Smart, Savvy, & FREE Travel Apps For Portugal: Apple & Andriod

I don’t go anywhere without having Google Maps downloaded to my phone!

You will find it helpful to navigate the winding and narrow streets in Portugal.

But a pro tip is not to be too reliant on the operational hours of some establishments if you are traveling in the off-season.

For example, places in the Algarve close in winter, but if the establishment doesn’t manually update it, it could appear open when its not…

Make sure to download the offline maps, so you will always be connected.

If you’re planning to visit any cities covered in my destination guides for Portugal, you’ll find I’ve already pinned maps with my favorite spots, ready for you to explore.

These maps will download directly to your phone!

iphone or Android

When I’m exploring Portugal, I always make sure I have the Comboios de Portugal app on my phone.

It’s the official app for Portugal’s national train system, making it super easy to get around the country by train.

With this app, you can check train times, plan your trips, and even buy tickets right from your phone.

This app is not for the inner city metro, but for the regional trains.

Use this app if you want to make a day trip to Faro or visit Porto for the day from Lisbon.

So, charge your phone, grab your spirit of adventure, and let this app guide you through Portugal.

iPhone or Android

Need a taxi in Portugal? Download the Bolt app!

Bolt is one of the most popular apps for securing a taxi ride.

While Uber and FreeNow are also available in Portugal, you might find Bolt to offer more competitive pricing.

For convenience, download it before your trip and link it to your payment method, so you’re all set to go upon arrival in Portugal.

iPhone or Android

Traveling solo in Lisbon? It’s a good idea to download the May Day safety app.

It’s a handy tool for solo travelers, providing quick access to local emergency services and useful safety tips.

With May Day on your phone, you can explore the streets of Lisbon with an extra layer of security at your fingertips.

Stay safe and enjoy your adventure!

iPhone or Android

Having the TripIt app on your phone makes planning trips super easy, like a day trip from Lisbon to Cascais.

Just add your travel details to TripIt, and it organizes everything for you in one place.

You can see your route, travel times, and even get suggestions on what to do when you arrive in Cascais.

It’s a great way to keep your travel plans smooth and stress-free, especially when you’re exploring new places!

iPhone or Android

I use the GetYourGuide app to discover the best tours across Portugal.

Whether you’re deciding between the magical palaces of Sintra or the charming coastal views of Cascais, you can easily compare and book exciting experiences with this app.

It offers a wide range of tours throughout the country, making planning your adventures effortless and ensuring you’re experiencing each destination’s highlights.

With GetYourGuide, exploring Portugal’s epic history and stunning landscapes is just a few taps away!

iPhone or Android

Absolutely, data is crucial! Getting connected with Airalo couldn’t be simpler.

Just grab the app, pick a data package that suits your journey (there are several tailored for Portugal), pay, and activate your eSIM.

Plans start at 7 days for $4.50 for 1GB. Pretty reasonable if you ask me!

You’ll have instant connectivity across Portugal.

Once your eSIM is up and running, you’re all set to use any essential apps for your trip!

iPhone or Android

If you’ve never traveled outside your home country, you might never have heard of WhatsApp?

WhatsApp makes it super easy to text and call via Wifi.

Just install the app, and you can instantly connect with friends and family back home, or make new friends in Portugal.

Whether you’re sending updates from Lisbon, sharing photos, or arranging meet-ups, WhatsApp has you covered.

It’s simple to use, works on any network, and best of all, it keeps you connected wherever you go!

iPhone or Android

During my trip to Portugal, having a WiFi finder app was incredibly handy.

Maybe you are low on data or don’t want to use it too fast.

This app simplified the process of locating internet hotspots, ensuring I stayed connected no matter where I was.

Whether I was wandering cities or relaxing on the beautiful beaches, WIFI Finder app made my journey much smoother.

And the best part? It’s free!

iPhone or Android

While it’s true that many Portuguese speak some English, you may find varying levels of fluency, especially among older generations and outside major tourist areas.

I discovered that about half of the taxi drivers could understand English, so having a language app like Google Translate downloaded was invaluable.

To fully utilize this free app, it’s a good idea to download the Portuguese keyboard on your phone for typing local characters.

If you forget, don’t worry; the app includes a handy feature that allows you to use your camera to hover over text, like menus, for instant translation.

For these reasons, it’s smart to have Google Translate installed on your phone before you start your trip in Portugal.

iPhone or Android

For me, having a currency app is essential, especially since my home currency isn’t euros like in Portugal.

It’s incredibly handy for quickly converting prices and understanding how much things cost in my own currency.

This app offers help in budgeting and makes spending decisions while exploring Portugal easy.

Plus, it ensures that I always have a clear understanding of the value of the money I’m spending, making my travels in Portugal even more enjoyable and stress-free.

Iphone or Android

When visiting coastal areas in Portugal, it’s crucial to be aware of the tidal patterns.

It is especially important if you’re planning activities like swimming, surfing, or exploring tidal pools.

The app provides real-time updates on high and low tides, helping you plan your day around the safest and most enjoyable times to be near the water.

Knowing the tides can be essential to find the best times for photography or beach walks, ensuring you make the most of the natural beauty of Portugal’s coastline.

iPhone and Android

If you’re heading to Portugal during the summer, which is also the fire season, it’s a wise move to download the Fogos app.

Fogos offers real-time updates on forest fires throughout Portugal, whether you’re in urban areas or the countryside, and alerts you to any active fires near your location.

While you might not need to use it, having it could be crucial for your safety.

Plus, the app is free—so there’s no harm in a quick download.

And just a reminder: in Portugal, it’s illegal to start fires outside of private property unless it’s a controlled environment like a BBQ.

iPhone or Android

If you’re planning to hit the beaches in Portugal and you care about safety as much as I do, the Info Praia app is a must-have.

This app gives you all the essential details about beach conditions across the country—from water quality to the presence of lifeguards and even the flag warnings of the day.

It’s perfect for ensuring that you find the safest spots to swim and sunbathe.

Plus, Info Praia updates in real-time, so you can always be up to date with the latest safety information.

The app is free, easy to use, and provides peace of mind, so you can fully enjoy your beach days without any worries.

iPhone or Android

If you’re traveling to Portugal and you’re anything like me—a serious food lover—you won’t want to miss out on the best dining spots.

That’s where The Fork app comes in handy. It’s a lifesaver for finding and booking top-rated restaurants all over the country.

From cozy taverns in Lisbon to gourmet spots in Porto, The Fork not only helps you discover incredible places but often offers great discounts too.

You can easily read reviews, peek at menus, and secure a table right from your phone.

It’s free, user-friendly, and an absolute must-have to ensure you get a seat at highly sought-after restaurants.

Trust me, you’ll dine like a local without any of the guesswork!

iPhone or Android

If you feel like ordering in one night while visiting Portugal, this app allows just that!

It’s like Uber Eats, which also works. I find the most restaurants on Glovo.

Whether you’re craving traditional Portuguese for food delivery or something a bit more international, Glovo makes it easy.

So, if you’re in the mood to relax and dine in, just tap the app, pick your favorite dishes, and let Glovo take care of the rest.

iPhone or Android

The Nomad Her app is a fantastic resource for solo female travelers exploring Portugal.

It is designed to empower women by providing safety tips, connecting them with fellow travelers, and offering recommendations tailored to female interests and needs.

Whether you’re looking for safe accommodations, female-friendly activities, or simply want to meet up with other women on the road, Nomad Her enhances your travel experience.

It’s a great way to feel supported and secure while enjoying the freedom and adventure of traveling alone.

iPhone or Android