the 9-to-5 nomad's guide to solo travel
know before you go.
transportation:
Uber/Bolt are the best option for airport trips and intercity travel. Highspeed trains are ok for shorter regional travel (i.e Lisbon to Porto.) However, just take a cheap TAP flight for longer distances (i.e Lisbon to Algarve), it will take half a day by train.
CURRENCY:
(EURO) Using credit cards is okay in Portugal, especially in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Its always good to keep small bills on hand, if you plan to take taxi rides. Just hit up a bank ATM, when you arrive.
is it expensive?
The cost is considered Moderate. During peak season, you can expect to spend $70- $300/night for accommodation, depending on travel style. October-March is the off season & the cheapest time to visit.
Solo travel safety:
Solo Safety Rating: SAFE. Portugal is well-policed and has a strong tourism infrastructure.
language:
Local Language: Portuguese (not spanish). It ranks high in English proficiency, especially in tourist areas. It shows respect to learn some basic phases Olá (Olá): Hello and Obrigado(a) (Oh-brih-gah-do/dah): Thank you
travel tips
Avoid attempting to speak Spanish to the locals, it can be considered rude. Although swimwear is appropriate for a beach, its not considered appropriate when visiting any establishments. Don't assume the starters (i.e. olives and bread) are free.
2024 music FESTIVALS
A guide to the top festivals happening this summer
At over 25 editions, Paredes de Coura Festival is one of the oldest and most popular music festivals in Portugal. Arcade Fire, Pixies, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Coldplay and Morrisey are alumni of this fest that draws in more than 100,000 people each year.
Parades De Coura 2024
August 14, 2024
Paredes de Coura, Portugal
The little sibling to Barcelona's mega-festival Primavera Sound, this Portuguese edition takes place the following weekend in the charming city of Porto. The recipe remains the same, with a staggering roster of indie rock talent. The grassy hillsides of Parque Central means that every seat is a prime location to watch the show.
Primavera Sound Porto 2024
June 7, 2024
Porto, Portugal
'RFM SOMNII has almost a decade of stories and more than 600,000 visitors who already visited the biggest sunset ever, at one of the most beautiful beaches of the Portuguese coast, with access to the beach and to the sea. Inspired by this element, Portugal’s largest beach festival and one of the largest in Europe will feature the best artists in the world
RFM Somnii 2024
July 5, 2024
Figueira da Foz, Portugal
The closest experience that Europe has to the American Burning Man, this psychedelic festival in Portugal fosters a rabid fan base. With a venue perched on a lush meadowside lake, Boom is a biennial festival which means diehards have two years to feed their stoke.
Boom Festival 2025
July 17, 2025
Idanha A Nova, Portugal
Set in Crato, Portugal, Waking Life is an intimate rave that unfolds across six days in the warmth of the desert sun. Taking place during the summer solstice, ravers are treated to long hours of sunlight and a serene setting surrounded by eucalyptus trees.
Waking Life Festival 2024
June 19, 2024
Crato, Portugal
