Hey fellow backpackers! I’m thrilled to share my backpacking adventure in Portugal, where I explored this stunning country for two weeks on a budget of less than $10 per day! Yes, you read that right – $10 per day!
Free Rides:
To save money on transportation, I used a combination of hitchhiking, walking, and public transportation. Here are some tips:
- Hitchhiking: I used the app Hitchhike (available in Portugal) to find rides. It’s a great way to meet locals and get a free ride you can also go on on hitchwiki.org and check out their hitchhiking guides.
- Walking: Portugal is a walkable country, and I walked for hours each day to explore the cities and countryside.
- Public Transportation: When needed, I used public buses and trains, which are affordable and efficient or you can just say fuck it and not pay.
One day as I stood on the side of the road, thumb raised high, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and uncertainty. I had been traveling through Portugal for weeks, and hitchhiking had become my go-to mode of transportation. But this particular ride was about to be unlike any other.
A rusty old van screeched to a halt in front of me, and the driver, a wild-eyed Portuguese man with a bushy mustache, leaned over and yelled, “Where you go, amigo?”
I told him my destination, and he grinned maniacally. “Hop in, we’ll get you there… eventually!”
As we careened down the highway, the driver, whose name was Carlos, regaled me with tales of his adventures hitchhiking across Europe in the 70s. He was a true original, and his enthusiasm was infectious.
But as the hours passed, I began to realize that Carlos was not your average driver. He took detours down dirt roads, blasted traditional Portuguese music, and even stopped to show me his favorite secret swimming spots.
At one point, we picked up a group of rowdy locals, who proceeded to drink beer and sing along to the music at the top of their lungs. I was starting to wonder if I’d make it to my destination in one piece!
But despite the chaos, Carlos was a skilled driver, and we eventually arrived at my destination – a tiny beach town on the coast.
As I thanked Carlos and bid farewell, he handed me a cold beer and said, “Remember, amigo, the journey is the destination!”
I watched as the van disappeared into the sunset, feeling grateful for the crazy adventure and the new friends I’d made along the way. Hitchhiking in Portugal was never dull, and I couldn’t wait to see what the next ride would bring!
Free Food:
Food can be expensive, but I found ways to eat for free or cheap:
- Food Banks: I visited local food banks (Banco Alimentar) in larger cities, where I received free groceries.
- Markets: I shopped at local markets (Mercados) for fresh produce and bread.
- Street Food: I enjoyed traditional street food like Açorda Alentejana (bread-based soup) and Arroz Doce (sweet rice pudding).
The street food in Portugal is a culinary delight! From the classic Francesinha (a hearty sandwich filled with ham, sausage, and cheese) to the mouthwatering Açorda Alentejana (a bread-based soup with garlic, coriander, and eggs), there’s something for every taste bud. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some Arroz Doce (sweet rice pudding) or Fios de Ovos (thin, sweet egg-based dessert). And for a savory treat, indulge in some Chouriço à Bombe (grilled sausage) or Pastéis de Nata (flaky pastry tarts filled with creamy custard). With prices starting from just €2-3, you can enjoy these delicious street food options without breaking the bank. So, be sure to come hungry and try some of the amazing street food Portugal has to offer!
Free Accommodations:
Accommodation can be pricey, but I found free options:
- Couchsurfing: I stayed with locals through Couchsurfing, a fantastic way to meet new people.
- Hostels: I stayed in hostels for free by volunteering in exchange for accommodation.
- Camping: I camped in designated areas, a great way to connect with nature.
Nightlife:
Free Entry to Bars and Clubs:
Many bars and clubs in Portugal offer free entry, especially during the week. Just look for the “entrada livre” sign, and you’re in! Some popular spots include:
- Bar do Guincho (Lisbon)
- Casa da Música (Porto)
- Bar O’Fado (Coimbra)
Cheap Drinks:
Drinks can be expensive, but I found some affordable options:
- Super Bock beer (around €2)
- Vinho Verde wine (around €3)
- Caipirinha cocktails (around €5)
Live Music and Fado:
Experience traditional Portuguese music and Fado for free or cheap:
- Fado performances at local bars and restaurants
- Live music at Casa da Música (Porto)
- Free outdoor concerts in Lisbon’s Rossio Square
Dance the Night Away:
Hit the dance floor at these affordable clubs:
- Lux Frágil (Lisbon) – free entry, €5 drinks
- Ritz Clube (Porto) – free entry, €3 drinks
- Kadoc (Albufeira) – free entry, €4 drinks
Total: Less than €10 per night!
Budget Breakdown:
- Transportation: $0 (hitchhiking, walking, public transportation)
- Food: $3-5 per day (food banks, markets, street food)
- Accommodation: $0 (Couchsurfing, volunteering, camping)
Total: Less than $10 per day!
Tips and Tricks:
- Research and plan ahead to find free resources and accommodations.
- Be open-minded and flexible – things don’t always go as planned!
- Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to connect with locals.
- Enjoy the stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious food!
With these tips and tricks, you can explore Portugal on a broke budget. Happy backpacking!
