The second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, Porto is a budget traveler’s paradise. Eating and drinking, even in more upscale, sit-down restaurants is still substantially cheaper here than elsewhere in Europe, and centrally-located, comfortable accommodations can be had for less than a nice meal out in London or Paris.

While Porto proper reaches further than you might imagine, its historic old town, Ribeira, is easily explored on foot. If you want to wander beyond the center, city transit options (trams, buses, and metro) are reasonably priced and relatively easy to use if you buy an Andante ticket — which is valid for all three.

Getting There

From Lisbon, Porto is an hour and twenty minutes via plane, 2 hours and 50 minutes on the train, or between four and five hours on the bus.

Flights: Budget airlines fly direct to Porto from all over Europe and Lisbon, and start at around €70 round-trip.

Train: From Vigo, Spain, or Lisbon, you can also catch the train to the lovely São Bento Railway Station in Porto from about €25-30. You can search for tickets on the official train site, Comboios de Portugal.

Car: If you’d rather rent a car, expect to spend €70 or less (not including gas) for a two-day rental. For groups traveling together and planning on exploring the countryside, renting a vehicle is probably worthwhile for flexibility and cash savings. Just remember, Portuguese drivers are notoriously aggressive on the road, and centrally-located budget accommodations don’t usually include free parking, so it might be best to rent a car just for trips out of town.

Hop on one of Porto’s historic trams. Photo: jocelyn777

Getting Around

The city is great for walking (and even biking), and Porto is well-connected with a modern metro system, a few tram lines, a light rail, and buses.

Andante Ticket

If you plan on using transit to get around the city, go for an Andante Tour ticket. At €7 for a one-day pass or €15 for a three-day pass with unlimited trips on buses, metro, and train, it is well worth the investment. You also won’t have to worry about figuring out the zone system.

However, if you’re only planning to grab the metro to and from the airport, grab an Andante card for €0.60 and charge it up with one Zone 4 (Z4) trip. Wait to add a return trip until you’re ready to leave Porto, as each Andante card can hold only one type of zone ticket at a time. For example, if you wanted to use the bus to get around the city center on a rainy day, you’d either have to waste a Z4 ticket, or buy another Andante card to keep track of it.

Whatever Andante ticket you choose, make sure to validate it — the fines can be steep, to say the least.

Historic trams

The city’s historic tram lines are popular with visitors, but they are not included in the Andante ticket. You can buy tickets on board for €6 or combine with a visit to the Museu do Carro Eléctrico for a slight discount.

Stroll the shops and stands at the Mercado do Bolhão. Photo: celine181

Free and Cheap Entertainment and Attractions

Your number one free option in Porto is touring its charming old town, Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy great people-watching in the city’s sun-soaked plazas and venture into free attractions as you go. Don’t miss the city’s massive Sé Cathedral and the stunning golden interior of São Francisco Church or tile murals at São Benton Train Station.

Shopping

The recently renovated 19th-century Mercado do Bolhão is a great place to buy olives, local sweets, sample local cheeses and charcuterie, and eat freshly caught fish on the cheap. The market features a mix of traditional stalls and modern eateries, offering an interesting blend of old and new Porto. Browse a wide range of local wares (everything from soap to sneakers) on display at A Vida Portuguesa.

Later on, continue to Avenida Miguel Bombarda to get a glimpse of some of the city’s coolest graffiti and galleries full of work by local artists and artisans. Peruse the ancient shelves at the stunning Lello & Irmão Bookstore, considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful bookstore. Note that there’s now an entrance fee of €8, but it’s redeemable against book purchases.

Douro River Walk

Another great option is a walk along the Douro River, snapping shots of the colorful houses along the banks and the city’s iconic bridges.

The most famous is the Ponte D. Maria railway bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), often confused with the strikingly similar Ponte Dom Luís, designed by one of Eiffel’s former partners. There’s a trick to distinguishing the two: The Ponte D. Maria is a one-level bridge whereas the Ponte Dom Luís is a double-decker. Head to the pedestrian walkway on top for views of the city’s old town from above.

Porto’s Green Spaces

Get away from the traffic and noise in the center. Pack yourself a picnic and spend an afternoon exploring the city’s green spaces. Head to Portugal’s biggest urban park, City Park, designed by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal or the Pasteleira Urban Park to see a few of Portugal’s famous Cork trees.

You can also follow one of the themed learning trails from the Romantic gardens at Palácio de Cristal to the riverside to find interesting factoids about the city plus sweeping views of the river Douro and Porto. If you’re after avoiding the crowds, midweek is best.

Related: The perfect Cheapo day in Porto

Cheap eats in Porto

Local restaurants serve up hearty traditional fare, like the ubiquitous Francesinha, a Portuguese take on a Croque monsieur, as well as Italian, Chinese and Turkish options. The Francesinha is made with local sausage, steak, and ham with a thick tomato and beer sauce, and usually served with fries or tripe and bean stews (if you’re not a fan, avoid dishes listing tripas among the ingredients),

As in the rest of Portugal, creamy pasteis de nata pastries and bacalhau (salt cod) are ever-present, and portions are generous, to say the least. Order up a “Prato do Dia” (dish of the day) at small local cafes from €6, or a multi-course menu at upscale establishments for as little as €12.

Wine in restaurants and bars is very cheap, particularly if you stick to Vinho Verde whites and Douro reds. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a glass of the heady local drink famous the world over, Port. You can sample this fine fortified wine at one of the city’s oldest makers, The House of Taylor’s.

For the freshest fish and seafood at the best price, take the metro to Mercado station in Matosinhos and choose from dozens of restaurants that grill fresh fish in the area around Rua Herois de França. For the best Francesinhas in town, head to Capa Negra (Rua Barros Lima 487), but expect to set down between €12-18 for your Francesinha and fries with a beer or two. (That said, it’s totally worth it, as chances are you’ll be so stuffed you’ll want to skip your next meal.) Or you could always learn to share and split the plate with a friend.

The Moov Hotel Porto Centro

Sleeping cheap in Porto

Comfortable mid-range budget hotels can be had from around €55 a night. Like neighboring Spain, Portugal has plenty of clean, basic accommodations at rock-bottom rates. Want to go even cheaper? Dorm rooms in hostels start at around €12 per night.

A few hotel suggestions:

• We like the clean, and stylish Moov Hotel Porto Centro –within walking distance to historic sights in Porto’s city center. Make sure to request a room on an upper floor facing away from the Praça de Batalha for a quieter night.
• Traveling with a big group of friends? For a slightly more expensive but infinitely cooler hostel experience, we recommend CATS Porto Hostel. It’s centrally located and bright and airy with a boutique feel.

Want more suggestions? Search over 700 hotels in Porto on EuroCheapo.

The Porto Card

Starting at €7.50 per day, the Porto Card can be a good deal if you’re really interested in seeing many of Porto’s museums. The basic card covers free entrance to five museums, and depending on the card, may also cover transportation.

Have fun!

The post Budget travel guide to Porto, Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

That said, the savviest Cheapos are always looking for new ways to save a few extra euros. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place!

Related articles:
• 10 Days in Portugal: A budget-friendly itinerary through Lisbon, Porto Braga
• Saving in Sintra, a perfect day trip from Lisbon
• How to save on dining out in Lisbon

Portugal budget travel guide

Here are 10 of our best tips to stretch your budget even further in Lisbon, Porto and beyond.

1. Embrace the off-season

For the best prices on flights, accommodations and pretty much everything else, try to plan your trip to Portugal any time other than peak travel dates. If you can, avoid June through September along with the Easter and Christmas holidays. Generally speaking, late January through mid-March (depending on when Holy Week and Easter fall) bring lower prices and fewer crowds.

2. Book last-minute hotels

For the best prices on many aspects of travel, plan way ahead (months, not weeks) or wait until the last possible moment to book. In our experience, this works better with accommodations and package deals than with airfare. For the most extreme savings on hotels and hostels, the best prices are quite often found at the last minute, when rates tumble as push comes to shove. Search EuroCheapo to find a deal on Portugal hotels.

TAP flies non-stop to Portugal from the US. Photo: Miguel C.

3. Keep flight costs down

Because Portugal is already a very budget-friendly destination when it comes to food and lodging, the best way to cut your expenses way back is to spend less on your airfare to Europe. While flying to Porto will usually save you some cash, TAP Portugal flies direct to Lisbon from the US, while Iberia makes one stop in Madrid.

Serious Cheapos should consider flying into another major European hub (think Paris, Dublin or London) and then hopping on a low-cost flight to Lisbon, Porto or Faro. Since low-cost flights on carriers like Vueling and Ryanair are priced each way, to save time and money on ground transportation, consider flying into Porto in the north and back from Lisbon in the South or vice versa.

4. Sleep cheap in pensions

For a charming (and budget-friendly) local experience, stick to pensão, small, family-run inns. Some also offer inexpensive but authentic home-style meals, too. Hostels and apartments are also very reasonable, and if you plan to stay in one place for two or more nights, you may even be able to negotiate a discount.

In bigger urban areas like Porto (Search over 4,000 hotels in Porto) and Lisbon (search for budget hotels in Lisbon), pick something central to save time and money on transportation.

Related: Search for affordable hotel rooms across Portugal

5. Walk

Pack comfortable shoes and walk as much as you can. It’s free, and Portuguese towns and cities are wonderful for pedestrians. If you must, take the odd joy ride on one of the old-fashioned cable cars, but after that, stick to your own two feet whenever possible to keep your transportation costs down.

6. Skip the taxis

Good public transit options, rideshares and reasonably priced rental cars make splurging for a taxi seem silly. Take the trip from Lisbon Airport to the city center, for example. Whereas a taxi fare will cost you around €10 to €15, public transit costs only €2, while a shuttle or rideshare option starts at about €5.

Related: How to save on your rental car in Portugal

7. Spend less on dining out

For the best way to save on dining, go for the fixed price menus at lunchtime. Many restaurants offer a menu of the day, “prato do dia,” “menu do dia” or sometimes “menu fixo” in Portuguese. When dinner rolls around, opt for snacks on-the-go from bakeries or supermarkets.

In restaurants, just say no to the bread and olives the waiters bring out unless you really want them. They’re an added charge on the bill at most establishments.

And don’t overtip. In Portugal, as in many European destinations, tips are a bonus, not part of your server’s salary, so most of the time a few euros are more than enough. Generally, you shouldn’t even think about leaving more than 10% on top of the bill. Also, check to make sure a service charge hasn’t already been tacked on to your bill.

8. Pick up a fresh meal at a local market

While eating and drinking out is cheaper in Portugal than in other parts of Europe, it’ll still save you money to pick up fresh produce, bread, and snacks at outdoor markets and supermarkets. Grab a nice Vinho Verde, some local cheese and charcuterie, and a few pasteis de nata (traditional egg custard tartlets) for dessert, and you’re all set — no complicated cooking skills or formal kitchen required.

9. Some of the best sights are free

You’ll find that many popular activities that normally charge admission are free some of the time. Wherever you are in Portugal, it’s pretty likely that local museums have a free morning, afternoon or day, so asking around is well worth the effort. For example, the first Sunday of the month, you can take in major museums in Lisbon (like the Tile Museum and Jeronimos Monastery) without paying admission.

Related: Free attractions and things to do in Lisbon

Porto’s sweetened the pot for tourists even further — every Sunday morning from 10 am to 1 pm, museums and cathedrals are free. We recommend the Port Wine Museum (although it is currently under renovation) or the Serralves Foundation’s modern art collection.

Want someone to show you the sights on the cheap? In both of Portugal’s major cities, there are free walking tours (tips are encouraged). Check out these walking tour options in Porto and Lisbon.

10. Slow down

Spending more time in one place is a sure-fire way to keep your budget in check and stay sane. Instead of rushing around on an organized bus tour, or driving from one city to the next, consider making a temporary home base in a small town, renting a nice room or apartment and exploring an area in a leisurely fashion.

Don’t overbook your time with activities. Instead, take your time and wander — it’s free. You’ll save money on transportation and have a much more relaxing trip.

The post 10 ways to save on a trip to Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

An island of gardens, inland valleys and flowing levadas — irrigation channels, which double as hiking trails — Madeira draws legions of tourists, including many retirees from across Europe all year long. For decades, huge numbers of British tourists have visited Madeira, and one consequence of this tourism history is that Madeirans tend to speak English very well.

Funchal is the largest city on the island, as well as the regional capital. It’s so cute it hurts. The municipal gardens overflow with flora, and the streets are full of beautiful Portuguese tile work. The museums are great, too. The Old Town (Zona Velha) is beguiling and atmospheric. The modern bits of Funchal are also charming.

Many use Funchal as a jumping-off point for countryside walks or even the neighboring island of Porto Santo. Check out Outdoor Madeira, published by the Madeira Islands Rural Tourism Association, for more information on Madeira beyond Funchal. While you won’t come to Madeira for the beaches, you can find idyllic beaches on the nearby island of Porto Santo. Reach Porto Santo by ferry (€57.40 round trip April to September, €47 in low season; 2.5 hours’ duration) or plane (round-trip fares starting at €83; 15 minutes). For more information, check the official tourism resource for Porto Santo.

Related:
• A 10-Day budget itinerary through Portugal
• 10 Easy ways to save in Portugal
• Budget guide to Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Funchal, Madeira budget travel tips

Here are five easy ways to save on your trip to Funchal, Madeira:

1. Take the cable car… one way.

By all means, take the Madeira cable car (Teleférico do Funchal) up the mountain to the Botanical Garden. The views are amazing and there are some lovely gardens to check out.

But instead of coughing up €15 for a round-trip fare, pay €10 for a one-way journey up the mountain and walk back to town. The hills are very steep, and you’ll need to wind your way down carefully. (If you’re quite fit, walk uphill and take the cable car down the mountain.) Whether you walk or ride, the views are amazing.

2. Explore Funchal’s affordable museums

Take advantage of Funchal’s very inexpensive museums. The Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas (€3) has a remarkable tile collection. The over-the-top Universo de Memórias João Carlos Abreu (€3.50) houses its namesake’s personal collections. The worldly Abreu, Madeira’s former Minister of Tourism, has a quirky aesthetic vision, and this museum makes for a very entertaining exploration. There is also café on the premises.

3. Eat well for cheap

It is easy to eat well in Funchal without breaking the bank. One good local restaurant among many is Taberna Madeira (Travessa de João Caetano 16). Sandwiches start at €2.50 and the local soup of the day is €3. Order the roasted lamb for two for only €20.

For snacks and fresh produce, try the Mercado Dos Lavradores, a vibrant farmer’s market.

4. Shop for local gifts (while you sip glass of wine)

Stop by Made in Madeira (Rua Serpa Pinto 27) for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine — and a spot of shopping. This lovely little shop-cum-café sells reasonably priced local handicrafts and delicacies as well as clothing. It focuses on local production in an attractive and compelling manner.

A budget stay at Hotel do Carmo includes a beautiful rooftop pool!

5. Stay at Hotel do Carmo

Madeira resident Kash Bhattacharya recommended this lovely budget-friendly charmer, located in the middle of Funchal. The style of the gorgeous lobby is late 1960s Portuguese modernism, with sharp lines and a well-lighted bar at night. It looks like the set of a period spy caper.

Rooms are very simple no-frills affairs and rates start at €54 per night for a double room. The best perk of staying at Hotel do Carmo? There is a rooftop swimming pool, too! Find out more about Hotel do Carmo.

More hotel options: Search over 500 hotels in Funchal and over 1,200 properties across the Madeira islands.

Your Funchal tips

Do you have suggestions for ways to save when visiting Funchal or Madeira, in general? Share your tips in the comments section below.

The post Funchal, Madeira: 5 Budget tips for an island getaway in Portugal appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But what’s the best way to see it all? We love the bus and train, but renting a car in Portugal is an easy and cost-effective way to get around the country. If you’re traveling in a group of two or more, or would just like more flexibility when it comes to where, how, and when you travel inside Portugal, renting a car is probably your best option. And before you hit the road, check our tips for staying safe on the road in Portugal.

So here are some of our best tips on how to get the best value on your car rental.

Related:

• Search rental cars in Europe
• How to calculate the “real cost” of your rental car
• 10 Ways to save on a trip to Portugal
• 10 Days in Portugal: A budget trip to Lisbon, Porto & Braga

How to save on your rental car in Portugal

To get the best possible deal on a vehicle rental in Portugal, here are a few things you should always keep in mind:

1. Always book ahead with a reputable agency.

Booking directly after you’ve arrived in Porto or Lisbon will almost always cost you substantially more than if you make a reservation ahead of time online. Waiting until the last minute usually means less competition, as agencies run out of cars and prices go up.

2. Compare prices carefully

Compare rates closely between different rental car agencies. When you search for car rentals on EuroCheapo, be sure to look at the details, not just the prices. Do they have free cancellation? Mileage limits? Other small print items?

3. Be careful of super cheap deals

Related to the last point, don’t book a deal that seems too good to be true — it probably is and has all sorts of additional fees. To figure out which deal is the best deal when every offer includes different things use our Car Rental Cost Calculator.

Inspect that car before you drive away from the lot. Photo: patrick janicek

4. Double check the car before you hit the road

At the rental agency, carefully examine the car and have an employee at the rental agency sign off on any existing damage (scratches, dents) before you drive off into the sunset. Same goes for returning the car — make sure an employee signs off that you’ve returned the car in good condition before you leave the car at the end of your trip.

5. Get a toll reader

Speed up your trip by springing for a “Via Verde” toll reader. The rental agency has to offer them and it’s worth avoiding the fuss of paying tolls manually and will save you time on the road — you’ll be able to breeze through the Via Verde line instead of hoarding exact change to pay tolls.

6. Check your insurance

Make sure you book a good travel insurance policy, but don’t pay for coverage that you already have. A good policy should cover any excess in case of an accident not covered by the regular rental insurance (which can be as much as $1,000 or more). That way you won’t have to spring for the extra insurance to cover excess for collisions — it’s very expensive and can double your rental bill.

7. Use a credit card with plenty of available credit

Use a credit card (not a debit or bank card) with enough credit available to cover the excess temporary charges — some rental companies will place a hold on your card until you return the car in good condition.

8. Save gas by renting a smaller car

Go with a mini or economy car — they’re cheaper to rent and will save you money on fuel.

9. Upgrade with caution.

Americans take note: Rental car agencies in Portugal and around Europe have a funny tendency to offer American clients free upgrades to larger cars. This is often because they can’t get rid of them! Take the upgrade with caution: Really large cars will not only cost more for gas, but will be trickier to navigate through tiny European streets and alleyways. Upgrade with caution.

10. Plan to return your car on a weekday

Don’t expect to return or pick up a car on Saturday afternoons or Sundays in smaller towns. Apart from those located in major airports, most rental offices are closed Saturdays after 1 pm and Sundays all day.

A final note on booking

Whichever rental agency you book your car through in Portugal, expect to pay more for an automatic transmission. You’ll also have to shell out more if the driver is 25 years old or younger.

Ready to ride? Search cars throughout Europe now.

The post Portugal Rental Cars: How to save on your rental car appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Related: Search for hotel rooms across Portugal

Add to that a mild, sunny climate and events to interest any type of traveler year-round (everything from traditional medieval fairs to massive music festivals), and you’ve got a can’t-miss destination in Europe that won’t break the bank.

Need a little more convincing before you book your flights? Read on!

Our top 10 reasons to visit Portugal in 2017

1. Strong dollar to euro exchange

Portugal’s been a dream destination for budget travelers forever. Even when the euro traded higher, prices were cheaper here than almost any other destinations in Western Europe.

Now, in 2017, it costs $1.06 to buy €1 (at the time of writing), which means you can easily estimate Portugal’s already very reasonable prices for hotel rooms, food, and activities at almost a 1 to 1 ratio.

Related: 10-day budget-friendly itinerary starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto

2. Cheap flights from the US

At the time of writing, there are round-trip flights from JFK to Porto on offer for $600 or less (sometimes less than $400) from late January through September. Check TAP Portgual, Iberia Airlines and Royal Air Maroc. Flying into Lisbon is a little pricier, but if you choose your dates wisely, it’s still easy to get there and home again for under $700.

Fly TAP Portugal from the US for low fares, especially in the offseason. Photo: Oliver H.

Cheap flights between Porto and Lisbon: Whichever city you fly into, budget carrier Ryanair has made it cheaper to travel between the country’s two largest airports with flights starting at an astonishing €20.

It should also be noted that if you want to add Portugal to your trip, round-trip flights on European budget airlines like easyJet and Vueling from cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam and Munich can be had for €100 or less when booked far enough in advance.

For the best possible deal on airfare, be flexible with times and dates, willing to make at least one connection in Europe and book as soon as you can. Use our Cheapo Flight Search to find the latest prices.

3. World-renowned musicians and music festivals

Beyond Fado, the traditional music Portugal is known for worldwide, destinations throughout the country will feature big names in music at concert halls and major festivals in 2017.

Lisbon will host Bruno Mars on April 4, Simple Minds on May 3, and Aerosmith on June 26. The Red Hot Chili Peppers will headline the Super Bock Super Rock Festival in Parque das Nações. The Foo Fighters and Depeche Mode will play at the Nos Alive Festival (July 6-8) in the community of Algés. If urban and electronic music is your tune, there is also the Sumol Summer Fest.

4. Carnival in Madeira

The city of Funchal in Portugal’s Madeira region has one of the liveliest carnival celebrations in Europe — Carnaval da Madeira. There are two main parades visitors should try to catch: The more formal parade on the Saturday of Carnival Weekend (February 25) featuring samba musicians and dancers in costumes like those in Rio de Janeiro and the free-for-all Fat Tuesday Parade (February 28) wherein locals and visitors alike can dance and parade through the city center in wild and daring costumes.

Search for hotels in Funchal

A souk vendor at the Islamic Festival in Mértola. Photo: Jose C.

5. The Islamic Festival in Mértola

Mértola, Portugal (near Faro) was the capital of Taifa, as an independent Muslim-ruled principality, and an important port between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa between the 8th and 13th centuries.

In 2017 (and odd-numbered years), the destination celebrates its heritage during the Islamic Festival of Mértola. Featuring traditional dancers and musicians, a souk full of artisans, and chefs preparing traditional North African dishes such as couscous and mint tea, the festival takes place from May 21 to 24.

Search for hotels in Mértola

6. Marathons and races

If fitness is part of your New Year’s resolution, why not organize your trip to Europe around a marathon? Runners can choose between panoramic views of the country’s capital in Lisbon’s Half Marathon (March 19) or a scenic run through the country’s best-known wine region in the Douro Valley Half Marathon.

To keep the cost of running in the races in check, register as soon as possible, as the Lisbon Half-Marathon is €38 plus tax through January 31, and the Douro Valley Half Marathon is €16 through March 31 (after the cut-off, prices go up).

If you love races, but you’d rather watch (it is a vacation, after all), Portugal’s hosting the Algarve Grandfondo (February 15-19) cycling competition, as well as the Ironman 70.3 competition in the beautiful coastal community of Cascais (September 3).

Visitors arriving at the Shrine of Fatima. Photo: Noel P

7.  100th anniversary pilgrimage to Fatima

2017 marks one hundred years since the Virgin Mary revealed herself to three children in Fatima during a dark time in European and Portuguese history (World War I), converting the tiny town into a pilgrimage site for Catholics. Today, it is one of the largest shrines dedicated to Mary in the world.

It’s a great year to visit, particularly between May 12 and October 13 when special cultural events including concerts and exhibitions will take place in honor of the 100th-anniversary celebration. From April on, visitors can also take part in a nightly candlelight procession at 10 pm. Book your hotel in Fatima early to experience this special celebration.

8. Medieval fairs

There’s nothing quite like a medieval fair in a destination that actually survived the highs and lows of the medieval era. In such towns in Portugal, saints’ days and holidays throughout the year are excuse enough for many locals to dress up in traditional costumes and have a go at working and partying the “old-fashioned” way.

The walled city of Viana do Castelo makes a great setting for locals dressed for the part selling artisan wares and performing medieval music in mid-June.

From August 2 to 13, Santa Maria da Feira returns to its medieval roots as the historic city center transforms into a big medieval fair with knights jousting in tournaments, artisans, blacksmiths, bakers, mule-drivers, tavern keepers, acrobats, jugglers, and fire-eaters.

In Vila Baleira, a medieval festival in September (14-16) is dedicated to medieval maritime culture and Columbus’ time on the island.

Other towns with notable medieval fairs include Castro Marim and Silva.

9. Film festivals

Whether you’re into sci-fi or indie documentaries, if cinema’s your thing, Portugal has plenty on offer in 2017.

February 22 to March 6, 2017, there’s Fantasporto, Oporto’s International Film Festival dedicated to fantasy and science fiction cinema, considered one of the best in the world.

In April (17-23), indie fans can head to Madeira Film Festival for a healthy dose of independent shorts, features, and documentaries, with a focus on nature-oriented films.

Lisbon’s Indie Film Festival from May 3 to 14 makes the perfect excuse for a late spring trip to the Portuguese capital.

The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival. Photo: Ivo A.

10. Óbidos International Chocolate Festival

Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to Portugal’s best-known chocolate festival from March 10 to April 2, 2017. Wander the narrow streets of Óbidos, a medieval town in Central Portugal, and taste an array of chocolate and chocolate-themed sweets and cakes. Book your accommodations in Óbidos as early as possible if you want to attend.

There are also chocolate and baked good competitions, cooking classes, chocolate sculptures and even a kid’s chocolate house for young visitors. Check out the official website or Facebook page for more information.

The post 10 Reasons to visit Portugal in 2017 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, to make your budget stretch even further, check out these tips on Lisbon’s finest free attractions.

Wander around the Alfama

The Alfama is the oldest part of the city — it was one of the few areas to survive the city’s huge earthquake in 1755. It contains sights such as the cathedral that do charge an entry fee, but there is a huge amount of pleasure to be had purely wandering around the neighborhood’s charming streets. Still largely a residential area, it’s got something of a village feel, with washing hanging out and residents stopping to chat to each other. Do pack comfy shoes to make the most of it, as the roads are steep and narrow.

Related: The best value hotels in Lisbon with doubles from $50/night

If you can afford to spare a euro, you could take part in the tradition of trying to land a coin in the book held by the statue of Saint Anthony outside the Igreja Santo Antonio. It could be a worthwhile investment — if you succeed, it’s said you’ll find a new or improved romantic partner!

Free walking tours in Lisbon

If you prefer to do your exploring in the company of a knowledgeable guide, book on one of Lisbon’s free walking tours. Discover Lisbon offer free tours of Alfama and Belém, or for a citywide introduction, join Lisbon Chill-Out — each tour guided by Lisbon natives.

Viewing the collection at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian in Lisbon. Photo: Pedro R

Take advantage of free entry to museums and galleries

Lisbon’s most popular attractions are ticketed, but there are a couple that offer free entry, such as MUDE (Museum of Design and Fashion). Many of the others have free hours, such as the Museu do Oriente (Museum of the Orient), which is free to enter on Friday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Sunday, however, is the day you should really channel your inner culture vulture — Belém’s 16th century Mosteiros dos Jerónimos and Torre de Belém are both free until 2 pm, as is the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art). The Museu Calouste Gulbenkian the impressively opulent collection of art and decorative arts amassed by a hugely wealthy oil magnate, meanwhile, is free all day.

Visit the markets

Perhaps the most famous of Lisbon’s markets is the historic Mercado da Ribeira, a daily affair selling fresh fish, flowers, fruit and vegetables and a place where you can explore and discover traditional Portuguese produce. Half of the market space is now given over to the Time Out market, lined with stalls by different chefs, food shops, and restaurants. It’s free and fun to explore, and while you’ll probably end up buying something, it’ll set you back considerably less than eating in a restaurant.

Flea market lovers should make a beeline for the Feira da Ladra, which takes place in the Campo do Santa Clara in the Alfama each Tuesday and Saturday. It’s far more reputable than its name suggests (it translates roughly as “thieves market”), selling homemade goods and souvenirs alongside secondhand and collectables.

For more artisan and vintage wares, visit the Sunday market in the fashionable LX Factory. A complex of former industrial units, it’s now home to artists and creatives alongside small shops and cafes making it the perfect spot for a weekend mooch. Well worth a look is the impressive bookstore Ler Devagar — although bibliophiles will find it hard to leave without a purchase.

Pick up a few pastry tips

You can’t leave Lisbon without sampling some — or several — of the famous pasteis de nata (custard tarts). You’ll find them in cafes and bakeries all over the city, available to eat in or take away. The guidebooks will probably point you in the direction of those available at Belém, but we recommend picking yours up at Manteigaria in the Baixa / Chiado area of the city. The free bonus is that you can watch the staff at work making this local delicacy through the day until midnight, hopefully picking up a few tips in the process. Wait for the bell to ring to know a fresh batch is coming out of the oven.

Hike up one of the hills for a spectacular view over Lisbon. Photo: Alessandro G.

See the city from another view

Make the most of those comfy shoes we told you to wear earlier and seek out some of Lisbon’s “miradouros”, or viewpoints. Being a city based around seven hills makes for plenty of picturesque spots to stop and admire the view. These viewpoints are an inbuilt part of city life, and you’ll find locals as well as tourists resting together. This list pulls together 30 of the best stops, although part of the fun is stumbling across them yourself.

The post Lisbon: The best free attractions and things to do appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But here the striking scenery is complete with Roman ruins, cobblestone streets, and medieval old towns, blissfully untouched by the San Andreas fault.

Finally, and fortunately for budget travelers everywhere, it’s inexpensive to eat, drink, and sleep in Portugal, not to mention to get around, especially as compared to the most of Western Europe.

Here’s a rundown of how to navigate the country and take off on a 10-day trip through Lisbon, Porto, Braga and beyond!

Budget Basics: Eating, drinking & sleeping in Portugal

Expect to spend on average €50 per night for a centrally located, simple hotel room with a private bath and around €10 for a shared dorm at a hostel. If you like to cook and entertain while you travel, vacation apartments can be had for as little as €40 per night in bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto, depending on the time of year and location.

Search and book over 14,000 hotels in Portugal

It seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes in smaller cities, centrally located basic hotels are more expensive and harder to come by than in metropolises like Porto and Lisbon. Be sure to book hotels in smaller, popular cities like Sintra and Ponte de Lima further in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the busy spring and summer seasons.

Keep an eye out for lunch deals, especially for fresh seafood like these sardines in Lisbon. Photo: islandralm

Food and drink are very cheap in restaurants, especially if you make a point of eating away from the main tourist attractions. For extra savings, feast on a meal out in the middle of the day (12 pm – 4 pm) when hearty one-plate meals called pratos de día can be had for as little as €5.

Keep your booze bill under control by sticking to reasonably priced house wine, served in little clay pitchers. Get the freshest produce at open markets and the cheapest groceries at local and European chains like Pingo Doce, Aldi, and Lidl.

Portugal: Arriving and getting around

Even with a full 10 days to play with, to make the most of your time in Portugal, you’re best off flying into the south (Lisbon) and out of the north (Porto). If you book your ticket carefully, this should cost the same or only marginally more than a round-trip fare out of either of the country’s major international airports.

Once on the ground, you can traverse the highlights in an inexpensive combination of trains and buses for a grand total of €80-120 and 10 hours of travel time in the country.

Of course, if you’re traveling in a group, or just prefer your independence, it might be worth investing in an open-ended rental car (where you pick up a vehicle in one location and drop it off in another). Sure, it means you’ll have to spend time and money filling up and finding parking, but it also means you decide when and where to explore, not the bus or train schedule. In a group, a rental car, from around €20 a day, can even save you money.

Search and book rentals cars throughout Europe

Just make sure to grab an international driving permit ($15 from AAA) before the trip. Another pro tip is to enable the automatic toll readers (Via Verde) on your rental, saving you time, fuss, and spare change.

Also, cut down on the number of days and consequently, the cost of renting as well as parking by picking up your car at the end of your time in Lisbon, and dropping it off first thing upon arrival in Porto.

Our 10-day Portugal itinerary

On the following pages, we outline a recommended 10-day journey through Portugal. Click below to get started!

Days 1 and 2: Lisbon

Days 3 and 4: Sintra, Cascais & Coimbra

Days 5 and 6: Valença and Ponte de Lima

Days 7 and 8: Braga and Guimarães

Days 9 and 10: Porto

The post Portugal Itinerary: 10 Days on the cheap through Lisbon, Porto & Braga appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Pair the city’s rich cultural heritage with a lively student population, thanks to the Universidade do Minho (hello, low-cost bars and restaurants), and you’ve got an exceptional destination for Cheapos.

Although it’s an easy day trip from Porto, Braga deserves more than a rushed afternoon spent exploring its charms. Famous worldwide for its dramatic, candlelit holy week processions featuring the faithful outfitted in hooded flowing robes, Braga makes a worthwhile trip any time of the year.

Related:

• Budget guide to Porto, Portugal
• Lisbon: 5 budget hotel picks
• All Portugal articles

How to get there

From the U.S., fly into Porto, and then hop a bus (Citi Express) or train to the city for €5-10. The journey should take around an hour. From Lisbon, hop a 3.5-hour train ride with prices starting at €24. Or fly budget to Porto and then hop a bus the rest of the way to Braga for a grand total of around €30 for a two-hour trip.

Free & cheap things to do

From its lush green spaces and historic architecture to free days at local museums, there are plenty of cheap things to do in this ancient city. Even if an attraction charges a fee, most ring in at the bargain price of €5 or less, and there are lots of free options on the first Sunday of every month.

Visit Termas Romanas do Alto da Cividade, an ancient Roman bath ruin in Braga.
Photo: Turismo in Portugal

Free Sundays

If you’re in Braga on the first Sunday of the month, you can take advantage of free first Sundays at many of the city’s museums and historic ruins. Interested in Portugal’s Roman heritage? Check out the Termas Romanas do Alto da Cividade, the remains of the city’s once extensive bathing complex and theatre, dating back to the 2nd century. It’s free the first Sunday of the month from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., but its entry fee the rest of the month comes in at just under €2.

Hidden away in São José de São Lázaro, a local government building, Braga’s Roman era fountain, Fonte da Ídolo, or the fountain of the idol, built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus, is also free on first Sunday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Just returned from Italy and kind of over everything Roman? Get your fill of great works of art and furniture and decorative crafts from around Portugal, Europe, and Asia at the Museu dos Biscainhos for €2 or free all day the first Sunday of the month. Or check out ancient artifacts dating from the Paleolithic to Middle Ages at Museu D. Diogo de Sousa for €3, also free first Sundays.

Get some fresh air

Hop a bus to the edge of town and spend an afternoon climbing up the hill to Bom Jesus Do Monte church. The way up includes an insane number of zigzagging stairs, a progression of life-size dioramas of scenes from the life of Christ, manicured shrubs, terraces mosaiced in stone, and allegorical fountains. At the top, don’t miss the artificial grotto and lush gardens behind and to one side of the church.

Another option is taking a hike at the Peneda-Geres National Park, but only if you’ve opted to rent a car — it’s a 40-minute drive and public transit will only get you halfway there.

Related: Search for rental car rates across Europe

Or just choose a sunny day and stroll Braga’s historic streets, taking in the wealth of historic architecture. Hiding in plain sight, the picturesque Santa Bárbara garden combines medieval and gothic ruins with perfectly trimmed shrubs. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or impromptu photo shoot.

The city’s main cathedral, Sé de Braga, is the oldest in Portugal, and well worth peeking inside. Don’t miss the Palácio do Raio, a Baroque-era residence designed by André Soares da Silva. The rococo façade is covered with traditional Portuguese azulejos tiles, just don’t expect a tour — it’s closed to the public.  Before you retire for the evening, be sure to stop off and people-watch and enjoy the weather in Praça da República.

Café Brasileira is a classic hang out in Braga. Photo: Frans D

Inexpensive eats and nightlife

Save your euros by eating pastries and sandwiches from local bakeries on the go, and have your meal out in the middle of the day (between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.), when pratos de día (menu of the day) reign supreme in locals’ hearts, minds, and pocketbooks. These fixed price menus can be had around town starting at around €7.

Or, if you’re not up for a traditional Portuguese fare, for €5-10, you can feast on a massive burger (veggie and fish options also available) at  DeGema (Rua Doutor Justino Da Cruz, 90) or Bira do Namorados (Rua D. Goncalo Pereira). For what some say is the best Francesinha sandwich in Braga, head to Taberna Belga (Rua Conego Luciano Afonso dos Santos, Loja 1A). For another budget option, spring for an inexpensive but generously sized pizza at Maximinense (Rua Caires 299-r/c).

After dark, bar hop in the Old Town where an eclectic mixture of students, families, locals, and tourists converge to make the most of their evenings, especially on the weekends. Splurge on a cocktail or a glass of wine at the oldest bar in Praça da República at Café Vianna. Or if you can’t grab one of the polished marble tables at Vianna, try Café Brasileira, also on the square.

Cheap sleeps

Comfortable, basic hotels with private bathrooms near the center can be had from around €35 a night for most of the year. That said, during the Easter Holy Week festivities, and in July and August, rooms can cost substantially more, especially if you don’t book far in advance.

We like the clean and centrally located rooms at Hotel Ibis Braga (Rua do Carmo 38) and the Basic Braga by Axis for its modern design and proximity to the train station.  Shared dorms are available from around €10 per night.

Search over 200 hotels in Braga, Portugal

The post Visiting Braga, Portugal on a budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.