Navigating Portugal
Portugal
Portugalâs culture reflects a unique blend of influences, shaped by the Atlantic coast and its close ties with Mediterranean traditions.
The country is known for its beautiful beaches, big wave surfing, tiled buildings, and vibrant food scene.
Dive into Portugalâs 20th-century history to better understand its history.
In recent years the country has been grappling with a severe housing crisis, marked by soaring rents, rapidly rising property prices, and limited affordable supply, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Quick Facts
- The country regularly ranks among the safest in the world.
- It was the first European country to decriminalize drug use, and it is often cited as a public health success.
- Portugal has strong LGBTQ+ protections, including legal same-sex marriage, adoption rights, comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, and a self-determination process that allows trans people to change their legal gender without medical requirements.
- We encourage you to consult Freedom House Portugal country card.
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Digital Rights in Portugal
The digital rights community in Portugal is small but delivers impact well beyond its size. The ecosystem is made up of brilliant folks from diverse backgrounds who are activists at heart. Here at TCU, we have been humbled with the intelligence, commitment, and passion we have found in the digital rights space.
In 2024 we interviewed D3 - Defesa dos Direitos Digitais for our Community Series. Led by president Ricardo Lafuente, D3 has become a key voice on issues such as mass metadata collection, public video surveillance, weak GDPR enforcement, and the social impacts of tech-driven policies like the Digital Nomad visa.
At the time of the interview in December 2024, Ricardo shared that the biggest digital rights challenges in Portugal were public video surveillance; the lack of enforcement of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); and âinfrastructure technology poverty and outsourcing". Since 2007 the country has privatized their public goods while lacking adequate funding for scientific research.
He notes that current policies, including the digital nomad visas, have done little to elevate local tech efforts or the working class. Instead, these policies have created a housing crisis, as foreign investment reshapes the real estate market. Additionally, current policies create a context where startups that move to Portugal, only stay for a limited time, design products for for audiences abroad, and then leave the country with their developments. Learn more about D3 - Defensa dos Direitos Digitais' work here.
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Useful Tips
Ordering Food to Your Home đĄ
If you are interested ordering food to your hotel/home, use can use the following apps:
Ordering Coffee & Beer
Coffee â
There are many different ways to order a coffee. Some common ones are:
| Bica/Café: Espresso (less water) | Meia de Leite: Flat White |
| Cheio: Full Espresso (more water) | Cappuccino |
| Pingado: Macchiato | Abatanado: Americano (less water) |
| GalĂŁo: Latte | Americano |
| Mocha |
Beer đ»
Much like ordering a coffee, there are a number of ways to order beer in Portugal. If you order âuma cervejaâ you will likely be asked if you want a pint or a bottle. Here are some tips so you can get the beer you want.
| Imperial: Small draft beer |
| Caneca: Large draft beer |
Misc
- Dinner usually runs from 17:00 to 18:00.
Special Things to Eat and Drink đ±
 A Tascas is a typical Portuguese restaurant serving classic, home-style dishes. They tend to be family-run eateries offering hearty meals at affordable prices, in a cozy, unpretentious, homey environment. This includes soups and stews, grilled sardines, codfish, and more. Tasca's usually have daily specials, and generous portions. |
 UNESCO recognizes Macanese cuisine as the world's first "fusion" cuisine, which has been influenced by Chinese (especially Cantonese), and European (especially Portuguese) cuisines, as well as from Southeast Asia and other parts of the Lusophone world. (Macau was a former Portuguese colony) |
 Whether its Brazilian barbecue, or Angolan Moamba de Galinha, you will find amazing restaurants from diverse lusophone countries.Whether its Brazilian barbecue, or Angolan Moamba de Galinha, you will find amazing restaurants from diverse lusophone countries. |
 Crispy, flaky pastry shells filled with a warm, creamy egg custard and baked until the tops are caramelized. Usually enjoyed with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar.Crispy, flaky pastry shells filled with a warm, creamy egg custard and baked until the tops are caramelized. Usually enjoyed with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar. |
 . Portugal is famous for having one of the world's best chocolate cakes, which is flourless, dense, and silky. You can find this in numerous establishments, but the most famous vendor is Landeau Chocolate. HOWEVER, we highly recommend the bakery Pastelaria Garrett, only a few steps from venue. Their chocolate crunch cake left most of us in tears.Portugal is famous for having one of the world's best chocolate cakes, which is flourless, dense, and silky. You can find this in numerous establishments, but the most famous vendor is Landeau Chocolate. HOWEVER, we highly recommend the bakery Pastelaria Garrett, only a few steps from venue. Their chocolate crunch cake left most of us in tears. |
 You will see shops selling cod fritters all over. They are made from salted cod, potatoes, parsley, eggs and onions.You will see shops selling cod fritters all over. |
 Fresh grilled sardines are a favorite, and enjoyed simply with flaky salt and lemon squeezed on them. Additionally, make sure to try some of Portugal's canned sardines. |
 Nothing says Portugal more than their Caldo Verde soup, a hearty soup made with kale, potatoes, and sausage. The soup originated in the Minho Province in norther Portugal around the 15th century. |
Day Trips From Estoril đ°
Lisboa has several Tourism Information Centers and an official website with useful information like the weather, how to get tickets for the public transportation, things to see and do and other details.
If you have free time during the Global Gathering, you can check the Free Tours happening in Lisbon. The main language is English but you can find tours in Spanish, French, Italian, German and other languages.
| Enjoy a Beach Day in Estoril |
Many easily accessible beaches run along the coast from Estoril to Cascais. The closest beaches are Praia da Poça and Praia do Tamariz - both only a 15-minute walk from the venue. They are also home to incredible restaurants and bars. |
| Bicycle from Cascais to Guincho Beach (and maybe take a surfing lesson) |
Praia do Guincho is a beautiful Atlantic-facing beach famous for both surfing and kite surfing. Its striking, natural, and dramatic beauty is worth the visit. Getting there via bike is just as beautiful, with incredible views of the ocean You will take the N247 coastal road, that starts in front of the Hotel Vila GalĂ© in Cascais. Don't worry, you can't get lost, because the road ends in Guincho beach. The bike ride, which is 10km long, will take you about 1 hour round trip. On it you will pass landmarks like the Farol do Guia lighthouse, the SĂŁo Jorge de Oitavos fort and the fortaleza do Guincho. Note: there are no businesses on this road - its pretty natural and rustic. You can rent city bicycles through the Cascais cycling program. Prices are cheaper but donât expect high quality bikes. Identification is needed to rent the bicycles. *For faster, lighter bicycles search for private bike rentals in Cascais. Note, there are limited amenities in Guincho, with only a handful of restaurants. However, we encourage to checkout the numerous surfing schools based there, and maybe take a class - just be careful, the ocean there is wild and has strong currents.
How to Get there: Public Transportation: You can take either bus 1629 or 1630 in Estoril. Both take less than hour. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-40 Euros, depending on the time of day. |
| Magical Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
Sintra is one of Portugalâs most magical towns, tucked into lush green hills, where palaces, castles, and fairytale gardens. It has also been associated with mysticism, esotericism, and occult symbolism. Not surprisingly Its underground tunnels, inverted towers, and Quinta da Regaleira Initiation Well, have been a magnet for poets, mystics, and occultist. This has given Sintra a mysterious, otherworldly reputation. Make sure to visit its imposing castle that has sweeping views of the Atlantic. Sintraâs cool microclimate and romantic architecture is a sharp contrast to Estorilâs coastal calm. |
| Day Trip to Belém |
BelĂ©m is a historic waterfront district in western Lisbon known for its grand monuments, maritime heritage, and some of Portugalâs most iconic cultural sites. Its also a birthplace for the famous custard tarts, PastĂ©is de Nata. Interesting landmarks in the area. Make sure to checkout JerĂłnimos Monastery, the Tropical Botanical Gardens, and PastĂ©is de BelĂ©m Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros |
| Enjoy a Fado Concert |
Fado music is usually performed with a Portuguese guitar, and a Fado singer. The music is often identified by its rich, melancholy melodies. Neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria are still famous for their fado houses where you can watch a show. We recommend Fama dâAlfama or Mesa de Frades Most fado houses offer dinner. However, if you only watch a show, arrive for the late viewing at 23:00h - most fado houses stay open until 2:00h We also recommend visiting the Fado Museum |
| Castle of SĂŁo Jorge |
The Castle of Sao Jorge sits in the center of the Lisbon. Classified as a National Monument in 1910, it offers wonderful views of the city and the Tagus River. Also, explore the surrounding historic Alfama and Mouraria neighborhoods. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros |
| Fåbrica Braço de Prata | Fåbrica Braço de Prata is an old ammunition factory that has been converted into a cultural center in the Marvila neighborhood of Lisbon. From Tuesday to Sunday, this event space houses several concerts, art exhibits, and literary events in every room of the building. You can buy a ticket to enter the factory and wander from room to room for 10 Euros. On any given night, you can see 2-3 concerts. There is also a restaurant/bar and a bookstore that stays open until 1 am.
Address: R. Fåbrica de Material de Guerra 1, 1950-128 Lisboa How to Get there: Public Transportation: Take the train from the Estoril train station to the Cais do Sodre train station. Directly outside of the station, you will find the bus stop for the 781 bus. Take the 781 bus in front of the Cais do Sodre train station directly to the Poço Bispo stop. Note: Late in the evening it is difficult to take public transportation from Fabrica back to Cascais. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-25 Euros |
| Estufa Fria Greenhouse |
The Estufa Fria is a beautiful 1.5-hectare botanical garden in Eduardo VII Park. The greenhouse boasts 300 different species of plants from all over the world. It is a perfect place to be in nature without leaving the city. Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, from 10:00am - 19:00pm Tickets: 3.50 euros Address: Parque Eduardo VII, 1070-051 Lisboa, Portugal Website: https://estufafria.lisboa.pt/ How to Get there: Public Transportation: Take the train from the Estoril train station to the Cais do Sodre train station. Change trains to the Blue Line until MarquĂȘs de Pombal. From there it is a 12-minute walk north through the park. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros |
| Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and its Gardens | Open: 10:00 to 18:00 and closed on Tuesdays
Tickets: 10 Euros. Free on Sundays after 14:00 The museum, located in Lisbon, showcases a large collection gathered by the Armenian philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian, ranging from classical antiquities to European and Asian fine arts. The surrounding Gulbenkian Gardens offer a serene urban oasisâlush, modernist-designed landscapes with ponds, winding paths, and shaded areas perfect for picnics. Website: https://gulbenkian.pt/museu/en/collection/discover-the-collection/ How to Get there: Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros |
| LX Factory |
LX Factory is a historic industrial complex that has been converted into more than 50 shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes. On Sundays, there is an additional outdoor market where you can find clothes, food, jewelry, and more. How to Get there: Public Transportation: Take the train from the Estoril train station to the Alcantara Mar train station. LX factory is a 12 minute walk from the train station. Taxi: From Estoril, a taxi will cost around 20-35 Euros |
