I wish someone had given me at least one of these tips when I first moved to Lisbon four years ago! It would have saved me from some awkward, exhausting, and even slightly painful experiences.

So, let me help you avoid the same mistakes:

  1. Saying "Gracias" instead of "Obrigado(a)"

    Nothing makes a Portuguese person cringe more. They really don’t like it. If you're not sure what to say, it's better to just smile than to assume Portuguese and Spanish are the same.

  1. Underestimating a "10-minute walk"

    Thinking that a 10min walk is easy peasy. Don’t forget, Lisbon is super hilly and therefore a 10min walk could be your new favourite and most hated legs and booty workout.

  2. Expecting a nice, clean fish fillet

    Think again! In Portugal, when you order fish, you get the whole thing…head, tail, bones, and all. Time to brush up on your fish-eating skills!

  3. Assuming the couvert is for free

    In Portuguese restaurants (tascas) they will place bread, olives, cheese and maybe sardine pate on the table. If you don’t touch it, they won’t charge you.

  4. Thinking you can outsmart those slippery cobblestone pavements

    The calçadas Portuguesas are super beautiful but some caution is necessary. First of all, it’s best to leave those heels at home! Second, wear shoes with grip otherwise you’ll have to embrace that slip and slide.