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Before you go to Portugal, check out the following:

  • Top book recommendations, fiction and non-fiction!
  • Portugal makes a great scene partner for actors. Check out the films made here.
  • What are the MUST-TRY foods in Portugal? Look no further…
  • We’d seriously recommend putting this on your TV at home while you putter around. It’ll get you really excited for your upcoming trip!
  • Traditional azulejo tiles will impress – to understand more about them (including where to find them), click here.
  • Learn a bit more about soulful and storytelling Fado music.
  • If you’re visiting Lisbon, here are some great tips to help you navigate some of the very best the city has to offer.
  • Know your history!

Did You Know?

  • Life moves at a slower pace in Portugal. Meals take time, service is unhurried, and that’s part of the charm.
  • Greetings like “Bom dia” (Good morning) and “Boa tarde” (Good afternoon) are customary in shops or when entering a room.
  • Meal times are later than in the US. Lunch often starts around 1–2 PM and dinner at 8–9 PM. Restaurants may not open for dinner until 7 PM or later.
    • Local specialties include pastéis de nata (custard tarts), grilled sardines, bacalhau, caldo verde (green soup), and vinho verde (young green wine). Portions can be large—great for sharing.
    • You may be charged for starters. Bread, butter, olives, and cheese are often placed on your table. If you eat them, they’ll be added to the bill (you may of course, politely decline them).
  • In smaller towns, expect a “siesta”-like break from around 1–3 PM. In cities, many shops stay open all day, but smaller businesses might close on Sundays.
  • Pack layers. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be breezy—especially in coastal towns like Lisbon, Porto, and Cascais.
  • Coffee culture is a local art form. 
    • Morning = milky coffee. Milkier options like galão or meia de leite are typically for breakfast; after lunch, it’s usually just espresso. 
    • Don’t ask for a “latte.” In Portuguese, “leite” means milk, so you might just get a glass of warm milk.
    • Drink it at the counter (banca). Most locals don’t sit—they order, sip, and go in just a few minutes.
  • Bring comfy shoes. Many streets are cobblestone and hilly, especially in older cities. Good walking shoes are a must.