Portugal

Useful Information

Portugal lies in Southwestern Europe bordering Spain to its north and east, with which it shares the longest uninterrupted border in the European Union. To the southwest lie the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, which are the two autonomous regions of Portugal. Lisbon has been the capital since the 12th century and is the country’s largest city.

Portugal’s position on the Atlantic Ocean has shaped many aspects of its culture. A large part of the country’s architecture dates from the 16th to the 19th centuries, when Portugal stood as a major maritime power.

Portugal has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are pleasant in the northern highlands and along the coastal areas of the far north and central regions. Autumn and winter are typically windy, rainy, and cool. Spring and summer months are generally sunny.

It is also the 18th most visited tourist destination in the world. Portugal is a member of the UN, the European Union (including the eurozone and the Schengen Area), NATO, the OECD, and the CPLP, among others. It also takes part in United Nations peacekeeping forces.

Lisbon and the stunning coastal city of Porto are among the most visited cities in Europe today. There are other important cities in Portugal. Guimarães: known as the birthplace of the nation. Aveiro: often called the ‘Venice of Portugal’. Coimbra: home to the oldest university in the country and one of the oldest in Europe. Faro: the capital of Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve.

Portugal’s landscape is filled with natural marvels, from the laurel forests of Madeira to Pico Mountain and Peneda-Gerês National Park. Equally enchanting are its medieval villages, including Óbidos, Monsaraz, and Monsanto.

Lisbon

Lisbon is located on the Atlantic coast, at the mouth of the Tagus River. It has a population of 547,773 inhabitants, and its metropolitan area is home to 2,810,923 people, covering an area of nearly 3,000 km². This area concentrates 26% of the country’s population. Lisbon is the richest city in Portugal.

The city is built on a series of hills rising above the Tagus River, which is why it’s known as the  ‘city of seven hills’,  much like Rome. In fact, there are more than seven, and today these hills not only provide stunning panoramic views but also are home to many of the city’s most important landmarks and neighborhoods.

As some of the streets are too steep for vehicle traffic, the city relies on three funiculars and an elevator. It also operates five tram lines, four of them using vehicles with a traditional, old-fashioned design.

On the western side of the city lies the Monsanto Forest Park, regarded as Lisbon’s green lung and one of the largest urban parks in Europe. The Port of Lisbon serves as a stop for many cruise ships and is among the major tourist ports in Europe.

Lisbon features notable examples of medieval architecture, including São Jorge Castle atop the city center’s highest hill, the Alfama district, which endured the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the cathedral, and the Carmo Convent.

In the Belém district, visitors can admire two Unesco World Heritage sites: the Manueline-style Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, a historic military fortification that once watched over the entrance to the Tagus River.

Baixa is the heart of the city. It is built on the ruins of the old city destroyed by the earthquake. Its urban layout, with grid-pattern streets and uniform buildings, was designed by the Marquis of Pombal. Baixa is also Lisbon’s main commercial district and home to many of its landmarks, including the National Theatre Dona Maria II, Commerce Square, and Rossio Square.

Fado

Fado is Lisbon’s traditional music, a soulful and nostalgic song accompanied by the Portuguese guitar. Most fado houses are located in the Alfama district, where live performances are typically offered.

Cuisine

Lisbon’s cuisine reflects its closeness to the sea, offering a range of culinary delights made with exceptionally fresh ingredients, spices from across the former Portuguese Empire, and freshly caught seafood. Typical Lisbon specialties include grilled sardines, bacalhau à Brás, pastéis de bacalhau, codfish pastries, green soup, petiscos, and tasty street food such as the bifana.

The most famous dessert in Lisbon is the ‘pastel de Belém’, small custard-filled puff pastries that have become an iconic part of the city’s culinary culture.

Climate and clothing

Lisbon has a typical Mediterranean climate, with variable rainfall, hot and dry summers, and mild winters. In May, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 14 °C to 23 °C (57 ºF to 73 ºF).

Entrance to the country

To enter Portugal, the following requirements apply:

• Valid passport: It is generally required that it remains valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
• Return ticket: A round-trip ticket is mandatory.
• Accommodation: Proof of accommodation for the duration of the stay may be required.
• Health insurance: International health insurance is often a requirement.
• Sufficient funds: Visitors must demonstrate that they have enough financial means to cover their stay.

Visa

Countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Portugal for short stays (up to 90 days) include all European Union and Schengen Area countries, as well as several countries in the Americas, such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

Airport

Humberto Delgado Airport, also known as Lisbon or Portela Airport, is the largest airport in Portugal and one of the biggest in southern Europe. It also serves as a hub for the country’s main airline, TAP Air Portugal.

It is located about 7 km from the city center, a journey that takes around 20 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Vaccinations

Health requirements for entering Portugal are similar to those of other European countries. In general, travelers are advised to be up to date on routine vaccinations, including measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and hepatitis B.

Electricity

In Portugal, the standard voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50 Hz, and type-F plugs are used, which are common throughout Europe.

Tipping

In Portugal, tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave 5%-10% in restaurants if the service is good. In bars and cafés, it is common to round up the bill or leave 1-2 euros. For other services, such as hotels or taxis, rounding up or giving a small amount is typical.

Taxis and car rental

In Lisbon, you can hail a taxi on the street, wait at a designated taxi stand, or call a taxi company. Fares are regulated and based on a meter that charges for distance and waiting time, with a minimum fare and additional fees for luggage or nighttime rides. App-based transport services, such as Uber or Bolt, are also available.

There is a wide range of options for renting a car in Lisbon. Major rental companies operate throughout the city, and some also have branches at the airport.

Lisbon Highlights

🏛️ Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio)

Once the city’s main entrance, the square opens directly onto the river. It is a vast open space dominated by an equestrian statue of King José I, surrounded by sculptures that commemorate the reconstruction of Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake.

⛪ Lisbon Cathedral

The city’s most significant and oldest religious monument, Lisbon Cathedral was commissioned by Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, in 1150, following the city’s conquest from Muslim rule.

🏘️ Alfama

It is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in the capital. It still retains the old urban layout from the Arab period, with a maze of narrow streets winding between small squares and steep hills.

🏰 São Jorge Castle

Dating back to the 5th century during the Visigothic era, the castle has a rich history: it was under Arab rule, later became Christian, served as a royal residence, and was eventually used as a prison, theater, and weapons depot. Today, it offers stunning views of Lisbon and the Tagus River estuary.

🏛️ Carmo Convent and Santa Justa Elevator

In the charming Chiado district lie the ruins of the Carmo Convent, the only example of Gothic architecture in Lisbon. It was destroyed during the earthquake, and today only some arches, walls, and buttresses remain. The convent now houses the Carmo Archaeological Museum. The district’s main street, Rua Garrett, leads to Luís de Camões Square. The Santa Justa Elevator connects Baixa (the lower town) with Chiado and the Barrio Alto, one of the city’s most lively and eclectic districts.

🛍️ Baixa

Baixa is Lisbon’s historic and commercial heart. Neoclassical buildings, built after the 1755 earthquake, surround Commerce and Rossio squares. The bustling pedestrian streets are filled with traditional seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. Rua Augusta is the main artery of this district and the busiest street in Lisbon.

🗼 Belém Tower

King Manuel I ordered the construction of a watchtower to protect the entrance to the port. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is today one of Portugal’s most iconic symbols of the Age of Discoveries.

⛪ Jerónimos Monastery

Founded in 1496, it was commissioned by King Manuel I to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s return from India. This remarkable 16th-century architectural masterpiece is an integral part of Portuguese culture and identity.

🏛️ Rua Augusta Arch

From this unique monument, you can enjoy stunning views of Lisbon’s Baixa and the Tagus River. It symbolizes the resilience of Lisbon after the fury of earth, fire, and sea that devastated the city in the 1755 earthquake.

⚓ Monument to the Discoveries

It was built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, considered the father of Portuguese exploration and international trade.

🎨 National Museum of Ancient Art

It features Portugal’s most significant public collection, covering works from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The museum showcases paintings, sculptures, goldsmithing, and decorative arts from Portugal, Europe, Africa, and the Orient.

🟦 National Tile Museum

It is one of the most important national museums, notable for the uniqueness of its collection of ‘azulejos’ (tiles), an artistic expression that distinguishes Portuguese culture, as well as for the exceptional building that houses it—the former Madre de Deus Convent, founded in 1509 by Queen D. Leonor. Its collections offer a journey through the history of tile-making, from the 15th century to the present day.

🏛️ Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

It houses a collection of ancient and modern art, featuring works from Ancient Egypt, China, and Japan, and Islamic art. The museum also displays French decorative arts, René Lalique jewelry, and paintings by masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Renoir, Manet, Edgar Degas, and Turner.

🚃 National Coach Museum

It houses a unique collection in the world, featuring vehicles from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, including coaches, sedans, litters, and carriages, all richly decorated.

🐠 Lisbon Oceanarium

It is the second-largest oceanarium in Europe and houses an impressive collection of birds, mammals, fish, and other marine creatures.

Excursions from Lisbon

🏰 Sintra

An elegant and aristocratic town located at the foot of a mountain range. The most striking feature is the Pena Palace, built during the Romantic era as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. Sintra is located 23 km from Lisbon.

🏖️ Estoril and Cascais

Estoril is a charming coastal town, perfect for spending an afternoon enjoying its promenade, the Barros Chalet, Tamariz Beach, and the casino. Cascais features a more grandiose style, distinguished by its elegant architecture and historic citadel. Both are situated 25 km from Lisbon.

🏛️ Mafra

Municipality in the Lisbon district, mainly known for the sumptuous and imposing Baroque-style complex that includes the National Palace, the Basilica, and the Monastery. It features a magnificent library and a rich collection of art and furniture.

Shopping in Lisbon

🛍️ Príncipe Real

It is the new fashion district and a great shopping destination, full of elegant, original, and sophisticated shops. Visitors can also find art galleries and unique craft stores.

🛒 Lisbon City Center

Handicrafts in Lisbon are associated with souvenirs and with the Chiado and Baixa Pombalina (Lisbon City Center), where most of the shops sought by tourists are concentrated. Several stores offer handmade products.

Among the most iconic souvenirs from Lisbon and Portugal are a bottle of fine wine such as Oporto; the traditional, beautifully designed sardine tins; a book from Bertrand, the oldest bookstore in the world; charming cork handicrafts; decorative tiles; handmade ceramic pieces; the famous Pastéis de Belém; and a variety of teas from the Azores.

🏬 Shopping Centers and Outlets

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Information about the event

Dress code

For the social meetings, elegant casual clothes are recommended, no jeans. No tie is necessary.

Punctuality

Badges

You will be requested to show your identification card / badge at all the social and academic events to be allowed into the meeting rooms.

Don’t forget to bring with you

• 👓 Prescribed glasses
• 💊 Personal medicines
• 👟 Comfortable and smart shoes
• 🧥 A warm jacket

Luggage

We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags with name and surname, and hotel.

Insurance