Portugal trips

It’s fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Portuguese! Try out some of these popular words and phrases:

• Hello: Olá
• My name is: Meu nome é
• How much is this?: Quanto custa?
• Yes: Sim
• No: Não
• Thank you: Obrigado/a
• Where is the bathroom?: Onde fica o banheiro?

From its tile-coated castles to its shimmering coastlines, Portugal is a gorgeous and unique country with a lot to be proud of. And, indeed, the Portuguese are proud of their country and its quirks, some of which are listed below.

• Avoid comparing Portugal to Spain. Despite their historic and geographic proximities, these countries are much more distinct from one another than many people realize.
• Portuguese people are big believers in fate, and this inspires their famous fado music that can be heard cafés and restaurants across the country.
• Even though Portugal doesn't produce much coffee at all, the country has a robust coffee culture where espresso is the common drink of choice.
• With an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year and most of the population living relatively close to the coast, it should be no surprise that Portuguese people tend to be warm, friendly, and laidback.

Portuguese food is fresh, hearty, and delicious. Almost entirely surrounded by water, you’ll find plenty of fresh seafood including octopus, a must-have in Portugal. Plus, with all the walking you’ll do in the city of seven hills, you deserve to treat yo’self! See some must-haves below:

• Bacalhau à bras: The national dish of salted cod with potatoes and eggs
• Couvert: A simple plate of bread, butter, and olives - be aware that some restaurants may charge you for this, even though it looks complimentary
• Arroz de marisco: Similar to paella, this is a dish of prawns, clams, and other seafood combined with rice, vegetables, and herbs
  Try and seafood stew cooked in a cataplana, a shell-shaped copper pan
• Pastéis de Nata: A golden puff pastry circle with a rich custard middle-filling - the world’s best (and top secret) recipe is cooked up and served at Pasteis de Belem. Believe us, it’s worth the 10-minute cab ride out there.
• Sardines: Especially during the summer, sardines are at their freshest, and they’re grilled right along the streets and usually served with wine, peppers, and potatoes.
• Bifana: Thin slices of pork marinated in white wine with lots of garlic, fried, then served in a bun. Find it at any food stall or food truck in Lisbon!
• Vinho Verde: Translated to green wine, is a Portuguese wine originated in the Minho province. Felicidades!