What Not To Do in Portugal: 15 Must-Know Portugal Tips

Portugal is a southern European country located on the Iberian Peninsula. It’s home to historic cities, sandy beaches, beautiful vineyards, and rugged coastlines. 

You can easily spend weeks traveling Portugal, because many regions have their own unique traditions, regional cuisine, and aspects of cultural identity. 

To make the most of your trip to Portugal, it’s helpful to understand the local customs and avoid some common travel missteps. Read on to learn practical travel tips, cultural etiquette, and ways to visit this beautiful country in a mindful way.

What Not To Do in Portugal: 15 Essential Tips

Ready to visit Portugal? Let’s dive into 15 essential tips covering what not to do in Portugal. 

1. Don’t Overlook Visiting Portugal in Off-Season 

From late spring to early autumn, much of Portugal is crowded with tourists. Visiting Portugal outside of these months means you’ll get to experience fewer crowds in popular spots like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

During the shoulder season and off-season in Portugal, lines for museums, attractions, and restaurants are shorter (and sometimes non-existent!). This means you can truly relax on your trip, without the stress of factoring in wait times for every day.

Plus, the weather throughout Portugal remains mostly mild and pleasant, especially compared to much of Europe’s colder climates during winter. And, you’ll avoid the intense summer heat that can make sightseeing exhausting. 

Traveling in the off-season can be slightly more affordable, with lower prices on accommodations and flights. Beyond the practical perks, visiting outside of peak times helps support local businesses year-round and promotes more sustainable tourism by easing the pressure on popular locations.

2. Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English

English is widely spoken in tourist-heavy areas like Lisbon and Porto, but you shouldn’t expect to hear it everywhere. Outside of Portugal’s big cities, you’ll be less likely to encounter Portuguese people who speak it. 

One simple way to be a responsible tourist while traveling Portugal is to learn a few basic Portuguese phrases before you visit. Even just a simple “Olá” (hello), “Por favor” (please), and “Obrigado/Obrigada” (thank you) goes a long way.

Trying to speak the local language shows respect for Portuguese culture, and you’ll often find that locals are much more receptive when you make the effort (even if your accent is terrible …mine definitely was!).

3. Don’t Treat Portugal Like It’s “Cheap Europe”

Yes, it’s true that compared to other Western European countries, Portugal is relatively affordable. But treating Portugal like a “budget” or “cheap” country is both disrespectful and harmful.

Over the past decade, Portugal has experienced lots of gentrification, inflation, and a housing crisis, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. 

Prices in Portugal may seem affordable to you, especially if you’re traveling there with a strong currency, like the US dollar. But that doesn’t mean that  locals share the same perception – it’s subjective.   

Be mindful of how you spend: support local businesses, tip fairly, and remember that you’re a guest visiting living, breathing communities. 

4. Don’t Only Visit Lisbon and Porto

Lisbon and Porto are incredible cities, but they’ve become so popular with tourists that they’re experiencing the impacts of overtourism. 

Porto has reported overcrowding in the city centre, and residents of Lisbon report that they no longer have neighbors because so many apartments are now tourist flats.

To help reduce the impact of overtourism in Portugal, consider visiting smaller cities and regions like Silves, Évora, Coimbra, or Guimarães. Explore the Alentejo countryside, the Douro Valley wine region, or the less-visited parts of the Algarve.

Spreading out where you travel helps reduce strain on the major hotspots and brings your tourist dollars to regions and communities that actually want (and can benefit from) tourism.

Traveling beyond the popular spots will also help you have a more nuanced experience in Portugal. You’ll have the chance to see more of life in Portugal, giving you an in-depth understanding of the country. 

5. Don’t Skip Eating Portuguese Food

What not to do in Portugal? Miss out on Portuguese food! While traveling around, make a point to eat local cuisine, and avoid eating only in tourist centres. 

Wandering even 15 minutes away from the tourist centres will often lead you to small family-owned eateries where you can enjoy classic Portuguese dishes. 

Here’s a few dishes you’ll want to be sure to try: 

Sardines 

In Porto and other Portuguese cities you’ll notice entire shops that specialize only in sardines! This is because sardines (sardinhas) are a staple across Portugal.

You can order sardines in restaurants the classic way, either with bread or as they are on a plate. In Lisbon, there is a tourist shop called O Mundo Fantastico das Sardinhas Portuguesas. It’s a fun shop because it sells all sorts of canned sardines that you can bring home with you. 

Pastéis de nata

Pastéis de nata are Portuguese custard tarts made of puff pastry that’s filled with egg custard. Often, they are served a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon.

This popular pastry originally comes from the Jerónimos Monastery, just outside Lisbon. Apparently, back in the 18th century monks in the monastery used leftover egg yolks to make pastéis de nata! 

Bifana sandwiches

Bifanas are traditional Portuguese sandwiches! They are made with thin slices of pork that are marinated and simmered in a sauce of white wine, garlic, and paprika. The sandwich is then served on a bread roll along with mustard and piri piri sauce. 

Bacalhau 

Bacalhau is the Portuguese word for codfish. Cod is prepared in a couple different ways throughout Portugal, but a common way is that it’s dried and salted. This preserves the fish so that it can be easily stored.

You’ll find bacalhau on lots of menus, prepared in different ways. A popular cod dish is bacalhau à brás, which sautés shredded cod with onion, garlic, bay leaves and olive oil. Then potatoes and eggs are added, and the dish is finished with some final garnishes. 

6. …And Don’t Expect Tapas

Tapas are from Spain — not Portugal! While you will find small plates and shared dishes (petiscos) in Portuguese cuisine, it’s different from the Spanish tapas tradition.

If you sit down at a restaurant in Portugal and are served bread, olives, cheese, or other snacks without asking, don’t assume they are free. If you eat them, they’ll be added to your bill. (If you don’t want them, you can politely decline.)

7. Don’t Have Lunch or Dinner Too Early

In Portugal, meals are eaten on a slightly different schedule than what you’re probably used to if you’re from North America. 

Lunch is generally eaten sometime between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, and dinner? It can be normal to eat as late as 9:00 PM!  

While it’s not absolutely necessary to eat your meals later than you’re used to, it’s helpful to know about this custom. It means that it’s totally normal to see restaurants opening a little later for dinner service, for example. 

8. Don’t Overlook Portuguese Cultural Etiquette

Portuguese culture is warm and welcoming, but you’ll want to be aware of cultural etiquette so that you can be a conscientious visitor. 

A warm “bom dia” (good morning) or “boa tarde” (good afternoon) when entering shops, cafés, or even elevators is a subtle show of respect. When dining out, wait to be seated and don’t rush meals; meals are a time to connect, not just refuel. 

Dressing neatly is also important, especially when visiting churches or smaller towns. When visiting coastal regions, remember that beachwear belongs at the beach, not in the streets or shops. 

Avoid being overly loud in public, as Portuguese culture tends to value discretion. If you’re invited into someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift, like a bottle of wine or box of pastries. 

These small gestures show respect and will be appreciated.

9. Don’t Ignore Portugal’s Midday Break

In Portugal, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, many shops and businesses close in the early afternoon for a break. This pause in the day is often spent resting or with family. 

You’ll want to be cognizant of this tradition, and plan your day around these hours. This not only shows respect for local customs, but also helps you avoid the frustration of arriving to find shops closed when you need them

10. Don’t Forget To Carry Some Cash

While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Portugal, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash. Smaller shops, family-run restaurants, and businesses in rural areas or small towns often prefer cash, and some may not accept cards at all — especially for small purchases. 

Even in bigger cities like Lisbon or Porto, you might find that certain cafes, markets, or taxis have minimum spend requirements for card payments. 

Having cash on hand makes it easier to support local businesses and avoid any awkward moments at checkout. Plus, carrying a little cash is helpful for tipping, grabbing a quick snack, or paying for transportation.

11. Don’t Get Caught Out by the Weather

What not to do in Portugal? Make any assumptions about what the weather will be like!

Portugal might have a sunny, beachy reputation, but as with any country, the weather varies across different regions and seasons. Portugal in winter is very different from Portugal in summer.

Summer months tend to be hot and sunny, while winter months are cooler and sometimes bring rain (especially in the north). And actually, some parts of Portugal even get snow!

The key is to take a bit of time to look into the weather norms in the regions you’ll be visiting, and during the specific time of year that you’re visiting. 

12. Don’t Litter — Especially at the Beaches

This tip applies to everywhere you travel, and your life at home too, but I think it’s an important reminder. 

With overtourism and crowds, litter tends to become more of an issue, so while in Portugal, be sure not to contribute to it. Whether you’re in an urban city, enjoying the beaches, or hiking a trail (like the Fishermen’s Trail!), it’s important to dispose of any trash properly. 

If you’re unable to find a public trash can, make sure you pack out whatever you bring in. 

13. Don’t Forget To Respect the Ocean

Portugal is known for its beautiful coastline, but it’s important to enjoy the ocean responsibly. 

Always wear ocean-friendly sunscreen to help protect marine life.Many traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems. 

Look for biodegradable, reef-safe options instead. You’ll also want to avoid stepping on or disturbing marine wildlife. 

You’ll also want to be cautious when swimming, especially along the Atlantic coast where strong riptides and powerful waves are common. 

Always swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present, and pay attention to warning flags posted on the beach. If you’re not an experienced swimmer or surfer, consider taking a lesson or follow the lead of locals when looking for safe spots to swim. 

By being mindful of the ocean’s power and fragility, you’ll not only stay safe but also help preserve Portugal’s beautiful coastline for future visitors.

14. Don’t Overlook Public Transit in Portugal

What not to do in Portugal? Overlook public transportation!! It’s affordable, efficient, and easy to use. I’ve used public transit to get all over the country, for example, I once took the train from Porto to Sintra. 

Trains and buses connect most major cities, and metro systems in Lisbon and Porto are straightforward and clean. The city trams are a charming (though sometimes crowded) way to get around.

While Uber and Bolt exist, relying on rideshares for everything contributes to traffic congestion in already busy cities. Try to use public transport whenever possible, because it’s better for your wallet and it’s a simple way to be a more sustainable traveler.

15. Respect Portugal’s Historic Sites

Portugal is full of centuries-old castles, churches, and monuments. As tempting as it might be to get the perfect photo, please don’t touch, climb, or sit on historic structures.

Sites like the castles of Sintra, the old city gates of Silves, or the walls of Óbidos are fragile and need to be preserved for future generations. When visiting sites like these, be sure to follow the signage, respect barriers, and if you’re unsure whether something is okay — assume it’s not.

Final Thoughts: What You Shouldn’t Do in Portugal

Portugal is an incredible country, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. But it’s also facing the pressures that come with becoming so popular with tourists. 

As visitors, it’s our responsibility to travel thoughtfully. We should always do our best to respect the people who live wherever we’re visiting, support local communities, and do our part to preserve the places we love.

Traveling responsibly in Portugal isn’t about limiting your experience. It’s about having a deep travel experience that is about more than just photo opps – let’s make it meaningful!