Our guide on the most popular tourist traps in Portugal and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Portugal is a top travel destination with stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine. However, like any popular destination, it has its share of tourist traps—overpriced or overcrowded attractions that may not live up to the hype.
By staying informed and venturing beyond heavily touristed areas, you can enjoy the true essence of Portugal while avoiding the typical tourist traps.
Here’s a guide to Portugal’s most common tourist traps, tips to avoid them, and suggestions for authentic alternatives.
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Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps in Portugal
Visit During the Off-Season: Travel in spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) to enjoy fewer crowds and better prices.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Locals can guide you to authentic restaurants, shops, and experiences.
Explore Smaller Towns: Cities like Lisbon and Porto are wonderful, but don’t miss hidden gems like Évora, Braga, or Aveiro.
Avoid Overhyped Spots: Look for less-publicized attractions that offer authentic charm.
Use Public Transport: It’s cheaper and a great way to immerse yourself in local culture.
Tourist Traps in Portugal
1. Pastéis de Belém Bakery (Lisbon)
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Famous for its pastel de nata (custard tarts), but long lines and tourist crowds can detract from the experience. Prices are slightly higher than other bakeries in Lisbon.
Alternative:
Try Manteigaria, a well-known bakery offering equally delicious pastéis de nata without the overwhelming crowds.
2. Tram 28 (Lisbon)
While charming, this iconic tram is often packed with tourists, making the ride uncomfortable. Pickpockets are also known to target this tram.
Alternative:
Take an early morning ride to avoid crowds or opt for less crowded trams like Tram 24 or Tram 12 for a similar experience with fewer people.
3. Livraria Lello (Porto)
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
This beautiful bookstore, famous for its Harry Potter-inspired staircase, charges an entrance fee, and the experience often feels rushed due to the crowds.
Alternative:
Visit Livraria Bertrand in Lisbon, the world’s oldest operating bookstore, for a historic and less chaotic literary experience.
4. Algarve Beaches in Summer
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Beaches like Praia da Rocha and Praia da Marinha become overcrowded in peak summer months, with high parking fees and overpriced beachside restaurants.
Alternative:
Explore quieter beaches like Praia do Amado or Praia da Arrifana on the western Algarve coast for a more relaxed atmosphere.
5. Cabo da Roca (Sintra)
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Marketed as the westernmost point of mainland Europe, it’s often packed with tourists taking selfies. The viewing platform can feel underwhelming, especially during busy times.
Alternative:
Visit Cabo Espichel near Sesimbra, which offers stunning coastal views with far fewer crowds.
6. Restaurants in Praça do Comércio (Lisbon)
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
This iconic square in Lisbon is lined with overpriced restaurants catering to tourists, often serving mediocre food.
Alternative:
Venture into the Bairro Alto or Alfama neighborhoods for authentic Portuguese meals at reasonable prices.
7. Pena Palace (Sintra)
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
While stunning, the palace is often overcrowded, especially during peak seasons, and tickets can be expensive. The interiors may feel less impressive than the exterior.
Alternative:
Visit Monserrate Palace or Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra for equally beautiful architecture with fewer crowds.
8. Fado Shows in Tourist Areas
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Many Fado performances in tourist-heavy areas like Alfama can feel commercialized, with overpriced dinners and rushed performances.
Alternative:
Seek out authentic Fado venues like Clube de Fado in Lisbon or Casa da Mariquinhas in Porto for genuine performances.
9. Overpriced Port Tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto)
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Some port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia charge high fees for basic tastings and tours that feel overly commercial.
Alternative:
Visit smaller, family-run port houses or explore lesser-known wine regions like the Douro Valley for more intimate and authentic experiences.
10. Tuk-Tuk Tours (Lisbon and Porto)
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Tuk-tuk tours often charge high prices for short rides and provide limited value for money. They’re also noisy and disrupt the charm of historic neighborhoods.
Alternative:
Walk or use public transport like trams or buses for a more affordable and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
11. Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market, Lisbon)
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
This food market is popular but can feel overcrowded and expensive compared to traditional Portuguese eateries.
Alternative:
Visit local markets like Mercado de Campo de Ourique or Mercado da Graça for a more authentic and less commercial dining experience.
12. Overcrowded Douro River Cruises
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Many Douro River cruises in Porto are short, crowded, and expensive, offering little beyond basic sightseeing.
Alternative:
Opt for a longer, more immersive cruise that explores the Douro Valley or take a train ride through the region for scenic views.
13. Tiled Souvenirs from Tourist Shops
Why It’s a Tourist Trap:
Many shops sell low-quality, mass-produced ceramic tiles and souvenirs at inflated prices.
Alternative:
Purchase authentic, handmade tiles from local artisans or markets like Feira da Ladra in Lisbon.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.