Lisbon Travel Tips

Lisbon Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips

  1. Greetings: Portuguese people are friendly and formal. Use “Bom Dia” (Good day) or “Boa Tarde” (Good afternoon/evening) followed by the person’s title (senhor for men, senhora for women, or simplesmente if you know their first name) when meeting someone new.

  2. Dining Etiquette: It is customary to wait to be shown to your seat when dining in a restaurant. If you are dining with a group, the host usually pays the bill. If you’re paying, it’s polite to ask for the bill directly from the waiter.

  3. Tipping: In Lisbon, service charge is included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated. For exceptional service, a 10% tip can be left at your discretion.

  4. Public Transport: Lisbon’s public transport system operates on an honor system, meaning you don’t need to buy a ticket before boarding, but you must validate it upon entering. Fines for not having a validated ticket can be high.

  5. Bargaining: In most shops and restaurants in Lisbon, prices are fixed and bargaining is not expected or appreciated.

  6. Dress Code: While Lisbon is generally casual, it’s always good to dress smart-casual when visiting churches or historical sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect.

  7. Fado Houses: Fado is Portugal’s traditional music. Visiting a Fado house is a must. Remember to be quiet and respectful during the performance. Clapping between songs can be appreciated, but not during them.

  8. Public Displays of Affection: While Portuguese people are affectionate among themselves, public displays of affection should be kept to a minimum, especially in more conservative areas or when in the presence of older people.

  9. Respecting Local Customs and Traditions: Lisbon is home to many beautiful and historic sites. Always respect these by not climbing on monuments or leaving litter behind.

  10. Learning a Few Words in Portuguese: While many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas, it’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to learn a few words of the local language. “Obrigado” (thank you) and “Por favor” (please) are a good start!