15 cultural etiquette tips for travelling in Portugal

Q: Do Portuguese people kiss while greeting?

In Portugal, greetings depend on the situation. Friends and family often greet with two light cheek kisses , while formal introductions usually involve a handshake . As visitors, we were usually greeted with a handshake or a friendly Bom dia, not cheek kisses.

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Travelling across Portugal was easy, but a few cultural moments caught me by surprise.

Like many travellers, I thought I already knew the basics of Portuguese etiquettes.

My only connection to Portugal came from its history in Goa and Kochi in India.

During our 24-day trip across mainland Portugal and Madeira + few days in Spain, I noticed small habits that shape everyday Portuguese life.

Families with babies skip queues. Coffee usually means a tiny espresso unless you ask otherwise.

In this guide, I share the Portuguese etiquettes, dos and donts and social norms we learned on the road so first-time visitors know what to expect and avoid awkward moments.

This goes beyond generic advice about politeness or greetings.

Traditional Portuguese festival with women in red folk costumes performing in a crowded square in Portugal with text overlay that says Dos And Donts For Travellers Portuguese Culture — Save it for Later!

Quick Portugal travel etiquette tips

If you want a quick overview, here are a few Portuguese etiquettes that surprised us during our trip.

Portugal felt more religious than many European countries I have visited, so church dress codes can be stricter.
Bargaining is uncommon in most Portuguese markets.
Although Portugal and Spain share similarities, the language and daily life are different.
Many Portuguese festivals celebrate local history, so visitors should observe respectfully and follow the local crowd’s behaviour.
Tipping at restaurants isn’t mandatory at Portugal restaurants – it is upto you.

None of these unspoken rules are difficult once you know them, but they can catch first-time visitors off guard.

15 dos and don’ts travellers should know in Portugal

1. Be open to friendly conversations with local Portuguese

As a Traveller, you quickly notice how friendly and chatty Portuguese people are.

Street performers, café owners, young students whom you meet on Portugal’s trains and elderly locals often start conversations.

group of friendly portuguese talking to each other at Nuns valley in Madeira

portuguese couple carrying their cafe customer's baby and cuddling — While we ate breakfast, they looked after our son – A small food joint in Aveiro

We experienced this during the chestnut festival in Nun’s Valley in Madeira.

Many locals were celebrating and danced. A few even carried our son and danced with him.

Experiences like this reflect the warmth of Portuguese hospitality.

Do respond warmly if locals start chatting with you. Friendly conversations are a normal part of life in Portugal.

In busy tourist areas, stay alert for occasional scams who are overly chatty, just as in any popular destination.

2. Do not assume Portuguese people speak Spanish

Portugal and Spain share a border and long history, so the languages have some similarities.

For example, the word for exit is Saída in Portuguese and Salida in Spanish.

Although the languages sound similar, the culture, customs, and interactions with tourists feel different.

Assuming Portuguese people speak Spanish or treating the languages as the same can feel dismissive.

Simple greetings like Olá or even Adiós may still be understood.

But don’t assume Portuguese people speak Spanish. Greet locals with basic Portuguese phrases like Bom dia.

3. Expect a relaxed attitude to time in Portugal

One thing I noticed about the Portuguese attitude to time is how relaxed people are about schedules including the train delays.

I expected slow café service, but I did not expect the same with tours and activities.

In Lisbon, our 10:00 tuk-tuk tour started about ten minutes late. The guide arrived smiling, greeted everyone as if everything was ok, and the tour continued without fuss.

Tourists sitting inside a white tuk tuk on a cobbled street during a city tour in Lisbon, Portugal — Our Lisbon tuk tuk city ride

Something similar happened during a boat trip in the Algarve.

The trip started about 15 minutes late, and a few tourists began getting worried.

Boat tour passing golden limestone cliffs and sea cave along the Algarve coast in Portugal — Boat tour along Algarve cliffs

The organiser calmly said they would extend the tour so nobody missed anything.

Even trains and buses sometimes run a few minutes, and locals rarely seem bothered. So if your are depending on public transport to travel around Portugal, don’t plan minute to minute.

Mobile screen showing Infraestruturas de Portugal train schedule with delays between Vila Real de Santo Antonio and Faro — Checking train delays in Portugal

Do stay flexible with your plans. Small delays of 10–15 minutes are normal in Portugal

4. Give priority for families with babies

One surprising part of queue etiquette in Portugal is the priority given to families with small children, usually under two years old.

We experienced this several times while travelling with our 10-month-old son. The first time felt awkward.

At the Monte toboggan ride in Madeira, we were standing in what looked like an hour-long queue when a staff member waved us forward.

People standing in a single queue under a covered walkway with signboard that says fila unica single line at Monte Toggoban — Waiting patiently in a single queue – We could skip it

Visitors queuing outside a building while men in straw hats and white clothes stand nearby with traditional wicker baskets — A few minutes before our ride took off

Some tourists behind us looked confused, and a few seemed annoyed, as if we were skipping the line.

The staff explained that families with babies usually receive priority, which calmed the situation.

Couple with a baby sitting in a traditional wicker toboggan basket with Madeira drivers wearing straw hats behind them — Madeira wicker toboggan ride moment

This rule is not limited to tourist attractions. At a Pingo Doce supermarket, we were also called to the front of the billing queue.

We were given quick entry at Livraria Lello – the famous Hogwarts kind of book store in Porto

Man holding a baby standing on the famous red staircase inside Livraria Lello bookstore in Porto Portugal — We skipped the line at Livraria Lello also because of the baby

If you are travelling with a baby under two in Portugal, it is acceptable to move ahead when staff invite you.

Don’t get annoyed if you see parents doing this, remember they are following a local rule rather than skipping the line.

5. Expect extra consideration for older people

Respect for older people is a quiet but meaningful part of everyday social etiquette in Portugal.

Although I was there as a traveller for just 24 days, I noticed this in several places.

Elderly women and tourists watching a street event together in a crowded public square in Nun's valley — Portuguese grandmothers -avó

One example is public transport.

Lisbon Buses and trams normally stop only at designated stops, but drivers sometimes show small acts of kindness to elderly passengers.

One morning in Porto, we were riding a tram when the driver noticed an elderly woman slowly walking toward the stop.

Historic yellow tram number one running along tram tracks beside the river in Porto Portugal — Classic Porto tram by the river

She was still some distance away, so instead of waiting, the driver moved ahead and briefly stopped closer to where she was so she could board comfortably.

This gesture is part of a local social norm and is usually done only for older residents.

As a younger traveller, do not expect buses or trams to stop outside designated stops. That flexibility is not meant for everyone.

6. Respect local Portuguese wearing traditional clothing

In some parts of Portugal, older generations still wear traditional clothing.

In Madeira, we saw women wearing striped red skirts with white blouses.

In Nazaré, older women wear 7 layered skirts – They are usually at upper part of the town selling delightful veggie snacks peanut cookies

Traveller posing with a local vendor wearing seven layered skirt at a seaside market stall selling nuts and sweets in Nazaré, Portugal — The lady in Seven Layered Skirt selling the famous peanut cookies

Traveller standing with a woman wearing traditional Madeira folk costume with red vest and striped skirt inside a souvenir shop in Madeira Portugal — Traditional Madeira skirts

One evening, we saw an elderly woman arrive for dinner with her grandson wearing the traditional layered skirt.

These outfits naturally attract tourist attention. Treating people like photo props feels disrespectful.

When I politely asked after buying something from their stall, they smiled and posed for a photo.

So, don’t treat Portuguese women in traditional outfits like tourist attractions. Ask first. If they agree, take a photo. Otherwise walk away.

7. Festival etiquette in Portugal: how visitors should behave

Many festivals in Portugal are old community traditions, not tourist shows.

Masked performers wearing colourful traditional costumes of the Caretos de Podence during the Entrudo festival in Podence Portugal — Caretos performers at Podence festival

They celebrate local history, Chrtistanity, seasons, or village identity. Because of this, as a visitor, you should treat them with respect and curiosity.

We noticed this during the Chestnut Festival in Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley), Madeira, held every November for more than 40 years.

Locals wore long pleated dresses, carried chestnuts in the parade, and danced to a Portuguese orchestra. We simply stood back, watched, and admired the celebration.

Some festivals are more playful. We saw the colourful Caretos costume in Sintra, where the tourist centre explained the Podence Carnival tradition.

Traveller standing with a Careto performer costume at Sintra — Meeting a Careto of Podence at Sintra

During the festival, masked Caretos run through the streets ringing bells and teasing crowds.

The Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia is the main festival in Viana do Castelo, held every August. It celebrates local faith and maritime traditions with colourful parades.

Women wearing traditional red Viana do Castelo folk costumes performing during the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Agonia festival in Viana do Castelo Portugal — Viana folk dancers at Agonia festival. PC: Unsplash

A highlight is women wearing elaborate traditional costumes and delicate Portuguese filigree jewellery.

I first learned about this festival while visiting a filigree jewellery museum in Óbidos.

Stay calm, don’t mock costumes or block the festival, follow what locals do, and step aside if you prefer space

8. Follow the correct coffee ordering etiquette in Portugal

Coffee is an important part of Portuguese café culture, and ordering it can confuse first-time visitors.

On the first morning of our trip, I went to buy coffee and breakfast at Café Brooklyn next to our hotel in Alegria street.

I noticed locals rushing in, asking for coffee, and receiving tiny espressos.

Small cup of Portuguese bica espresso served on a saucer at Brooklyn café in Lisbon Portugal — My first coffee of Portugal turned out to be Bica

Curious, I ordered coffee too and received the same small cup.

When I asked for coffee with milk, the staff explained that the standard coffee in Portugal is bica, a strong espresso.

They also showed me how to order different coffee types.

Many neighbourhood cafés focus on espresso, so cappuccino may not always be available. When it is, it often comes with cinnamon or chocolate powder.

Do learn a few Portuguese coffee names and order clearly, otherwise you will receive a strong bica by default.

Tourists taking photos at a viewpoint overlooking the National Pantheon in Lisbon Portugal with text overlay that says Common Tourist Behaviour Mistakes In Portugal — Save it for Later!

9. Ask before eating food placed on the table.

Many restaurants in Portugal place small dishes on the table before your meal. These may include bread, olives, cheese, or seafood. This starter selection is called couvert.

The important thing to know is that it is not complimentary.

Bread, olives, and wine on a Portuguese restaurant table, showing couvert items that are chargeable — Couvert is not free

If you eat even a small piece, it will appear on your bill.

We realised this in Nazaré, the coastal town famous for giant waves. My husband was served freshly cooked shrimp along with the couvert while he was eagerly waiting to try the famous Portuguese Sardines

Before tasting it, he asked if it was free. The waiter politely explained it would be charged. This is a normal part of restaurant etiquette in Portugal, and staff clarify if you ask.

Don’t assume the starters on the table are free. Do ask before eating anything placed in front of you.

10. Don’t expect free food samples everywhere

One interesting part of Portuguese food culture is how cafés and food shops often offer small samples.

On our first day in Lisbon near the Glória funicular, Marie Blachère bakery offered us a small sample of fresh raisin bread as we passed by. We tasted it and ended up buying something.

Bakery staff offering free food samples on a tray outside a bakery in Lisbon Portugal while a traveller holding a baby stops to try them — Free bakery samples in Lisbon

We noticed something similar at Bolhão Market in Porto, where canned fish sellers kept open tins for visitors to try.

My husband tasted one sample but didn’t buy anything because we had already bought canned fish earlier.

However, not every place offers samples. So don’t assume every shop provides free samples.

Do ask politely if you want to taste something before buying, and remember tasting does not mean you must purchase.

11. Check restaurant opening times before dining

Meal times in Portugal can feel different, especially in smaller towns.

In Sintra, we struggled to find restaurants open around 7 pm because many had not started dinner service.

Entrance of Cantinho Gourmet food shop in Sintra, Portugal, with red signage and menu boards outside. — Sintra restaurants

a man with day pack on back waiting between tables of outdoor seating of a restaurant in portugal at lunch time — My husband check if the lunch is available at Faro’s Lodo

Several tourists were wandering the streets looking for somewhere to eat.

Only a few bakeries, such as Casa Piriquita, were open then, serving their famous Travesseiro pastry.

Food also arrives slowly. This slower rhythm is part of restaurant culture in Portugal.

Don’t assume restaurants open early for dinner like in cities such as London or Mumbai.

Check opening hours before heading out to eat to avoid disappointment. And never rush at restaurants.

12. Dress modestly when visiting churches in Portugal

Portugal has many beautiful churches and cathedrals, and many are still active places of worship.

Because of this, dress codes can be stricter than in some other European countries.

When we visited the Chapel of Bones in Faro, I expected it to feel mostly like a tourist attraction.

Instead, many people were quietly praying inside, reminding me these places still hold deep religious meaning for locals.

The bone-lined arches and skull-covered walls inside the Chapel of Bones, Faro — Out of many beautiful churches in Portugal, this is Chapel of Bones in Faro

Interior of a Baroque church in Portugal with gold gilded altar and visitors seated quietly showing respectful behaviour inside the church — Quiet moment inside Portuguese church

This felt different from a few other European countries, where I often saw visitors entering churches in shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops.

In Portugal, people generally dress more modestly in churches.

Traveller wearing modest clothing with covered shoulders outside a small chapel in Cost Nova following church etiquette for visitors — What I wore to Costa Nova Chapel

Many beach towns also have beautiful churches and cathedrals. If you plan to visit beaches and churches on the same day, carry a light skirt, wraparound, or shawl to cover up.

Respecting these customs is part of Portuguese cultural norms around religious places.

Don’t enter churches in beachwear. Carry something modest to cover up before visiting.

13. Don’t ignore local driving rules in Portugal

During our 24-day trip, we drove about seven days across different regions of Portugal.

Before travelling, I read several comments online warning about aggressive Portuguese drivers. In reality, our experience was different.

Cobblestone street in Porto with cars tram and historic buildings on a bright sunny day — And don’t drive in Porto streets

View from the driver’s seat showing a winding mountain road between cliffs in Madeira — Saint Vicente roads and hills of Madeira

Drivers sometimes exceeded speed limits, but the roads never felt chaotic. Traffic generally moved smoothly and predictably.

Don’t assume traffic rules are flexible because you are on holiday. Do follow local driving rules carefully.

14. Follow local parking rules carefully

Tourists parking in private or resident-only spaces can frustrate residents in Portuguese cities.

Many old town neighbourhoods have narrow streets and limited parking. Because of this, some spaces are reserved for residents.

Cobblestone street leading towards Alcobaça Monastery framed by parked cars and houses — Historic streets of Alcobaça – And finding a parking here is a headache

Cars parked along a narrow residential street with laundry hanging from balconies showing private residential parking lanes in Lisbon Portugal — Residential parking lanes in Lisbon. PC: unsplash

We noticed this in Lisbon residential areas and saw similar signs in Alcobaça, the town known for its monastery.

A practical solution is to rent a car to get between two cities or day trips and avoid driving inside historic town centres, which is what we did.

Don’t park in resident-only spaces. Use marked public parking areas when visiting neighbourhoods.

15. Don’t bargain aggressively in Portuguese markets

Portugal has lively markets selling ceramics, handicrafts, local food, and canned sardines.

Because sellers are friendly and chatty, some tourists assume bargaining is common. In reality, strong negotiation is not part of Portuguese shopping etiquette.

Street vendor selling handmade jewellery at a market stall in Portugal with prices clearly displayed showing fixed pricing and no bargaining etiquette — Lisbon Thieves Market Fixed Price

Outdoor street market with local stalls and visitors walking between tents in Lisbon Portugal where bargaining is usually not expected — Browse, but don’t bargain forcefully

I realised this at Lisbon’s Thursday flea market. Out of habit, I tried bargaining while buying a small item.

The seller smiled politely, but it quickly felt awkward, so I paid and moved on.

You may ask once for a small discount, but pushing further like in Istanbul Grand Bazaar is unusual.

When buying larger items like wine, sellers may offer a small extra item instead of lowering the price.

Don’t bargain too much in Portuguese markets. Do accept the price if the seller declines your request, or simply don’t buy.

My personal experience with Portuguese etiquette as a traveller

I did not have to worry about getting every cultural and social norm in Portugal perfect.

Vacaywork author Sahana walking across a pedestrian crossing in front of the azulejo covered Chapel of Souls in Porto Portugal — Those were the easy days

Most of these rules were simple to observe and easy to follow.

Unlike countries such as Japan, social etiquette in Portugal felt relaxed for first-time visitors.

Once we understood how everyday life works in Portugal, travelling across the country felt far more comfortable.

At the same time, I noticed how deeply locals stay connected to their traditions.

People here also felt warmer, more open, and more religious than in other European countries I have visited, such as Austria.

So if you miss a rule and the mistake is minor, it is not a serious problem. Friendly Portuguese people will usually help you understand.

Common Portugal etiquette mistakes tourists make

Vacaywork author Sahana standing on a quiet residential street lined with colourful houses and bougainvillea in Funchal Portugal — I did take some photos in beautiful residential areas – but without noise

Standing in the middle of narrow streets while taking photos
Historic towns such as Porto, Sintra & Lisbon have gorgeous narrow streets where locals still live and work. Blocking the street for photos will disrupt daily life.
Ignoring church etiquette during mass or prayer times
Even famous tourist churches are active places of worship. Locals may be attending mass or praying, so visitors should stay quiet and respectful.
Assuming tipping works like in the United States
Tipping exists in Portugal but is usually small and optional. Service charges are not expected as a fixed percentage like in the US.
Assuming nudism is allowed on all Portuguese beaches
Portugal has a few official naturist beaches where nudity is accepted, such as Praia do Meco near Lisbon. We also noticed a naturist area near Praia do Barril, known for its anchor cemetery. Outside marked areas, nudism is uncommon, so follow local signs.

Visitors wearing swimwear and casual beach clothes relaxing at Seixal black sand beach in Madeira Portugal which is a regular non nudist public beach — Travellers enjoying Seixal black sand beach

FAQ

Do Portuguese people kiss while greeting?

In Portugal, greetings depend on the situation. Friends and family often greet with two light cheek kisses, while formal introductions usually involve a handshake.

As visitors, we were usually greeted with a handshake or a friendly Bom dia, not cheek kisses.

Are locals comfortable with tourists in residential streets?

Portuguese people are generally fine with tourists in neighbourhood streets if visitors are respectful. Avoid being loud, blocking doorways, or standing in narrow lanes for long photos.

Can tourists take photos inside churches in Portugal?

In many churches, photography is allowed, but flash photography or photos during prayer or mass may be discouraged. Check signs or ask caretakers when in doubt

Can you eat with your hands in Portugal restaurants?

Most meals in Portugal are eaten with a fork and knife. Eating with your hands is usually acceptable for foods like pizza, sandwiches, pastries, or street snacks. The famous bacalhau codfish cake can be eaten either way.