What's Different about living in Portugal? Culture

People who are unfamiliar with Portugal often ask us what it's like to live here vs the US. As recent transplants now residing in Portugal, we'll share our experiences so far.

We have found it important and helpful to understand the Culture of the communities that we live in to better adapt to the flow of daily life. So many people we engage with want to change things so they are more similar and familiar with experiences in their home country. That's not why we are here; we are here to experience and enjoy Portugal and the culture and lifestyle it has to offer, the way it is. For me, culture is the way of life, the way things are done. Passed on through generations, updated by new generations, and influenced by outside sources, including immigration and demographic changes. Culture is achieved by learning the way things are done and, in most cases, adding or updating nuances with each generation. With that in mind, we'll explore our view of the Portuguese "Culture" from the perspective of new arrivals.

Family is the cornerstone of Portuguese culture; family comes first, as it should be. Sundays are reserved for family gatherings, and you'll often see large groups gathering at restaurants, parks, or homes for Sunday lunch or dinner. It can be difficult to find an available restaurant on Sundays as everyone goes out with their families for lunch after church. I love seeing the large family gatherings, tables full of great food, laughing, and loud conversations where it appears that everyone is talking at the same time and no one is listening, but somehow communication is happening. It makes me happy.

Education - Grade school students, at a minimum, are required to learn English. Most people here are at a minimum bilingual, although it's not uncommon, especially for younger generations, to speak multiple languages. I think part of this is the vast diversity in Portugal, which provides children from young ages with an appreciation of differences in culture and language. The universities are free (paid for by your taxes) as long as you apply yourself and are able to progress; if not, you are not allowed to continue. Going to university is a very prized endeavor and taken extremely seriously.

Eating and drinking are social activities in Portugal. Cafes and Patisseries are spots for morning pastries and coffee while contemplating the day's work or other activities; a small beer may also accompany your morning stop. A mid-morning pastry and coffee are a must, then lunch from about 1:00-3:00 pm. Some shops and businesses still close in the afternoon for a few hours, so check their schedules before visiting. Dinner is usually around 8:00 pm, some as early as 7:00 pm. There is no reason to hurry through a meal; take as much time as needed to enjoy the conversation, your meal, wine, dessert, and coffee. We have found that few restaurants take reservations, but those that do only plan on one seating due to the slow pace of Portuguese dining. Portuguese consume the highest amount of wine per capita of any country in the world, followed by France in second place. Not surprising since wine is plentiful and relatively inexpensive. I don't see many Portuguese drinking liquor or mixed drinks. Beer and wine are almost always on the table at a Portuguese meal. Step outside of your comfort zone when dining out; don't settle for the best-looking or most popular restaurant, but look for the out-of-the-way small mom & pop snack bar or restaurant for a real authentic experience

Eating Out - When it comes to restaurant experiences, preferences are vast and diverse. I’ve noticed a lot of people concerned about reservations and eating at ‘the best’ restaurants in popular areas of Portugal from Porto to the Algarve and everywhere in between. If I can offer advice to those going for their first time, don’t worry about booking ‘the best’. Talk to your Airbnb host, your Uber driver, the staff at your local bakery, or simply walk around in your area and experience impromptu finds. The very best meals we’ve had in Portugal are often unassuming tabernas or cafes, with a chalkboard or handwritten menu that changes daily. We’ve had 2.99€ bottles of wine from the market that were more enjoyable than a 35€ bottle in a restaurant. When you find the heart of Portugal in its purest simplicity, you’ll know it. Slow down, let things happen organically; if you’re hungry, eat; if you’re enjoying the golden hour at the beach, stay. I can’t explain it completely, but when you find it, you’ll know

Laundry - Sun drying of clothes in Portugal is a ritual not often observed in the US. Most homes here don’t have a clothes dryer; they hang their clothes out to dry instead. Most likely a combination of culture and the high cost of energy keeps this free use of the sun as a first option for drying clothes. Most of us foreigners adapt; I actually enjoy using the energy of the sun instead of a dryer. Some newer, more expensive homes have a condensation dryer, but it takes forever to dry clothes, and yes, if you really want a clothes dryer, you can get one here. Something about the ritual of hanging the laundry out on the drying rack on a sunny day; it’s a “zen” thing. A typical part of the urban and rural landscape here is seeing laundry hanging everywhere, on balconies, decks, and windows. With so many days of sunshine, it’s an energy-efficient and simple way to dry your clothes.

Trash collection - In most cities in Portugal, there is no trash service as we are used to in the US. Instead, there are "Eco" stations or dumpsters located a short distance away. Most "Eco" stations consist of large underground waste containers that have a tube that sticks up above ground for each type of trash you are disposing of: general trash, paper and cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal. You often see neighbors walking down the street with small bags of trash heading to the disposal area; some walk, some use their mopeds as a form of trash transportation, and occasionally cars stop at the stations to unload into the tubes as well. The municipality regularly empties and sanitizes the containers and stations so they are generally clean and well maintained. We rarely see them doing this, and it's a much quieter process than the clatter and clanking of the trash truck stopping at each house to pick up and bang around the neighborhood trash cans, not to mention you don't see trash cans all over the street on trash day.

Additionally, the Portuguese people have a system where they put anything that they believe someone else might need or want on top of the "Eco station" instead of in it. If you see an item next to the dumpster, it's generally not that the container is full or because someone was too lazy to lift the lid and put their garbage inside. Items that are not selected by someone else for their use get picked up by the waste collectors during their normal rounds. The epitome of the saying one person's trash is another's treasure.

Roundabouts - Driving in Europe can be frustrating at first. Roundabouts were one of my greatest initial frustrations. They are everywhere, seemingly slowing you down at every intersection and, in some rural cases, in the middle of nowhere. Once you understand the rules and how to navigate them, you grow to appreciate their purpose and function. The Portuguese and others who have become accustomed to roundabouts appreciate how they keep traffic flowing and seem to be a lot safer than traditional red lights and four-way stops. Everyone gets to where they are going much faster and more safely. Studies have shown the safety advantages of roundabouts vs. 4-way stops and lights. Accidents, when they happen, tend to be fender benders rather than serious ones. Yes, you’ve got to slow down a bit, but in the long run you get where you’re going a whole lot faster.

Take a number - Businesses like Banks, Rental Car Counters, IMT (Portugal's DMV), Post Office, Butcher, Pharmacy, etc., practically anywhere you would expect to find a line of people queued up for their turn, have been replaced in Portugal with an electronic "take a number" system. Look for the kiosk, pull a ticket, and sit back and relax until your number appears on the monitor.

Time changes - I had initially thought that by moving here we avoided one of the rituals in the US. Portugal does participate in "daylight saving" time changes. Late October clocks are set back one hour, then again in late March they are moved ahead by an hour

Portuguese Customs That Will Help You Feel More Like a Local

From greeting strangers to lingering over lunch, understanding these unwritten rules will help you settle into life in Portugal and appreciate the culture that makes the country so special.

Portugal is regularly ranked among the friendliest and safest countries in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Visitors often speak of warm welcomes, relaxed afternoons and an atmosphere that feels refreshingly unhurried.

While there are very few rigid social rules, Portugal does have countless small customs that shape everyday life. They are rarely written down, but understanding them can help you navigate daily life with confidence and connect more easily with local people.

The good news is that Portuguese people are generally forgiving if visitors make an honest mistake. Making an effort is often valued far more than getting everything right.

Whether you’re holidaying in the Algarve, spending a weekend in Porto or planning a permanent move, these customs will help you feel a little more at home.

1. Always greet people - One of the simplest ways to make a good impression is to acknowledge people when you enter a small shop, café or waiting room. A friendly “Bom dia”, “Boa tarde” or “Boa noite” goes a long way and is considered basic courtesy.

2. You’ll hear “Tudo bem?” everywhere - After the greeting often comes another phrase you’ll quickly become familiar with. “Tudo bem?”, meaning “Everything good?” or simply “How are you?”, is one of the most common expressions in Portugal. Don’t worry about giving a long answer. A simple “Tudo bem!” is perfectly normal.

3. Don’t jump straight into business - Portuguese conversations often begin with small talk. People usually ask how you are, comment on the weather or chat briefly before discussing the reason they’ve met you. Relationships often come before transactions.

4. Try speaking Portuguese - Even if your Portuguese extends only to “Obrigado”, “Por favor” and “Tudo bem?”, locals generally appreciate the effort. Many Portuguese speak excellent English, but attempting a few words shows respect for the country and its culture.

5. Coffee is a ritual - Coffee isn’t simply something to grab on the way to work. Many Portuguese stop at their neighborhood café every day for a quick espresso, known locally as a bica in Lisbon or a cimbalino in Porto. It’s often enjoyed standing at the counter while chatting with staff or neighbors.

6. Don’t expect your meal to be rushed - Dining in Portugal is meant to be enjoyed. Waiters won’t usually interrupt your conversation or automatically bring the bill. When you’re ready to leave, simply ask: “A conta, por favor.”

7. Lunch is still important - Unlike in many countries where lunch is eaten quickly at a desk, Portugal continues to value a proper midday meal. Many restaurants offer affordable lunch menus, and families often gather together on Sundays for long lunches that stretch well into the afternoon.

8. Learn how queues work - In supermarkets, people generally queue in a traditional line. But in bakeries, pharmacies, fish counters and government offices, you often need to take a numbered ticket before waiting. Many newcomers have discovered this only after standing patiently for ten minutes.

9. Dress smartly - Portugal isn’t especially formal, but people generally take pride in their appearance. Even in beach towns, locals usually change out of swimwear before heading into shops or restaurants.

10. Family comes first - Family life remains central to Portuguese culture. Grandparents often help raise grandchildren, several generations frequently spend weekends together, and family celebrations remain important throughout the year.

11. Children are welcome - Unlike in some countries, children are naturally included in everyday life. You’ll often see families with young children enjoying dinner together late into the evening, particularly during the summer months.

12. Respect quiet hours - Many apartment buildings observe quiet periods, especially late at night and during the early afternoon. Being considerate of neighbors is an important part of community life.

13. Tipping is appreciated, not expected - Service charges are not normally included. Most people simply round up the bill or leave a euro or two. For exceptional restaurant service, five to ten percent is considered generous.

14. Bureaucracy takes patience - Anyone living in Portugal will eventually encounter bureaucracy. You may need several appointments, additional paperwork, or another photocopy you didn’t know was required. Patience and occasionally a sense of humor can be your greatest asset.

15. Festivals are part of life - Every town seems to have its own annual festa, celebrating everything from patron saints to sardines. These events are an important part of Portuguese identity and often bring entire communities together.

16. Dinner starts later than you might expect - Restaurants often become busiest after 8 pm, particularly during summer. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, eating at 6 pm may leave you with the place almost to yourself.

17. Two kisses are common - Among friends and family, greetings often involve two light kisses on the cheeks, usually starting on the right. In business settings or when meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is still the safest option.

18. Think before criticizing Portugal - Portuguese people often joke about politics, bureaucracy or football. Visitors who immediately begin criticizing the country, however, may unintentionally come across as disrespectful. Curiosity is usually a better conversation starter than comparison.

19. Life happens outdoors - Town squares, seaside promenades and neighborhood cafés are extensions of people’s living rooms. Evenings are often spent strolling, chatting or enjoying a coffee rather than rushing home. It’s one of the reasons Portugal’s cities and towns feel so sociable.

20. Slow down - Perhaps the biggest lesson Portugal teaches isn’t really etiquette at all.

Life simply moves at a different pace. Coffee is savored. Lunch lasts longer. Conversations aren’t checked against a clock. For many newcomers, this slower pace feels unfamiliar at first. Eventually, it often becomes one of the things they value most.

Portugal’s etiquette isn’t about memorizing rules or worrying about making mistakes. It’s about showing respect, greeting people warmly, being patient and embracing a culture that places relationships and community at the center of everyday life.

Visitors who adopt that mindset often discover that they don’t just enjoy Portugal more; they begin to understand why so many people choose to make it home.

* This post is based on our experiences as haphazard bloggers, at this moment in time, and may not reflect current or accurate depictions based on your experiences. Always seek professional advice, especially regarding legal, financial, or safety matters.