The charm of Lisbon is known to everyone. Famous writer Erich Maria Remarque had a deep love for Lisbon. He described Lisbon as a charming woman who waits for her lover on the terrace while watching the sea. This fairy tale city has been attracting millions of people to Portugal. Tourists fall in love with the city after spending several days there. Lisbon is popular for various things, but the nightlife and architectural design of the city have extra magic among all of them.
I do not doubt that guests will have wonderful moments in Lisbon, but there are several things that everyone should know before the voyage. For example, what to pack for Lisbon? If you want to pack for a trip and more, then you are in the right place. After reading this blog, you can plan your trip and prepare your bag.
Portugal Visa
Before preparing your baggage, you should make sure of several things, one of which is related to a visa. Who needs a Portugal visa? If you are not from one of the visa-free countries, you must apply for a Portugal Visa. If you are familiar with visa procedures, understanding the visa policy of Portugal will be easy for you. The country has three main categories for visas, and they are divided into several subcategories.
- Short-term Visa. Portugal is a Schengen area country. If you want to stay in Portugal for the short term, you should apply for a visa. It will give you a chance to stay in the country for a maximum of three months and visit other Schengen area countries. Depending on the purpose of the visit, Schengen Visa has several subcategories, such as tourist visa, visa for participating in cultural events, visa for visiting family members, etc. There can be some differences in the documentation process, but you will apply for all of them in visa application centers, embassies, or consulates. You will pay an 80 EURO application fee and wait for several weeks for processing. Also, Shengen area countries apply special discounts for certain nationalities and people.
- Long-term Visa. If foreigners want to stay in Portugal for more, they should apply for a long-stay visa. People who obtain it are potential residents. You can get it for various reasons, such as education, work, and family reunion. Application fee for long-stay visas changes between 75-100 EURO. It is important to note that everyone must apply for a visa for longer stays regardless of nationality.
- Transit Visa. If you are not from a visa-waiver country and want to leave the international area, you must have a visa. Entry permission terms depend on the person's citizenship (resident) status. Tourists must prove that their flight is scheduled through another airport. They can confirm it with the airline or travel agent.
Each of these visa categories and subcategories has some documentation requirements, and if you want to obtain a visa, you must provide all of them. If you cannot provide any documents, get in touch with the embassy and inform them. Provide all details and documents on the list and do not deceive the embassy.
If you want to see the list of documents for each type, check the visa-free countries list, and get more information about the visa, you can check the "Services" section on our website.
Travel plug adapter
What to pack for Lisbon? We can't imagine modern life without electronic devices. They make our lives easy, and we need them almost every day. Of course, when you travel to any country, it is better to stop being busy with your phone and enjoy a new world in front of your eyes. But, still, you will need to use such kinds of devices during the trip. So, that is why you should have a travel plug adapter on your bag. Charging will not be a problem if you travel from Europe or another country that uses C and F plugs.
Have some cash on you
Although bank cards are accepted in almost all parts of the city, sometimes you may need to have cash. Also, there are plenty of ATMs where you can withdraw cash, but if you travel to a rural area, you may face some problems. Probably, you know that Portugal uses the EURO as a currency. So, get some EURO before travel to Lisbon.
Comfortable shoes
Probably, it is one of the most needed items to pack for a trip to Lisbon Portugal. I don't know how many days you want to stay in the city, but I know that you will not stop walking. The city will make you discover everything, go to the deepest parts, and walk for hours. OF course, you may prefer to travel by car, but you can't enjoy all the secrets in that way. Also, there are plenty of hiking destinations. You can start exploring from the center and go to more suburban areas. Most people who travel to Lisbon start their trip in historical parts of the city, such as the Alfama district. As a part of your Lisbon road trip, you can go for a walk in nature while watching the charming sea view and landscapes. So, comfortable shoes will be your best friend during those discoveries.
Backpack
It is the item that all tourists must have. During your travel to Portugal, you will visit many places, and you will need to carry plenty of things such as documents, some electronic devices and so on. So, it will be better to put all of them just in one place. In that case, you will not feel worried and will decrease your chances of losing any item. Also, your hands will be free to take Instagrammable photos or take a coffee while enjoying the streets of the marvelous city.
Sunglasses
What to pack for Lisbon in July? July is one of the busiest months for a trip to Lisbon Portugal. The city is expensive and overcrowded during this time. Still, if you want to travel to Portugal in July, you must-have sunglasses. Probably, it is enough to say that Lisbon is one of the sunniest places in Europe. It gets 2799 hours of sunshine per year.
Sunscreen
It is another item that I can mention as an answer to this question: what to pack for Lisbon in July? You may ask, are there no places to buy sunscreen? Of course, there are plenty of supermarkets where you can get a sun blocker, but it is better to have one on you. Some of them may cause allergic effects on sensitive skin. So, it is better to bring what you used before. Moreover, prices can be high in the city. Undoubtedly, you will need one, because beaches are waiting for you.
Swimsuit
Mother nature blessed the city with astonishing beaches. Most of them are just within several minutes' distance from the capital of Portugal. They are suitable for watersports, swimming and socializing with other people. The most popular beaches near the city are Guincho Beach, Adraga Beach, Carcavelos Beach, and Meco Beach. Are these beaches clean? There is no need to worry about the hygiene of these beaches. All of them are clean and one of the best beaches in the world. So, grab your swimsuit and show who a boss is.
Raincoat and umbrella (What to pack for Lisbon in November?)
Although the weather is quite friendly in summer, it is wet and cold between November and May. Sudden rains may catch you during the voyage. So, having a raincoat and umbrella would be beneficial for you. The temperature changes between 15-20 degrees in November, but it is colder and rainy in the morning and night. The city is popular for nightlife, and you should be ready for it.
The best time to travel to Lisbon Portugal
I would like to answer one more question at the end of our Lisbon road trip. I have already answered what to pack for Lisbon in November and July. But what is the best time to travel to Lisbon Portugal? We must consider several things while answering this question and the first one is the weather. As I said, summers are hot in the city. On the other hand, the period is colder from November till May. So, if you don't like wearing thick clothing, prefer the sunshine and want to enjoy beaches, then the best time for you is summer.
Another point to consider is monetary issues and crowdedness. The period between June and August is the high season. So, the city will be full of tourists. If you don't like the hustle and bustle and want to make your journey more economical, you may prefer the low season (September to November).
Shortly, take the items mentioned above, make your travel itinerary, and enjoy your days in Lisbon, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
