I went to Portugal to celebrate New Year’s and ended up staying for a full week, arriving a few days before December 31 and flying back in the first week of January. This was my first time in Portugal and honestly, I didn’t overplan it. I knew I wanted a mix of city, views, food, and a relaxed Europe trip that wouldn’t completely drain my savings.
Getting There from India I flew from India to Lisbon with one stop, as there are no direct flights available. Most routes go via the Middle East or Europe, taking about 9 to 10 hours excluding the layover. I managed to book my tickets around three months in advance and paid roughly ₹65,000 round trip, which I felt was a surprisingly decent deal for the peak New Year season. Since I hold an Indian passport, I needed a Schengen visa. I applied through the Portugal VFS center, submitting the standard documents like insurance, itinerary, and proof of funds. It took about three weeks for approval, so my biggest piece of advice is to apply early because December gets incredibly busy.
Where I Stayed and How I Moved Around I split my time mostly between Lisbon and Porto, adding a day trip to Sintra and a short coastal break in the Algarve. For accommodation, I stuck to budget hotels and guesthouses, not hostels, but not luxury either. I usually paid between €60 and €100 per night, depending on the location. Getting around was very straightforward. In Lisbon, the trams, metros, and buses are everywhere, and getting a Viva Viagem card saved me both money and the hassle of buying single tickets. For the longer stretch between Lisbon and Porto, the trains were comfortable and affordable, especially since I booked them a bit early.
New Year’s in Portugal I celebrated New Year’s Eve in Lisbon near the riverfront, and it was a great experience. There was a big crowd, live music, and fireworks at midnight, but it felt festive rather than chaotic. People were relaxed, drinking, counting down, and just enjoying the moment. Most importantly, it didn’t feel unsafe at all, even as a woman traveler.
What I Saw and How It Felt Lisbon was easily my favorite. Just walking through Alfama, riding the famous (and crowded) Tram 28, and eating pastéis de nata in Belém took up most of my time. You really don’t need to rush Lisbon; the city itself is the experience. I also went to Sintra, which was beautiful but tiring. The palaces, especially Pena Palace, are stunning, but you have to be prepared for a lot of walking and heavy crowds. Porto felt much smaller and quieter than Lisbon. The riverside area was lovely, and the wine cellars were interesting even for someone who isn’t a big wine drinker. I ended the trip with a couple of days in the Algarve just to slow down. It was too cold to swim in January, but the views at places like Praia da Marinha were incredible.
Costs and Budgeting Portugal is definitely one of the more affordable Western European countries, though the holiday week made things slightly pricier. On average, a normal meal cost me about €10–€15, though it was cheaper if I ate at local spots. Coffee and pastries were usually €2–€4, and entry to attractions hovered around €10–€15. My total trip, including flights, accommodation, food, transport, and sightseeing, came to around ₹1.8–2.2 lakh. It wasn’t an ultra-budget trip, but it certainly wasn’t luxury either.
Things I Wish I Knew Earlier Looking back, there are a few practical things I learned. First, comfortable shoes are non-negotiable because Lisbon is incredibly hilly and cobbled. I also noticed that while dinner is late, kitchen timings can be tricky; many places close between lunch (around 3 PM) and dinner (7:30 PM), so you can’t always find a full meal at odd hours. English is widely spoken, but learning a few Portuguese words helps break the ice. The winter weather was also unpredictable, some days were sunny, others windy and cold, so layers are key. Lastly, while generally safe, pickpocketing is real in tourist areas, so I learned to keep my bag in front of me in crowded spots.
Final Thoughts Overall, Portugal felt warm, welcoming, and easy. It didn’t feel overwhelming or intimidating, even as a solo female traveler. The food was simple but good, the people were kind, and the pace was slower than many other European destinations. Celebrating New Year’s there was special, not flashy, but memorable. If you want a Europe trip that feels relaxed, scenic, and still affordable, Portugal is honestly a great choice.
