Portuguese Etiquette and Customs: What to Know

The Portuguese are famously warm, polite and patient, and a few cultural tips will help you fit in and avoid the classic tourist mistakes. Here’s a guide to Portuguese etiquette and customs, from greetings and dining to tipping and the art of slowing down.

Quick answer: greet people with bom dia or boa tarde, don’t assume people speak Spanish, eat later than you might at home (lunch 1–3pm, dinner 8pm or later), know that the couvert isn’t free, tip 5–10% for good service (not compulsory), dress modestly in churches, and relax: things move at a gentle pace here.

Greetings and manners

• Say hello: greet shopkeepers and café staff with bom dia (morning) or boa tarde (afternoon) when you walk in.
• Kisses: friends and family greet with two kisses on the cheek; a handshake is normal with strangers and in business.
• Politeness matters: por favor and obrigado/obrigada go a long way.
• Portuguese, not Spanish: Portugal has its own language and identity. Try a few words of Portuguese, or English. See Portuguese phrases.
• Families with babies and older people have priority in queues in shops and public services, by law.

Eating and drinking

• Meal times: lunch is from about 12:30 to 3pm, dinner from about 7:30 or 8pm. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
• The couvert: bread, olives, butter or cheese brought to the table are charged if you eat them. Politely send them back if you don’t want them.
• Coffee: an espresso (bica in Lisbon, cimbalino in Porto) at the counter is the local way, and cheaper.
• Don’t rush: meals are relaxed, and waiters won’t bring the bill until you ask (a conta, por favor).
• Drinking: wine with meals is normal, but getting drunk in public is frowned upon, and some towns fine drinking in the street.

See what to eat in Portugal.

Tipping

• Restaurants: tipping isn’t expected but is appreciated. Round up, or leave 5–10% for good service.
• Cafés and bars: leave the small change.
• Taxis and drivers: round up.
• Tour guides: a few euros per person for a good tour; free walking tours rely on tips.

See money in Portugal.

Dress

• Swimwear is for the beach: walking around town in swimwear or shirtless is frowned upon, and Albufeira even fines it.
• Churches: cover shoulders and knees, especially at Fátima.
• Style: the Portuguese dress smart-casual. Comfortable shoes are a must for the cobbles.

Other customs

• Pace of life: things can be slower than you’re used to. Be patient; it’s part of the charm.
• Sundays: many shops and some restaurants close, and some museums close on Mondays.
• Noise: respect residents in old neighbourhoods like Alfama, especially at night.
• Football: Benfica, Sporting and Porto inspire fierce loyalty. Tread carefully!
• Saudade: a uniquely Portuguese feeling of longing, best understood through fado. See fado in Lisbon.

More: things to know before visiting Portugal.

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