# Best things to do in Portugal

> From Tram 28 to Belém Tower, Portugal has attractions for every taste. Here are the must-see places.

From Tram 28 to Belém Tower, Portugal has attractions for every taste. Here are the must-see places.

## Top attractions

- Tram 28
- Belém Tower
- the Douro Valley
- the Algarve
- Sintra

## Stay online while you explore

For maps, bookings, translation and Instagram photos, a MerrSIM eSIM for Portugal (from €1.49, 10 GB €8.99) keeps you online from the start — no roaming, no physical SIM.

[MerrSIM — eSIM Portugal](https://merrsim.com/destinations/esim-plans-for-portugal)

## How much data you really need

For normal use — maps, messaging, social media and the odd video — budget about 300–700 MB a day. A light traveller is fine with 3–5 GB for a week, while anyone doing video calls, streaming or laptop hotspot will want 10–20 GB. In Portugal, download offline maps and use hotel WiFi for big downloads; that way a 10 GB plan comfortably lasts two weeks. If you run out, you buy a new plan in the app with no waiting.

## Tips to save data

A few small habits make your gigabytes last in Portugal. Download Google Maps offline before you head out, set video quality to “Auto” or 480p, and turn off background app refresh. Use hotel WiFi for big updates and high-resolution photo uploads. With these steps, even a modest plan covers the whole trip, and your hotspot stays free for the moments you really need it.

## Does your phone support eSIM?

Before you buy, check two things. First, the phone must be eSIM-compatible: iPhone XR/XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many recent Motorola, Huawei and Oppo models. Second, it must be carrier-unlocked. You can verify by dialling *#06# — if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. This saves you any surprises when you arrive in Portugal.

## Common mistakes to avoid

Three mistakes often spoil the start of a trip. First: buying the eSIM at the last minute at the airport, when you have no WiFi to install it — do it at home. Second: forgetting to switch on data roaming for the eSIM line, which makes it look like it is not working. Third: leaving mobile data on your home SIM, which racks up roaming charges. Check these three and your connection in Portugal will be trouble-free.

## Coverage and 5G speed in Portugal

The eSIM connects to the main local operators, so you get the same coverage as a local, including 4G/LTE and 5G where available. In the cities and tourist areas of Portugal the signal is strong and stable; in very remote villages or mountains it can weaken, as with any operator. Hotspot is included, so you can share the connection with your laptop or a travel companion at no extra cost.

## FAQ

### How do I stay online in Portugal?
Get a MerrSIM eSIM for Portugal from €1.49 (10 GB €8.99), activate by QR before departure and connect automatically.


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Author: Etnik Beqiri  
Published: 2026-05-29  
Source: https://merrsim.com/en/blog/atraksionet-portugal-en