Portugal is a land of narrow, steep streets. Patience and local knowledge are helpful when searching for parking.
With fines, you can quickly find yourself in trouble. As a true Portuguese, you might not pay them due to unclear regulations, but for rental cars, it's different — either pay immediately at the post office or accept that the rental company may also charge processing fees. Sometimes, official mail arrives months later.
In Sesimbra
Parking isn’t easy. But just three minutes from Casa Eugenia, there’s a long-term parking lot that costs nothing during weekdays in the offseason and one euro per day on weekends. It’s also accessible via an app indicated on the payment machine, so there’s no need to go back and forth constantly. For unloading, drive a few meters further to the small square on the left: Largo Almirante Gago Coutinho, also recognizable by GPS. Remember to insert coins!
Step out of Casa Eugenia, walk up the hill briefly. Saves endless searching and fees. There’s a link to the payment app on the parking machine — so nobody has to run to the car every morning.
In front of Casal Regina, the space seems sufficient, but the garbage truck passes through. Therefore, please park in the open area in front of the attic staircase or in the driveway to the garden. Space for two cars.
In Lisbon
For those heading to the epicenter of tourism, the ferry is a great help. Otherwise, get to know the immense politeness of Portuguese drivers and the endless expanses of parking garages. Practical in the city center is the Estacionamento Martim Moniz garage. The nicest parking garage is under the castle and is called Chão do Loureiro, but the entrance might be tight. On the Chiado side, there's the decent Parque Camões and the terribly tight Estacionamento Misericórdia. If you don’t want to walk to the machine with change, use the EMEL app. In Belém, you’ll reluctantly park at Praça do Império and bribe self-appointed guardians. In newer neighborhoods, main streets have parking lanes. Secure spots for campers are available at the wepaons factory.
In Setúbal
Central parking without much stress and at reasonable rates on the south side of Avenida Luísa Todi. If you're going to the castle, you can park directly in front of it. On the harbor side, park anywhere convenient.