10 Portuguese Habits I Adopted After Moving To Portugal
Living in Portugal can change your life in many ways – for the better! Discover the fascinating Portuguese habits I adopted after moving here.
Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree.
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10 09 2023
There really is something magical about living in Portugal; it changes your mind. You find yourself part of this entirely new culture, doing things you never got the chance to explore. It’s safe to say that the decision to move has been an exciting everlasting ride. What I refer to as the best part – here are some fascinating Portuguese habits I adopted while living here!
Portuguese people genuinely like to enjoy life for what it is, whether that means enjoying a long dinner with friends or valuing diversity. Some things are unique to Portuguese culture, like how being late is considered a charm! Don’t believe me? Keep reading to know more.
10 Portuguese Habits I Adopted Living in Portugal
While I’ve drastically changed how I used to spend my days before moving to this country, there are 10 striking Portuguese habits I adopted over time. Take a look at what I mean:
1. Saying bom dia to everyone
In case you didn’t know, people here spend a lot of time outside of their homes.
I mean a LOT.
As an introvert who loved curling up in a cosy spot in my room, it was confusing to see so many people sitting at cafés and parks throughout the day. But when you’re in love with the Portuguese sun, you can’t help but spend some time soaking up the golden sunshine!
Since people are often around company, greeting strangers is also common. Whether you’re walking down the street or grabbing a quick coffee – Portuguese people sure know how to make someone’s day. They don’t judge how close an acquaintance you are; they’re friendly and will most likely greet you “bom dia” (good morning) with a smile on their face.
Our article on Learning Portuguese is a delightful read to know more common words before you move here. The locals will love you for trying even if you’re not great at it; don’t be shy.
2. Drinking coffee after every meal
Portuguese people take their lunch and dinners very seriously – but more on that later!
I’ve grown to love drinking coffee, not just because of how delicious it tastes, but the entire concept around it. Out of all the Portuguese habits I adopted, treating each meal as an event is the one that’s brought me the most joy.
It’s very common to ask for “um café” (a coffee) after finishing your meal. I’m still not sure if it’s the perfect blend of Arabica and Robusta beans that warms my soul or the quality time I get to spend with my friends!
Either way, it’s great to keep the conversation going at the table and bring people together – something that the world could definitely use some more of. At times when I feel homesick, this is exactly what makes me feel like I made the right decision to move to Portugal.
3. Taking a 2-hour lunch break daily
As I just mentioned above, the Portuguese people love spending quality time with people they adore. And while lunch breaks aren’t meant to be too long, you’ll frequently find yourself taking a 2-hour lunch break with people around you.
I have to be honest; lunch breaks for me previously meant grabbing a quick sandwich with a drink and heading back to work. But that’s not how the Portuguese like to live. They prefer to spend their lunch breaks recharging and relaxing – this is one Portuguese habit I think everyone should adopt!
I can now peacefully unwind and recharge mid-day, especially during weekdays, while sipping on my coffee and laughing with friends I cherish. It’s particularly beneficial to increase concentration and productivity when you resume working after the break.
Portugal’s slow pace of life might seem different initially, as it was for me. But you start to appreciate it once you realize it helps you slow down and enjoy every moment.
4. Conflict is avoidable – always
By now, you can probably tell that the culture is laid back and focuses on appreciating life. But being around people is bound to create some disagreements, right?
I was pleasantly surprised to know that the Portuguese hardly ever get into conflict. Even if they do, it’s solved through calm conversations and effective communication.
They’re simple people – they talk, smile, and complain a little, but not as much as the French or German. A bit of tiny, harmless complaining never hurt anyone. The typical communication style is direct and polite. I’ve learned that they’re passionate people who show a lot of emotions while communicating, but it hardly ever means they’re angry or displeased.
5. Being on time is overrated
This has got to be my favourite one!
I’ve always been somebody who wasn’t a fan of hustling all the while, chasing after the clock to reach places on time – constantly worrying about making a wrong impression by being late. It came as a shocker when I saw how Portuguese culture has a slow-paced life that truly values enjoying every moment you spend daily!
Being late to parties is a charm in Portugal. Parties rarely start at the time they’re scheduled, so you’ll never have to rush to get ready after work to reach on time. You’re allowed to take a deep breath of fresh sea breeze, get ready at your own pace, and then arrive at parties 15 to 30 minutes later – no one’s going to mind.
With that being said, it’s nice to respect people’s time, so try not to be more than 30 minutes late, especially if it’s a weekday. No one really wants to end a good party early, so it’s best to make the most of it.
Think public transport might make you late? Read our article on Public Transport in Portugal and learn all about it.
6. Family time is valuable – and so is Sunday lunch
As an expat in Portugal, I initially had my set of doubts about moving here. After all, it’s normal, right?
It’s always scary to leave your homeland and live independently elsewhere. However, I’ve felt grateful for the people around me every single day.
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