Porto, Portugal Travel Tips

Porto, Portugal: Travel & Cultural Etiquette Tips

  1. Greetings and Interaction: Portuguese people are generally friendly and welcoming, but they tend to be more formal when first meeting someone. Use “Bom Dia” (Good Day) or “Boa Tarde” (Good Afternoon/Evening) as appropriate. Address strangers politely with “Sr.(Mr.)” or “Sra.(Ms.)”, followed by their last name, until invited to use their first name.

  2. Language: The official language is Portuguese. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially among the younger generation, it’s always appreciated when tourists make an effort to learn a few basic phrases or ask for help in Portuguese.

  3. Dining Etiquette: It’s considered rude not to finish your meal. If you can’t finish a dish, try to eat as much as possible and politely decline more food. Tipping is customary and usually around 10%.

  4. Public Behavior: Portuguese people are proud of their city, so keep public spaces clean. Avoid littering and disrespectful behavior.

  5. Dress Code: While Porto has a casual vibe, it’s still important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting churches or historic sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

  6. Queuing: Portuguese people are punctual and take queuing seriously. Make sure to respect the queue system, particularly at popular tourist attractions.

  7. Drinking Culture: Porto is famous for its port wine. It’s customary to sample a few different types before deciding which one you like best. However, drinking in the streets can lead to fines or other penalties.

  8. Local Customs and Traditions: Learn about traditional Portuguese customs and festivals such as Saint John’s Day (São João) on June 24th, when people celebrate by hitting each other with plastic hammers filled with garlic or basil. Respect local customs and traditions during your visit.

  9. Gift-Giving: If invited to someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift such as wine, chocolates, or flowers. Avoid gifts associated with funerals (such as clocks or cut flowers) as they are considered inappropriate.

  10. Business Etiquette: Business meetings in Portugal are usually formal and punctual. Dress code is smart casual to business formal. It’s important to build personal relationships before getting down to business, so be prepared for lengthy small talk before discussions begin.