LX Factory: A shopping city within the city, shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars and more
• Feira da Ladra (Flea market)
• Cerâmicas na Linha: Ceramics shop in Chiado
• The Feeting Room
• +351
• Humana Vintage
• Arquivos Vintage
Day trips and destinations
• Cascais: A seaside town just 20 miles west of Lisbon, once a small fishing village and now a popular vacation spot. Home to beautiful beaches with sailing and surfing, a historic centre with shops and restaurants, and lavish 19th century villas. The Conde de Castro Guimarães Museum, a former palace, is open to the public. A short train ride from Lisbon, great for a day trip or more.
• Ericeira: Formerly a quaint fishing village, now a World Surfing Reserve and charming place to stay offering beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses, cafes, and nightlife.
• Sintra: The most popular day trip from Lisbon, Sintra is a UNESCO world heritage site and is well known for its palaces and villas, including the Palácio Nacional da Pena and Monserrate Palace. There are plenty of guided tours that will show you around the sites, or you can plan your own!
• Fátima: Fátima is a central Portuguese town that's home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, a Catholic pilgrimage site. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917. It is one of the most important Marian shrines belonging to the Catholic Church in the world and one of the leading international religious tourism destinations, receiving around six million visitors a year. It was visited by Popes Paul VI (1967), John Paul II (1982, 1991 and 2000), Benedict XVI (2010) and Francis (2017).
• Óbidos: A small medieval town with cobbled streets about an hour away from Lisbon. Historical attractions include the Castle of Óbidos and the Aqueduct of Óbidos.
• Nazaré: A lovely village in the Oeste region of Portugal. It became a world famous surf spot and entered the Guinness Book of Records due to its gigantic waves.
• Évora: One of the oldest cities in Portugal, just under 2 hours from Lisbon by train. Attractions include well-preserved ruins of a Roman temple, the Chapel of Bones, and a 13th-century cathedral.
• Porto: The second largest city in Portugal, located on the northwest coast. Known for being the home of Port wine. It would be best to spend a few days exploring all that Porto has to offer.
• Southern Portugal ~ Algarve: The southernmost part of Portugal, located on the coast. Known for its beautiful beaches and golden cliffs. It would be best to spend a few days exploring all that The Algarve has to offer.
Areas/attractions worth noting in the Algarve region:
• Faro: Located on the southern coast of Portugal, is the capital city of the Algarve and enjoys a reputation for friendliness and natural beauty. Beach recommendations in the Faro District: Praia de Vilamoura, Praia de São Rafael, Carvalho Beach and Praia Dona Ana.
• The Bengali Cave: Nestled near the coastal town of Benagil, The Bengali Cave is a mesmerizing sea cave known for its two entrances from the sea and a skylight at the top, revealing a small beach inside. Its stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters make it a must-see natural wonder in Portugal.
• Ponta da Piedade: A stunning coastal spot near Lagos, is one of Portugal’s most visited tourist destinations. This beautiful natural landmark consists of two small headlands and numerous sea stacks, caves, tunnels, and caverns carved by centuries of crashing waves.
• Albufeira: One of Portugal’s largest resort towns, offers stunning beaches, diverse restaurants, breathtaking views, and vibrant nightlife. Its charming old town features cobblestone streets, mosaic patterns, and tree-shaded public spaces, creating a delightful atmosphere for visitors.