Planning your next trip to Portugal? One of the smartest moves you can make is purchasing attraction tickets in advance, especially for those spots that require specific date and time slots. It’s the best way to secure your preferred schedule and avoid long lines. Here’s a handy guide with tips to make your ticket-buying experience smooth and hassle-free!
Key Tips for Purchasing Attraction Tickets
1. NIF/Tax Number/VAT Number
Some ticket websites in Portugal may ask for a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) or Tax Number. This number consists of 9 digits, including check digits, and is a requirement for many local purchases. Generic numbers like “123456789” might not work, so try using “999999999” or “999999990”—these are commonly accepted as “final consumer” tax numbers.
2. Postal Code/ZIP Code
If prompted to enter a postal code, the Portuguese format is four digits + three digits, like “1200-123.” This code should work for most purchases. Occasionally, websites may have separate fields for the first four and the last three digits—fill them accordingly.
3. Payment Methods: Multibanco and MB Way
These are popular payment methods in Portugal, but they only work with Portuguese bank accounts. If you don’t have a local account, you’ll need to use a credit card or PayPal, which are widely accepted.
4. Can I Use Venmo, Zelle, etc.?
Unfortunately, options like Venmo and Zelle are not available in Portugal. Stick to credit cards or PayPal for a reliable and straightforward payment process.
Where to Buy Tickets: Official Websites for Major Attractions
To make sure you’re getting legitimate tickets at the best prices, purchase them through the official websites of the attractions. Here’s a list of some key spots and where to get your tickets:
Sintra
- Pena Palace (Interior, Date, and Time Slots):
Parques de Sintra - Pena Park (Exterior, Terraces, and Gardens):
Parques de Sintra - Queluz National Palace and Gardens, Moorish Castle, Capuchos Convent, Monserrate Palace and Gardens, Equestrian Art School:
Parques de Sintra - Quinta da Regaleira (The iconic initiation well is here):
Regaleira Tickets - Biester Palace:
Biester Tickets
Lisbon
- São Jorge Castle:
São Jorge Castle Tickets - DGPC Attractions (Including Jerónimos Monastery, Belem Tower, National Tiles Museum, and more):
DGPC Tickets - Oceanarium:
Oceanarium Tickets - Quake Museum:
Quake Tickets
Other Notable Sites
- Mafra National Palace:
Mafra Tickets - Convent of Christ in Tomar (Templar Castle is next door with free entry):
Convent of Christ Tickets - University of Coimbra (Including Joanina Library with timed entry):
University Tickets - Machado de Castro National Museum in Coimbra:
Museum Tickets - Batalha Monastery, Alcobaça Monastery, Conímbriga Roman Ruins:
DGPC Tickets
Final Tips
Purchasing tickets online can make your trip much smoother, allowing you to plan your visits without the stress of queues or unexpected closures. I hope this guide helps streamline your travel planning and ensures you make the most of your time in Portugal!
Do you know any other great ticket sources or have additional tips? Leave them in the comments below—I’ll update the post with any new insights!
Safe travels and enjoy exploring Portugal’s amazing attractions!
#Lisbon #Useful_Tips #Portugal_Unplugged
