Lisbon Travel Tips

Traveling to Lisbon: Key Cultural Tips

Lisbon is a vibrant city with a rich culture and welcoming locals. Here are some key things to keep in mind regarding cultural etiquette and travel tips for a pleasant trip:

Greetings:

  • Greeting people: A simple “Olá” (hello) will go a long way, followed by a handshake for initial introductions.
  • Formal greetings: Use “Bom dia” (good morning) until noon, “Boa tarde” (good afternoon) from noon to sundown, and “Boa noite” (good evening) after sundown.

Dining & Drinking:

  • Dinner timing: Dinner in Lisbon is typically a late affair, with locals starting their meals around 8:00-9:00 PM. Embrace the local rhythm!
  • Coffee culture: Lisbonites are serious about their coffee. Don’t be surprised if they drink it multiple times a day. “Um café” is an espresso, which is often consumed at small cafes throughout the day.

Food & Drink Ordering:

  • Wine with everything: In Portugal, it’s common to have wine with every meal (even breakfast!).
  • Bread and olives: Expect bread and olives to be brought to your table automatically when you sit down.
  • “Um café” culture: This is the standard way to order an espresso in Lisbon, but don’t be afraid to ask for “um meia de leite” (half coffee, half milk), “uma cerveja” (beer) or “um vinho tinto” (a glass of red wine) and “um copo de vinho branco” (a glass of white wine)

Dining Etiquette:

  • Sharing is caring: It’s common to order multiple dishes and share them among the table.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask: If you are unsure about any dish, don’t hesitate to ask your waiter for suggestions. They are usually happy to help.

Other Cultural Tips:

  • Tipping: In Portugal, a 5-10% tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
  • Language: While English is becoming more widely spoken, learning some basic Portuguese phrases will be greatly appreciated by locals and make your experience even richer.

Enjoy the local atmosphere:

  • Enjoy the “petiscos”: Embrace the “petisco” culture. Embrace the “fado” music scene:

  • Dining out:

    • Don’t rush your meals. Meals are a time for socializing and enjoying the food.
    • Be prepared to order an extra “café” (coffee) or “um chá” (tea) after your meal, as it is common practice in Lisbon

  • Fado evenings:

    • Enjoy the soulful melodies of fado music by attending a traditional performance.
    • This is a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy the music and melancholy atmosphere.
    • “Café” doesn’t just mean coffee:

Remember, you’re in a “fado” house (usually small, intimate venues) for the experience of being in one. You can order “um copo de vinho tinto” with your meal to enjoy the traditional Portuguese music experience.

Shopping:

  • Shopkeepers appreciate politeness: A simple “Olá” and “Obrigado/a” (thank you) can go a long way, but remember: Lisbonites are generally friendly and welcoming, so don’t be afraid to say “Olá” and “Obrigado/a” when engaging with them.

Market Manners:

  • Visit the Mercado da Ribeira: This historic market is a must-visit for any foodie in Lisbon. It’s a great place to try traditional Portuguese cuisine and find unique souvenirs.
  • Be prepared to haggle: While not as common as in other countries, you may be able to negotiate prices at some markets, especially for souvenirs.

General Etiquette:

  • Respect personal space: Lisbonians tend to be more reserved than people from some other cultures. Avoid standing too close or touching someone you don’t know well.
  • Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases: “Olá” (hello), “Obrigado/a” (thank you), “Bom dia/Boa tarde/Boa noite” (Good morning/Good day/Good evening) are good starting points.

Transportation:

  • Take advantage of public transportation: Lisbon has an excellent public transportation system, with trams, buses, trains, and the metro being efficient and affordable options.
  • Public transportation etiquette: In Lisbon, you’ll often see people politely offering their seat on public transport.

Remember:

  • “Bom dia” means good morning, “Boa tarde” means good afternoon/good evening (depending on the time), and “boa noite” is used for saying “good evening.”**

  • Be mindful of other travelers:
    Avoid blocking doorways on buses or trams, and be aware of your belongings when using public transportation.

  • Respecting the Locals:

    • Learn about local customs:

Lisbonians are generally known for their politeness and respect for tradition.

  • Dress modestly: While the weather in Lisbon is usually warm, it’s important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting churches or religious sites.
  • Be patient:
    Patience is a virtue in Portugal, especially when dealing with bureaucracy or slow service. It’s part of the culture!

Cultural Etiquette:

  • Respect for personal space: Remember that “Olá” (hello) is a common greeting in Lisbon, but be mindful of cultural norms and avoid overcrowding people.
  • Dining etiquette: In Portugal, it’s polite to say “Bom apetite” before starting a meal and wait for everyone at the table to be served before starting to eat.

Other Considerations:

  • Respect for time: While punctuality is generally valued, don’t expect it to be strictly adhered to in social situations.

  • Learn some basic Portuguese: Even if you speak English, knowing a few phrases like “obrigado” (thank you) and “boa noite” (good evening) can help you navigate everyday interactions.

  • Respect for the Culture:

Be mindful of your surroundings:

  • Avoid noise pollution:

Lisbonians are generally more reserved when it comes to noise, especially in public areas. Keep your voice down and be respectful of others.**

Be mindful of your dress: While Lisbon is a relatively casual city, it’s still important to be respectful of the local culture. This means dressing up for special occasions (like dinner at a nice restaurant) and avoiding overly revealing or offensive clothing in public spaces.

  • Respect personal space: Avoid interrupting conversations, and stand up when someone says “Bom dia” or “Boa noite”.

Use common sense and be polite: Remember the “good morning/good evening” greeting!

Dining:

  • Eat “a lot” of seafood:

It’s a good idea to try some of Lisbon’s famous fresh seafood, such as sardines, codfish, and octopus.

  • Try “a café” (coffee) at a traditional coffee shop:

Lisbon has a vibrant “café” culture, with many locals enjoying a leisurely breakfast or “meia de leite” (half-caf

e) with their morning “pastel de nata.”

Dining etiquette:

  • Be mindful of your surroundings: Lisbonians are generally happy to share a meal. Respect the tradition of “bom dia” and don’t be afraid to say “Bom dia” to people you pass on the street, or “bom dia” (good morning) when greeting someone in the morning.

Remember that public transportation is readily available.

  • Learn some Portuguese: While it’s possible to get by with English, especially in tourist areas, knowing a few basic Portuguese phrases will enhance your experience and show respect for local customs.

Enjoy the “fado” experience:

  • Respect the tradition of “petiscos” (small snacks) served as appetizers at traditional restaurants.
  • Remember to tip the musicians: While not mandatory, tipping is always appreciated in Lisbon’s music scene.

Leave a small mark on the table:

  • Lisbonians are known for their love of “pastel de nata” (custard tarts) and will often greet you with “Bom dia” when you’re dining in Lisbon.

  • Use common sense and be respectful: Try to learn a few basic phrases like “Olá” (hello), “bom apetite” (enjoy your meal).

Remember, it’s about the experience:

Enjoy the food and the atmosphere of a traditional “fado” venue.

Learn a little bit about the history:

Fado is Lisbon’s traditional music genre, and attending a performance is a great way to connect with the city’s culture.

Be respectful of local customs:

Remember to say “Olá” (hello) when entering a store or restaurant. *

Use common sense and remember that “Bom dia” means good evening:

If you are unsure about the appropriate time, ask your host for guidance.**

“Olá” is also a polite way to greet people in Lisbon.

Remember to tip the musicians:

In Portugal, attending a “fado” performance involves leaving a tip.
*

Leave your worries behind and enjoy the music:

Enjoy the local culture:

Don’t be afraid to say “bom dia” to them. It is considered rude to stand too close or touch someone you are not familiar with, especially if they are on the opposite side of a gender difference.

Let me know if you have any other questions about Lisbon and I’ll try my best to answer them!