12 Essential Travel Tips for Portugal to Enhance Your Experience
Portugal offers an appealing mix of history, old-world culture, and diverse landscapes. Knowing what to avoid helps you enjoy your trip entirely without regret. Here are 12 things NOT to do in Portugal that will make your visit smoother and more fascinating.
Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English
While many Portuguese people, especially in tourist areas, speak some English, it’s not an official language. In rural areas, English may be limited. Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases shows respect and opens doors. Simple greetings include “Olá” (Hello) and “Obrigado” (Thank you).
Don’t Tip Like You’re in the U.S.
12 Essential Travel Tips for Portugal to Enhance Your Experience
Tipping in Portugal is appreciated but not expected to the same extent as in the U.S. A small tip of 5-10% in restaurants is enough if the service is good. For casual cafes or bars, rounding up the bill or leaving some coins is common.
Don’t Rush Your Meals
12 Essential Travel Tips for Portugal to Enhance Your Experience
Meals in Portugal are social occasions meant to be savored. Lunch and dinner often last longer than you might expect. Trying to eat quickly or rushing through a meal can seem rude. Take your time to enjoy the food, wine, and company.
Don’t Skip Coimbra
Lisbon and Porto get most of the attention, but Coimbra deserves a visit. This historic university city offers beautiful architecture, a lively university atmosphere, and fewer crowds. It’s a great place to experience authentic Portuguese food away from the busiest tourist spots. Coimbra is kid-friendly with lots to see and do. Coimbra is home to Europe's tallest Eucalyptus tree.
Don’t Try to See It All in 3 Days
Portugal has a lot to offer, from beaches and mountains to cities and villages. Trying to cover too much in a short time leads to stress and missed experiences. Focus on one or two regions and explore them well. For example, spend a few days in Lisbon and nearby Sintra, or explore Porto and the Douro Valley.
Don’t Expect Bread and Water to Be Free
In many countries, bread and tap water come free with meals. In Portugal, restaurants often charge for bread separately, and tap water may not be served automatically. If you want water, ask for “água da torneira” (tap water) or order bottled water. Check your bill to avoid surprises.
Don’t Complain About the Pace of Life
Portugal has a relaxed pace, especially outside big cities. Shops may close for a few hours in the afternoon, from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, and things move more slowly than in some countries. Embrace the slower rhythm as part of the experience. Patience and flexibility will help you enjoy your trip more. Don't overplan to shop during lunch hours.
Don’t Jaywalk
Portugal takes pedestrian rules seriously. Crossing streets outside designated crosswalks can be dangerous and may upset locals. Wait for the green pedestrian light and use crosswalks to stay safe and respectful.
Don’t Pass on the Right
In Portugal, you must pass on the left. Passing on the right is illegal and can cause accidents. If you rent a car, familiarize yourself with local traffic laws to avoid fines or dangerous situations.
Don’t Forget to Bring Bags With You to Go Shopping
Shops don't always provide plastic bags for free. Many stores encourage customers to bring reusable bags to reduce waste. Carrying your own bags is practical and environmentally friendly.
Don’t Expect to Wear Heels in Lisbon
Lisbon’s streets are famous for their cobblestones and steep hills. High heels are not practical and can be uncomfortable or unsafe. Opt for comfortable, flat shoes or sneakers to explore the city with ease.
Don’t Wear a Tank Top to Church
Portugal is a predominantly Catholic country, and churches are places of respect. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly. Avoid tank tops, shorts, or anything too revealing. Carry a scarf or shawl if you need to cover your shoulders.
Traveling in Portugal is a joy when you respect local customs and habits. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you connect with the culture and enjoy your trip more. Take your time, be polite, and embrace the unique charm Portugal offers.
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What is Portugal known for?
Portugal is known for its Atlantic coastline, the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto, fado music, port wine, and its historical role in the Age of Discovery. The vast number of castles, Palaces, and royal homes in Portugal is noteworthy. Lots of buildings in Portugal are older than those in America. It offers amazing handmade goods to bring back home for gifts. The food in Portugal is fresh and well seasoned.
Is Portugal expensive to visit?
Portugal is among the more affordable destinations in Western Europe, generally cheaper than Spain and significantly cheaper than France, Germany, or the UK. There are 3 types of tax on products in stores. The highest tax, 23%, applies to non-essential items. Food and essentials are taxed at a low. Eating out and food shopping are affordable for visitors in Portugal. Clothing, canned fish, and shoes are affordable in Portugal. Automobiles, housing, and electronics are expensive in Portugal.
What language do they speak in Portugal?
Portuguese is the official language. English proficiency is high, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Most Portuguese citizens under 30 can speak English.
Lots of Portuguese speak Spanish, French, and Italian.
Is Portugal safe to travel to?
Portugal is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. According to the Global Peace Index GPI, Portugal is the 7th safest country in the world
Do I need a visa to visit Portugal?
It depends on your nationality. EU/EEA citizens can enter freely. Many non-EU visitors can enter visa-free for short stays up to 90 days under the Schengen rules.
Month by Month in Portugal
September
Picking grapes, making wine, vindemas
8 Saint Eufemia
Caramulo Motorfest https://www.caramulo-motorfestival.com/pt/homepage/
13th Fatima
8th Ficabeira Arganil Summer Festa
Ficton Viseu Festa https://ficton.pt/
The Festas do São Paio in early September in Aveiro features a traditional boat race on the northern lagoon. (Murtosa) https://www.cm-murtosa.pt/p/saopaiodatorreira
NoiteBrancaBraga (White Nights Braga), where people dress in white clothes and party until dawn in the first week of September. The festival includes pop concerts. noitebrancabraga.com
On the 8th, the festival of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Romaria is Nazaré's biggest festival. Religious procession, bullfights, and folk dancing in the evenings.
On the last Sunday of the month, Porto's Nossa Senhora do Ó is a procession in honor of the pregnant Virgin, beginning at the church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade do Cais.
12th Ponte de Lima's Feiras Novas (New Fairs) is an ancient 3-day affair dating from 1125, with music, dancing, and processions
Held on the first Sunday of the month in Tomar, Nossa Senhora de Piedade features a candlelit procession of decorated floats. https://omirante.pt/cultura-e-lazer/2026-08-30-cirio-de-nossa-senhora-da-piedade-regressa-as-ruas-de-tomar-2688d49a
Leiria hosts a Festival de Gastronomia in early September with food stalls and folk dancing.
The Festival Internacional De Marionetas Do Porto is an international puppet festival in Porto. https://2026.fimp.pt/
In September, Porto hosts the Vinho Verde Wine Fest at the Customs House (Alfândega Do Porto) and Porto Blue Jazz in the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. https://www.portobluesfest.pt/
Elvas hosts the Festas do Senhor da Piedade and the Feira de São Mateus in late September 18-22, 2026
October
In early October, Vila Franca de Xira hosts the Feira de Outubro. There is bull-running and a series of bullfights in the Praça de Touros Palha Blanco.
October 12-13: annual pilgrimage to Fatima to celebrate the 'Miracle of the Sun' of 1913.
The Feira de Santa Iria in Faro is the town's largest traditional festa held in the middle of the month.
Harvest Chestnuts
November
Pick Olives: Harvest Olive oil
1st All Souls' Day (All Saints' Day) is a national holiday and is often celebrated with processions across the country on November 1. It commemorates Christian saints.
11th St. Martin's Day (Dia de São Martinho) in Portugal is celebrated on November 11th and marks the feast of Saint Martin of Tours
Porto Marathon
December
1st Independence Day
8th Immaculate Conception
25 Christmas
In Lisbon, Wonderland in Eduardo VII Park runs from November 28th to January 4th, 2026, with a huge Ferris wheel and an ecological ice rink.
Baixa, the Rossio Christmas Market runs until December 22nd, promising lots of fun for the whole family, plus traditional handicraft and gastronomy stalls.
Agueda, central Portugal, lights up for the holidays- great photos
Setúbal Natal, from November 29th to January 6th, 2026, features as its main highlight the market on Avenida Luísa Todi, offering regional products, handicrafts, gastronomy, Casa do Pai Natal (Father Christmas), a food court, and a program full of activities for the whole family
Viseu, central Portugal: Christmas Market, workshops, shows, and concerts for both kids and adults.
Obidos Christmas Village
January
A cake in the shape of a king's crown, bolo rei, is traditionally eaten during Epiphany (Dia de Reis).
The Festa das Fogaceiras, held annually on January 20 in Santa Maria da Feira, sees young girls in traditional dress carrying castle-shaped fogaças cakes on their heads to give thanks for good health.
February
Carnival, depending on Easter, Mardi Gras
Portugal celebrates carnival nationwide, but large processions with floats, music, and feathered costumes are more famous in Lisbon, Loulé, Nazaré, and Viana do Castelo.
The Fantasporto International Film Festival is one of Portugal's oldest and longest-running film festivals. Porto
11th Lady of Lourdes
March
The town of Beja holds a nine-day agricultural festival with music, food and handicrafts.
The Feira de Março in Aveiro, from late March to late April, is a historic festival now featuring folk and rock concerts.
Porto Interceltic Festival celebrates Celtic music from across Europe.
In Porto, on Passion Sunday (the second Sunday before Easter), a procession takes place near the church of Nossa Senhora da Esperança. Effigies of Judas are burnt around the cathedral on Easter Day.
Festa das toches is an Easter procession in São Brás de Alportel in the Algarve.
8th St. John of God
17 St Patrick
19th St Joseph Father's Day
April
In Obidos, the Semana Santa celebrations are some of the most vivid in Portugal and last for two weeks. At night, torchlight processions take place, and during the day the last moments of Christ are re-enacted, including a Christ figure wearing a crown of thorns, carrying a cross, and surrounded by Roman soldiers.
Castelo de Vide blends Catholic and Jewish traditions in its unique Easter rites, while Portalegre ceremoniously burns straw figures of Judas.
Easter
13 th Fatima
Ascension Thursday (Quinta-feira da Ascensão / Dia da Espiga): A regional or traditional day occurring 40 days after Easter where people gather lucky field plants like wheat ears and olive branches
May
13th The Fatima romarias (pilgrimage) is held in Fatima to commemorate the anniversary of the Virgin Mary's apparition.
Festas das Cruzes runs for a week in Barcelos, with a procession and handicraft fair.
Faro International Music Festival runs through May/June.
Santa Joanna, held in honor of the royal princess Joana, who retired to Aveiro's convent (now a museum) in the 15th century.
The Queima das Fitas beer and wine festival in Coimbra with parades, fado, and the burning of college gowns.
Porto too has its own version - the Queima das Fitas do Porto college festa
Corpus Christi Vaca das Cordas "bull running" ceremony in Ponte de Lima.
The Festival Internacional de Teatro de Expressão Ibérica (International Iberian Language Theatre Festival) in Porto in late May/early June dates back to 1978.
31st Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Festa do Senhor de Matosinhos in Matosinhos, near Porto, is a religious festival that runs for around 3 weeks.
Braga Roman is a celebration of Braga's Roman past, when the city was known as Bracara Augusta
June
June in Portugal is a fun time to visit. Corpus Christi festivals, as well as the livelier Festa de Santo António in Lisbon and Festa de São João in Porto, take place.
The Corpo de Deus (Corpus Christi) festival, with processions, is celebrated across the country.
13th The Festa de Santo António in Lisbon celebrates the 'saint of love '
The Feira Afonsina, a Medieval fair in Guimarães, is in mid-June.
13th St Anthony of Padua
13th Lady of Fatima
The Festa de São João (John the Baptist) is big in Porto, Aveiro and Braga on June 23-24. In Porto, there are large parties with people being hit on the head with harmless plastic hammers (humorous)
23-24 Braga: dancing, illuminations, folk dramas, poems to loved ones in pots of basil, music and processions.
In Santarem, a 10-day Feira Nacional da Agricultura in the first week of June features horse racing, bullfights, and bull-running in the streets.
Rock in Rio-Lisbon is a huge rock festival, touted as the world's largest music festival, held annually at Parque da Bela Vista in Lisbon and attracting some of the biggest names in popular music.
The Festa de São Gonçalo in Amarante witnesses a large procession with single people exchanging phallic-shaped cakes as love tokens.
Setubal hosts an international film festival
29 The Festa de São Pedro (Saint Peter) is celebrated in Porto
Porto hosts a beer festival at the Jardim do Passeio Alegre, Foz do Douro. The city also hosts the Serralves em Festa (Serralves Festival), an arts festival of dance, music, and theater at the Fundação Serralves.
The Porto Book Fair is held at the Rosa Mota Pavilion at the Palácio De Cristal.
Outdoor book Fair
The Regata dos Rabelos (Rabelo Boat Races) takes place on the River Douro, sponsored by the city's port wine producers.
29th Saint Peter and Paul
July
Aveiro celebrates its historic heritage of painted boats - moliceiros - mid-July to mid-August with races and general merrymaking.
Barcelos hosts the Festival de Folclore on the last Saturday of the month with traditional singing and dancing.
Porto Festival Internacional de Folclore Cidade do Porto (Porto International Folklore Festival)
13th Fatima
August
August in Portugal also offers several music and traditional religious festivals.
15-22, 2027: The Romaria da Nossa Senhora da Agonía (Our Lady of Sorrows), held in Viana do Castelo around August 20, includes an impressive parade of floats, displays of local crafts, carnival giants (gigantones), and local music.
The Festas Gualterianas (St Walter) have been held in Guimarães on the first weekend of August since 1452.
The Festa São Bartolomeu held in Porto (Sunday after August 24) sees a procession of puppets and a healthy plunge in the sea at Foz do Douro.
The Ocean Festival (Festival dos Oceanos) held intermittently at Parque das Nações in Lisbon celebrates the city's links with the high seas with boat races and numerous special events.
The Week of the Sea Festival in Horta on the island of Faial in the Azores is a 7-day festa of marine sports and traditional whaling boat regattas held in mid-month.
The Rio Formosa Festival in Faro's cathedral square is a later-day civic seafood and beer festival focused on preserving the area's Rio Formosa lagoon. Free
The 10-day Silves Medieval Fair (Silves Feira Medieval) takes place in Silves, Algarve, with historical re-enactments, horse tournaments, period costumes, and lots of food and drink. https://feiramedievaldesilves.pt/
13th Fatima
14th: The Festa Nossa Senhora da Orada in Albufeira, when an image of the Virgin Mary and the child Jesus is paraded around town and transported by boat. https://www.cm-albufeira.pt/evento/festa-em-honra-de-nossa-senhora-da-orada
20th, the festival of Our Lady of Seafarers in Cascais sees images of saints carried through the town's streets and then on to fishing boats - also bull running, music, fireworks, and lots of food. https://www.quovadislisboa.com/en/liturgy/procissao-do-mar-cascais
The Feira de São Mateus in Viseu takes place from mid-August to its climax on September 21 (Dia do São Mateus). https://feirasaomateus.pt/
15th Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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