Prices have gone up in Lisbon and Porto noticeably over the last few years, especially accommodation. Is Portugal still the "budget-friendly" destination it used to be, or has that changed?
Curious to hear from people who've visited both recently and a few years ago, what's your honest take on value for money right now?
People come for 2 nights, people come for 2 weeks. What's the sweet spot in your opinion? And what does Lisbon need time for that people underestimate, the neighbourhoods, the day trips, the evenings?
I recently visited for the first time and saw that there's such a vibrant art community culture. Then I bought a Lonely Planet Portugal edition and I'm humbled how many festivals, arts, music and cinema events Portugal has, and each city has their own one. Portugal is a very underrated country I think.
Summer is peak season, but honestly September and October are some of the best weeks to be in Portugal. The crowds thin out, the light gets golden earlier, the sea is still warm, and prices drop.
What month do you think is actually the best to visit — and what makes it special for you? Curious if people have strong opinions on shoulder season vs peak.