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What NOT to Do in Portugal: 17 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
Thanks to Rosetta Stone for sponsoring this post.
Portugal is one of those places that’s easy to fall in love with. Gorgeous coastlines, picturesque towns, incredible food, and a relaxed vibe, what’s not to love?
But if it’s your first visit, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to awkward moments, annoyed locals, or a less enjoyable trip. Some are cultural, some practical, and some just common sense forgotten in holiday mode.
This list of what not to do in Portugal will help you avoid the usual pitfalls, so you can focus on enjoying all the amazing things the country does have to offer.
1. Don’t Skip Learning Basic Portuguese
It’s easy to assume everyone speaks English, especially in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, but going to Portugal without knowing any Portuguese is a mistake. Locals really appreciate when visitors make the effort, even if it’s just a few simple words.
A warm “bom dia” (good morning) or “obrigada” (thank you, if you’re female) can go a long way in creating more positive interactions. And if you head into smaller towns English isn’t always a given.
If you want to go beyond “hello” and “thank you,” I recommend Rosetta Stone as a way to get comfortable with the basics. It’s a great tool for picking up useful phrases and getting a feel for the language.
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2. Don’t Just Stick to the Main Tourist Spots
Portugal is more than just Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. While popular for good reason, sticking to these spots means missing much of the country’s charm.
Northern Portugal, for example, is full of beautiful places that many travelers overlook, think medieval towns, lush valleys, and beautiful natural landscapes.
If you want a more authentic, peaceful experience (and fewer crowds), leave space in your itinerary for some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Portugal.
3. Don’t Forget to Validate Your Train Ticket
Portugal’s public transport is straightforward, but there’s one easy-to-miss rule: on many local trains (Urbanos), you need to validate your ticket before boarding. Skip this step, and you risk a fine, even if you’ve paid for your ride.
I had to validate my ticket for day trips from Porto’s São Bento station. Luckily, I recognized the machines from back home. But if you’ve never used one, they’re easy to overlook, they’re often small, mounted on a post, and tucked near the platform entrance.
4. Don’t Visit During Peak Season (If You Can Help It)
Portugal gets busy in summer, especially in July and August during school holidays. Prices go up, popular attractions get packed, and the heat can make sightseeing feel like a chore.
I visited Sintra in September, thinking I’d missed the rush, and I was still overwhelmed by the number of people. I don’t even want to imagine what it’s like in the height of summer.
If you can, plan your trip for the shoulder seasons, spring or early autumn. The weather is still beautiful, everything’s open, but you’ll have more breathing room (and better photo ops).
5. Don’t Stay in Unlicensed Apartments
With rising tourism, many apartments in Portugal are being turned into short-term rentals, not all of which are legal or ethical. Staying in unlicensed rentals may seem budget-friendly but worsens housing shortages and raises costs for locals.
I always recommend staying in hotels or registered guesthouses, especially in touristy areas. It’s not just about doing the right thing. Licensed stays are also more likely to meet safety and quality standards, so it’s better for you and the local community.
🏡 Book your accommodation for Portugal now!
6. Don’t Pack Uncomfortable Shoes
Portugal’s cities are full of charm and cobblestones. Add in steep hills, especially in Lisbon, uncomfortable shoes quickly become a regret.
I once visited Lisbon during a rainy week, and the sidewalks became incredibly slippery. Even in regular sneakers, I found myself struggling to stay upright. High heels or smooth-soled shoes? Forget it.
7. Don’t Bring a Giant Suitcase
Dragging a big suitcase through Portugal’s cobblestone streets and hilly neighborhoods is a struggle you don’t want. Add in narrow staircases and the fact that many older buildings don’t have elevators, and you’ve got a recipe for travel frustration.
Traveling light not only makes getting around easier, it also helps if you’re hopping between towns or using public transport.
If you need help cutting down your packing list, check out my minimalist packing tips and packing list for women to keep things simple and stress-free.
8. Don’t Overschedule Your Trip
Portugal might seem small, but packing your itinerary too tightly can turn a fun trip into a rushed blur. It’s tempting to see everything, but you’ll enjoy it more if you slow down.
Leave space for spontaneous moments, a lazy coffee in a sunlit square, wandering side streets, or stumbling upon a local festival.
You’ll enjoy Portugal more if you give yourself time to truly experience it, not just check things off a list. This is definitely something to know before going to Portugal so you can plan your itinerary accordingly.
9. Don’t Book a Place Without Heating in Winter
Portugal might have mild winters compared to the rest of Europe, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get cold, especially inside. Many apartments in Portugal and Spain lack proper heating.
I once stayed in a place where it was actually colder inside than outside. I’d go out in a sweater and enjoy the sun, then come back and freeze next to the tiniest radiator ever.
If you’re visiting between November and March, make sure your accommodation has decent heating. It’ll make a huge difference in your comfort.
10. Don’t Confuse Portugal with Spain
If you’re from Europe, this might seem obvious, but I know many visitors (especially from outside Europe) sometimes blur the lines between Portugal and its neighbor, Spain.
Yes, both countries are on the Iberian Peninsula, but they are very much their own places, with different languages, cultures, histories, and national identities.
While many Portuguese people understand some Spanish, but don’t assume the languages are interchangeable. Trying to impress locals with your Spanish might come off the wrong way. Instead, learn a few Portuguese phrases to show respect and effort.
11. Don’t Walk Around a City in Swimwear
Portugal has some amazing beaches, but once you leave the beach, it’s time to cover up. Walking through a city or even popping into a café in just your swimwear is considered disrespectful.
If you’re coming from a beach holiday mindset, it might feel normal, but locals usually expect more modesty off the beach. A quick outfit change or light cover-up shows cultural awareness.
Save the bikinis for the seaside, and dress appropriately when you’re out exploring.
12. Don’t Dress Like a Stereotypical Tourist
You know the look, white socks with sandals, shorts, a sunhat. While there’s nothing technically wrong with it, dressing like a walking tourist cliché can make you stand out in the wrong way.
You don’t need to be a fashion icon but dressing a little more like a local often results in better service, less unwanted attention, and it might help to avoid tourist-targeted scams.
13. Don’t Assume You Can Pay with Card Everywhere
While many places in Portugal, especially in the main tourist destinations, do accept cards, not everywhere does. So, it’s always smart to have some cash on hand just in case.
Even in bigger cities, you might run into a minimum spend for card payments or be asked to pay cash at more old-school spots. And in rural areas or smaller towns, cash is still king.
Avoid awkward moments at the register by carrying a few euros in smaller notes.
14. Don’t Accept a Bad Currency Exchange Rate
ATMs in Portugal often give you a choice when withdrawing money: accept the exchange rate offered on the screen, or let your bank handle the conversion. Always let your bank do it!
That flashy “guaranteed rate” may look appealing, but it usually comes with a worse rate than what your home bank would give you. The same goes for card payments, if asked, always choose to be charged in euros, not your home currency.
It might seem like a small detail, but it can save you a lot over the course of your trip.
15. Don’t Complain About Portuguese Food or Football
If there are two things you really don’t want to criticize in Portugal, it’s the food and the football. The Portuguese are proud of both, and just to be clear, by football they mean soccer. Not calling it football is a whole other mistake.
Meals are a source of pride, whether it’s a flaky pastry from a bakery or a home-cooked dish. Even if something’s unfamiliar, openly criticizing it won’t go over well.
Same goes for football. The national team is a big deal, and local clubs have die-hard fans. Even if you’re not into sports, it’s best to steer clear of complaints.
16. Don’t Get Wasted in the Algarve
Don’t be that tourist. You know the one: shouting in the street, stumbling out of a bar, ruining the vibe for everyone else.
Portugal has great wine, bars, and a lively nightlife, but that’s no excuse to go overboard. Getting blackout drunk in a charming seaside town isn’t just embarrassing, it’s disrespectful to locals and other travelers.
By all means, enjoy a drink. Just don’t turn your holiday into a cautionary tale.
17. Don’t Just Drink Port Wine
Speaking of drinking, everyone knows Portugal is famous for its Port wine, and yes, it’s worth trying (especially in Porto). But don’t stop there. Portugal has a rich wine culture that goes far beyond Port, and skipping it means missing out.
From Vinho Verde in the north to reds from the Douro Valley and Alentejo, there’s a lot of wine to taste. Even lesser-known regions produce amazing bottles at very affordable prices.
So by all means, enjoy a glass of Port, but leave room to explore the rest of what Portugal has to offer in the wine department. You might just find a new favorite.
What Not to Do in Lisbon
Two of the most hyped spots in Lisbon that I’d honestly skip? Tram 28 and Pink Street.
Tram 28 is one of Lisbon’s most famous attractions, but honestly, it’s not worth it. Cruising through the city past the main sights in a vintage yellow tram sounds lovely, until you’re packed in like sardines, unable to move or enjoy the view.
Pink Street is another one I never understood the appeal of. Yes, it’s… pink. But it’s also packed, overly touristy, and not that interesting beyond the photo op. I regularly ask people in my Portugal Facebook page if it’s worth visiting and the majority say no.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed, authentic way to explore Lisbon, skip the tram and check out some of the city’s lesser-known treasures instead. You’ll find plenty of them in my guide to hidden gems in Lisbon.
Thanks again to Rosetta Stone for sponsoring this post.
Read more about Portugal:
- 15 Things to Know before Traveling to Portugal
- Top 10 Landmarks in Portugal You Must Have Seen
- What NOT to Do in Portugal: 17 Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
- These 19 Interesting Portugal Facts Will Blow Your Mind
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 10 Days You Won’t Forget
- Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14 Unforgettable Days
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
- 15 Best Souvenirs from Portugal to Remember Your Holiday
- Top 10 Things to Do in Lisbon for First Time Visitors
- 11 Incredible Day Trips From Lisbon Portugal
- Lisbon and Porto Itinerary: 7 Epic Days in Portugal
- 7 Best Day Trips from Porto by Train
- Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips
- Best Time to Visit Algarve Portugal for a Perfect Holiday
- 10 Absolute Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
- Drinking Age in Portugal: What You Need To Know
- All Portugal Destinations
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