So, you’ve arrived in Portugal — sunshine, seafood and streets so pretty you’ll think someone photoshopped reality. You’ve got your camera ready, your itinerary packed and your confidence soaring. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, plenty, if you’re not careful. The Portuguese are famously warm and welcoming, but even their patience has limits when it comes to tourist shenanigans. Between cultural quirks, social norms and a few unspoken rules, there are some things you simply shouldn’t do if you want to blend in (or at least avoid being that tourist everyone sighs about over coffee).
So, grab your espresso, settle in and let’s talk about what not to do in Portugal — with a dash of humour, because a little self-awareness never hurt anyone.
1. Don’t Shout English and Expect It to Work
📢 Portugal is not your personal English theme park.
Many locals speak English, especially in big cities, but yelling slower and louder doesn’t improve comprehension. It just makes you sound like a malfunctioning megaphone.
💡 Hack: Learn a few Portuguese phrases. A simple “Olá” or “Obrigado” can open doors faster than volume ever will.
2. Don’t Call It “Spain’s Little Neighbour”
🇵🇹 This one’s non-negotiable.
Portugal is proud, independent and definitely not Spain’s sidekick. The quickest way to offend someone is to compare the two or, heaven forbid, assume they speak Spanish.
💡 Hack: Compliment Portugal’s uniqueness instead. Say how much you love Fado, Porto wine or azulejos. Instant redemption.
3. Don’t Expect Everything to Be Open All the Time
🕒 Life in Portugal moves at its own rhythm — and that rhythm takes naps.
Shops close mid-afternoon, small businesses might shut for the day without warning and Sundays? Forget it.
💡 Hack: Plan around it. Use those quiet hours to enjoy a long lunch, a stroll by the river or a cheeky nap.
4. Don’t Forget to Dress Properly for Churches
⛪ That sundress or tank top might be perfect for the beach but not for a cathedral.
Portugal takes its religious heritage seriously and wandering into a church half-dressed won’t win you any blessings.
💡 Hack: Bring a light scarf or cover-up if you plan to explore historical sites. Respect goes a long way.
5. Don’t Treat Fado Like a Party
🎶 Fado is Portugal’s soulful, emotional music — not background noise for your cocktail hour.
Locals listen quietly, sometimes with misty eyes and deep nostalgia. Talking loudly or taking flash photos during a performance is a one-way ticket to the “rude tourist” club.
💡 Hack: Order your drink, listen and let the mood sink in. Fado isn’t entertainment; it’s emotion in musical form.
6. Don’t Assume Tipping Is Like in America
💰 Portugal’s tipping culture is relaxed.
You don’t need to leave 20%. A couple of euros or rounding up the bill is perfectly polite. For cafés, it’s optional but appreciated.
💡 Hack: Save those big tips for exceptional service and skip the guilt. The waiter won’t chase you down with judgmental eyes.
7. Don’t Wear Beach Clothes in the City
👙 Walking around Lisbon in flip-flops and swimwear screams “I just escaped a cruise ship.”
Locals dress smartly, even casually. You’ll stick out faster than a sunburned lobster in Alfama.
💡 Hack: Keep it relaxed but stylish. Think breezy linen, not board shorts and bikinis.
8. Don’t Skip the Line (Even If It Looks Like Chaos)
⏳ Queuing in Portugal may appear more “creative” than structured, but don’t be fooled.
There’s an invisible order and locals know who was first. Cutting in line, even accidentally, will earn you glares that could melt custard tarts.
💡 Hack: Politely ask “Quem é o último?” (Who’s last?) and you’ll fit right in.
9. Don’t Expect Spicy Food
🌶️ You might think you’re about to be hit with fiery flavours, but Portuguese cuisine is all about subtlety.
The food is rich, hearty and comforting — but not spicy. So, if you ask for hot sauce, prepare for confusion or mild concern.
💡 Hack: Embrace the olive oil, garlic and paprika. It’s comfort food, not a spice competition.
10. Don’t Rush Your Meal (or Anything, Really)
🍷 In Portugal, eating is an experience, not an errand.
Meals stretch for hours, conversations flow and dessert is never optional. Asking for the bill five minutes after finishing your meal is practically sacrilege.
💡 Hack: Slow down. Enjoy the food, the company and the fact that you’re not inhaling lunch at your desk.
✨ Final Obrigado Thoughts:
Portugal rewards the curious, the respectful and the slightly laid-back. If you take your time, learn a few phrases and resist the urge to rush or shout, you’ll find the locals opening up to you like an old friend.
So, sip your vinho slowly, mind your flip-flops and remember — Portugal isn’t a place you “do.” It’s a place you feel.
