Portugal has rapidly become one of Europe’s most beloved destinations—for good reason. With its postcard-worthy beaches, charming historic towns, affordable cost of living, and welcoming locals, it’s no wonder travelers from around the world are booking flights to Lisbon, Porto, and beyond. But as dreamy as the Portuguese lifestyle may seem, first-time visitors often find themselves experiencing a few unexpected cultural curveballs. Portugal isn’t just a more affordable version of Spain—it has its own unique rhythm, customs, and social norms that can be surprising for foreigners.
From the country’s laid-back attitude toward time, to its unspoken café etiquette and surprising bathroom habits, Portugal can catch visitors off guard in both delightful and confusing ways. Travelers expecting everything to operate with Northern European efficiency may struggle with the slower pace. Others may marvel at how small gestures and local routines shape daily life here. The key to enjoying your visit isn’t just seeing the sights—it’s understanding how to adapt your expectations to better align with local culture.
This post will walk you through 12 culture shocks you’re likely to encounter when visiting Portugal, especially if you’re coming from the U.S. or other English-speaking countries. From dining customs to communication styles, we’ll cover what’s different, why it matters, and how to handle it like a savvy traveler.
Read here Tips for living in Portugal as Digital Nomad, best things to know before visiting Portugal and the best Portugal sim card for tourist
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Tips for Handling Culture Shock in Portugal
Learn a Few Phrases: Basic Portuguese, like “Bom dia” (Good morning) and “Por favor” (Please), can go a long way.
Plan Around Meal Times: Expect later meals and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Be Flexible: Embrace the relaxed pace and laid-back lifestyle.
Ask Locals for Help: Portuguese people are friendly and often happy to assist with directions or advice.
By understanding these cultural quirks, you can better enjoy the charm and warmth of Portuguese life.
One of the biggest misconceptions travelers carry is that Portugal is simply a quieter, more affordable version of Spain. This kind of thinking not only erases Portugal’s distinct cultural identity, but it also fuels frustrations when visitors expect Spanish norms and don’t find them. Portugal has its own language, history, and cultural quirks—treating it like Spain-lite can come off as disrespectful or ignorant.
Another often-ignored reality is the tension between tourism and local affordability. As more foreigners pour into cities like Lisbon and Porto, property prices and living costs have surged, pricing many locals out of their own neighborhoods. Travelers marveling at “cheap wine and sea views” often overlook the gentrification and economic pressures that come with mass tourism. Enjoy Portugal—but be mindful of your impact.
Culture Shocks for Travelers in Portugal
1. Meal Times Are Late
What to Expect:
Lunch is typically served between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, while dinner starts around 8:00 PM or later. Many restaurants won’t open before 7:30 PM for dinner.
Why It’s Shocking:
Travelers from countries with earlier meal times may struggle to adjust to the late dining schedule.
Read here the best Portuguese food
2. The Bread, Olives, and Cheese Are Not Free
What to Expect:
Restaurants often bring bread, olives, or cheese to the table without asking, but these are not complimentary. If you eat them, they’ll appear on your bill.
Why It’s Shocking:
Tourists accustomed to free bread or snacks may be surprised to see charges for items they didn’t explicitly order.
3. “Obrigado” and “Obrigada” Depend on Your Gender
What to Expect:
If you’re a man, say “Obrigado” (thank you). If you’re a woman, say “Obrigada.” The word changes based on the speaker’s gender.
Why It’s Shocking:
Language learners might be surprised that the word for “thank you” is gendered and often forget to adapt it to their own gender.
4. English Isn’t as Common as Expected
What to Expect:
While many people in cities like Lisbon and Porto speak English, it’s less common in rural areas.
Older generations may not speak English at all.
Why It’s Shocking:
Travelers might assume everyone speaks English, leading to communication challenges outside tourist hotspots.
5. Driving Etiquette Is Unique
What to Expect:
Portuguese drivers are often assertive, and highway speed limits seem more like guidelines than rules. Roundabouts can also be confusing for outsiders.
Why It’s Shocking:
Visitors used to strict traffic laws might find the driving style chaotic or intimidating.
6. Everything Closes Early on Sundays
What to Expect:
Many shops, markets, and businesses close early or remain closed all day on Sundays, as it’s a day for family and rest.
Why It’s Shocking:
Tourists planning to shop or explore might find towns eerily quiet and options limited on Sundays.
7. Coffee Is Small and Strong
What to Expect:
Coffee in Portugal is typically served as a small, strong espresso (bica). Large, milky coffees are less common outside breakfast hours.
Why It’s Shocking:
Visitors used to large takeaway coffees might find the small servings surprising or insufficient.
8. Tipping Isn’t a Big Deal
What to Expect:
Tipping is not mandatory in Portugal. It’s customary to leave small change or round up the bill if service was good, but large tips are uncommon.
Why It’s Shocking:
Travelers from tipping-heavy cultures might feel unsure about how much to tip or when to tip.
9. Portuguese Time Is Flexible
What to Expect:
While trains and buses run on time, social events and casual plans often follow a relaxed approach to punctuality. Being 10–15 minutes late is normal.
Why It’s Shocking:
Visitors expecting strict adherence to schedules might misinterpret delays as a lack of respect.
10. Sardines and Cod Are Everywhere
What to Expect:
Sardines and salted codfish (bacalhau) are staples of Portuguese cuisine and appear on menus everywhere, cooked in countless ways.
Why It’s Shocking:
Travelers unfamiliar with fish-heavy diets might be overwhelmed by the ubiquity of these dishes.
11. The Love for Fado Music
What to Expect:
Fado, Portugal’s traditional melancholic music, is deeply emotional and often performed live in intimate settings. Locals may become visibly moved by it.
Why It’s Shocking:
Tourists unfamiliar with Fado’s cultural significance might not understand why it’s such a profound and revered art form.
12. Addresses Are Landmarks, Not Numbers
What to Expect:
Directions often reference landmarks instead of precise addresses, especially in rural areas (e.g., “next to the church” or “opposite the café”).
Why It’s Shocking:
Travelers relying on exact addresses might find it difficult to navigate without asking locals for help.
Final Thoughts
Culture shock is an inevitable—and often valuable—part of travel. It teaches us to slow down, listen, and approach other ways of life with curiosity rather than judgment. Portugal offers visitors an incredible mix of scenic beauty, rich traditions, and warm hospitality—but only if you take the time to engage with it on its own terms.
By learning what makes Portuguese culture unique and respecting local customs, you’ll not only avoid awkward faux pas, but also have a much richer experience. Whether you’re sipping espresso at a sidewalk café or navigating narrow village roads, embracing the differences is the key to falling in love with the country.
So pack your patience, stay humble, and remember: you’re not just here to consume the culture—you’re here to understand it. And in Portugal, that starts with listening, observing, and appreciating the little things that make life slower, simpler, and beautifully different.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.