Like much of Europe, many Portuguese people eat lunch around 1pm or later. Dinner isn't usually served until around 8:30pm or 9pm. Most restaurants and shops will close around 3pm for the afternoon siesta and won't reopen until 7:30pm.
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Portuguese are the third latest risers on the planet, with research saying they wait until 8.10am to get out of bed. This is only beaten by Greece (8.18am) and Saudi Arabia (8.22am). On average, Portuguese head to bed at 00.47am, 25 minutes before Iranians, who are the last to go to bed, according to the research.
General Opening Times in PortugalTraditional shops may open from Monday to Friday between 9 am or 10 am and close around 7 pm. Saturday opening, though, is becoming the norm. Many traditional shops in smaller towns and cities in Portugal will be closed on Sundays.
While there's no obligation to tip in Portugal, it's also important to remember that when you do leave a tip, it's essential to use cash euros (the European currency), so the recipient of your tip can easily use the money without having to make a special trip to a bank (and then pay a transfer fee).
It can get really hot here, up to or just over 40ºC. The interior regions are a lot warmer too, and people don't even leave the house around noon. Nights can nice and warm too, but there might be enough humidity in the breeze to make it cool and uncomfortable, in which case you might want to wear a cardigan.
It's generally safe and healthy to drink the public tap water across Portugal. Get a water filter such as TAPP 2 to improve the taste and reduce the risk of contaminants. Avoid plastic bottled water in Portugal as most plastic doesn't get properly recycled. Get a high quality reusable water bottle like TAPP.
You should tip your taxi driver at least 15 to 20% of your trip fare. If you think of giving anything less than 10%, you might as well leave without tipping at all. If your fare is less than $10, leave a tip of not less than a dollar. Something like a 50-cent tip is insulting and more of a hassle to come up with.
The bill at the restaurant only charges for what you eat; it is customary to leave a tip 10% + (the amount depending on the quality of the service you receive ). In hotels, tip €1-2 for bellhops who carry your luggage up to the room.
Just tip when your bags are brought to your room, as these tips are usually pooled. Housekeepers: Give between two and five euros per day. If you want, you can leave the total amount in your room when checking out. Doorman: Give one or two euros if they help you with transportation, hail a cab, or carry your bags.