There is a lot of economic instability in Portugal right now. People who work for the gov. have taken big hits, up to a 20% pay cut. The IVA (sales) tax has risen to 23%. But economic instability doesn't mean political or social instability. I just got back from 2 1/2 weeks in Portugal and things are fine for people with money. I see absolutely nothing for you to be reluctant about in terms of travel and tourism.

I was just in Lisbon last month, and it's been hit very hard by the economic crisis. Depending on what they do about Greece, things could get a whole lot worse, so I might hold off on buying your ticket for a few more weeks to see what happens.

Go, spend lots of money and have tons of fun. Portugal is not Greece and the temperament of the people is very different.

We have a house in PT and the economic crisis has translated into a cost hike of about 20%/month for running the house. This is mainly due to increased VAT (spec. utilities) and increased prop. taxes, neither of which will affect you disproportionately.

Your experience as a tourist will not be affected at all. Don´t expect a ton of deals as many in PT believe that when things are bad, maintain prices to get as much as you can out of each sale.

Petty crime may be up a tad, but just watch your purse and do not leave anything in your car...again, standard operating procedure.

We are in Portugal now and you can tell from the way people talk about the country that things are tough. But there are absolutely no violent demonstrations on the streets or anything like that. I don't want to say anything about Greece because I don't have direct personal experience but certainly the TV pictures we've seen from there in recent weeks don't bear any relation to the situation in Portugal (several people have told us that when they had a revolution, in 1974, only three people died!) So I must say I don't agree with that 'just wait and see' attitude. The most one can say is that the Portuguese - who in my experience so far are among the most welcoming people to foreign visitors - would be especially pleased to see you just now. I agree with the point about petty crime in the sense that we did see a couple of what looked like would-be-pickpockets in action on a tram in Lisbon. But it really is a matter of keeping your wits about you.

Go for it, this Britain's oldest ally and a seriously sensible country. Book now and have a great time

They are encouraging people to move to the former colonies which are in need of professionals, esp to Angola. This obviously doesn't affect you as a tourist. Go and have fun. Enjoy !

I just spent 32 days in Portugal. Yes the people are burdened with very high taxes but that will not affect your trip. Portuguese are very lovely not aggressive people who are do not demonstrate in the streets if that is what you are expecting could happen. They need tourism to help support the economy.

Just take the normal precautions as you would in any city like Barcelona or Rome and take your things out of the car when you leave it. Go and have a great time.

The economic crisis hit Portugal and every Portuguese is thinking and talking about it (no matter if they have or have not money). As a travel writer and experienced traveler I can say, as a tourist you are now even more appreciated in a country that experiences a crisis than when not. Tourism business owners are happy to have you. In fact, prices are going down in months like October. Accommodation will be at low price, because owners are happy to have guests in order to cover their expenses. Portuguese people are complaining, but that does not stop them from enjoying life and being one of the most welcoming people in Europe.
In no way should you make a decision about traveling Portugal and especially Lisbon based on a financial crisis. (Only if you have the crisis
Lisbon is one of the European cities I feel best about walking around. (With the common sense one should use in every city and place around the world, even when you are a local)
So if some community posters here try to wipe Lisbon of the "Top 10 cities to go" list, they should leave their personal experiences once and for all out of this and start complaining about places that are really dangerous for tourists.

We absolutely loved Lisbon when we visited in Dec 2010! Nd we were in Athens in Sept 2011 and even though there was the crisis we were not impacted! You may come across a protest but the things you see on tv are grossly misrepresentative and all you need to do is avoid the square they are in and you won't even know they are going on! Just keep up to date in case of a strike, the dates are well publicised in advance, and you will have a fabulous time!

Oh good grief Alsacekid, the OP ASKED for "PERSONAL EXPERIENCES" from people who have recently been in Portugal in order to make an informed decision,and they've been given, so CHILLAX.

Sorry Pam. My most recent personal experience in Lisbon, end of May.

For a real perspective my 32 days were spent LIVING with the Portuguese as I have a home there and I just returned May 17th. Our friends have become "family" to us and we feel part of their country when there. As they run a small restaurant we feel their pain with the economic situation.

Alanl1....bottom line is... go!!! and you can stop worrying if you just take the normal travel precautions.