The Ultimate Guide To Useful Portuguese Phrases For Tourists (2026)

Planning a trip to Portugal or Brazil? Then learning a few useful Portuguese phrases for tourists can turn your travel experience from ordinary to unforgettable.

Imagine strolling through the colorful streets of Lisbon, asking for directions with confidence, or ordering a delicious pastel de nata like a local.

Even a few simple words can open doors, create smiles, and help you connect with people in meaningful ways.

If you’re exploring beaches, dining out, or hopping on public transport, knowing basic Portuguese can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

In this guide, you’ll learn the most practical and easy-to-use Portuguese phrases for tourists, along with when and how to use them in real life.

By the end, you’ll feel ready to communicate naturally, even if you’re not fluent.

---

Why It Matters 💬

When traveling, communication is everything. Using useful Portuguese phrases for tourists shows respect for the local culture and helps you build instant rapport.

Portuguese people truly appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language even a simple “obrigado” can earn you a friendly smile or better service.

More importantly, understanding a few basic words can save you from confusion in restaurants, transport stations, or hotels.

Now, let’s dive into the most useful Portuguese phrases for tourists, organized by real-life situations.

---

👋 Greetings and Basic Expressions

Every journey starts with “hello.” These basic phrases will help you start conversations, greet locals, and sound friendly right away.

Olá — Hello

Use When: Greeting someone anytime.
Example: Olá! Como vai? (Hello! How are you?)

Bom dia — Good morning

Use When: Morning greetings before noon.
Example: Bom dia! Tudo bem? (Good morning! Everything good?)

Boa tarde — Good afternoon

Use When: Greeting people between noon and evening.
Example: Boa tarde! Como está o seu dia? (Good afternoon! How’s your day?)

Boa noite — Good evening / Good night

Use When: Greeting at night or saying goodbye before bed.
Example: Boa noite! Durma bem! (Good night! Sleep well!)

Tchau — Bye

Use When: Saying farewell in an informal way.
Example: Tchau! Até logo! (Bye! See you soon!)

---

🙏 Polite Words and Expressions

Politeness goes a long way in any culture. Here are must-know useful Portuguese phrases for tourists that show respect and good manners.

Por favor — Please

Use When: Requesting something politely.
Example: Um café, por favor. (A coffee, please.)

Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you

Use When: Expressing gratitude.
Example: Muito obrigado! (Thank you very much!)
(Men say “obrigado,” women say “obrigada.”)

De nada — You’re welcome

Use When: Responding to thanks.
Example: De nada! (You’re welcome!)

Desculpe — Sorry / Excuse me

Use When: Apologizing or getting attention.
Example: Desculpe, onde é o banheiro? (Excuse me, where’s the bathroom?)

Com licença — Excuse me (to pass)

Use When: Politely moving past someone.
Example: Com licença, por favor. (Excuse me, please.)

---

🍴 Dining and Ordering Food

Food is a huge part of Portuguese culture, and these phrases will help you enjoy every bite with confidence.

O cardápio, por favor — The menu, please

Use When: Asking for the menu at a restaurant.
Example: O cardápio, por favor. (The menu, please.)

Eu quero… — I would like…

Use When: Ordering food or drinks.
Example: Eu quero um pastel de nata, por favor. (I’d like a custard tart, please.)

Quanto custa? — How much does it cost?

Use When: Asking about prices.
Example: Quanto custa o vinho? (How much is the wine?)

A conta, por favor — The bill, please

Use When: When ready to pay.
Example: A conta, por favor. (The check, please.)

Estava delicioso — It was delicious

Use When: Complimenting food.
Example: Estava delicioso! Obrigado! (It was delicious! Thank you!)

---

🚕 Getting Around and Directions

Traveling becomes much easier when you can ask for directions or understand public transport info.

Onde fica…? — Where is…?

Use When: Asking for a location.
Example: Onde fica a estação de trem? (Where is the train station?)

À esquerda / À direita — To the left / To the right

Use When: Listening to or giving directions.
Example: Vire à esquerda. (Turn left.)

Perto / Longe — Near / Far

Use When: Asking about distance.
Example: É longe daqui? (Is it far from here?)

Quanto custa o bilhete? — How much is the ticket?

Use When: Buying transport tickets.
Example: Quanto custa o bilhete para Lisboa? (How much is the ticket to Lisbon?)

Pode me ajudar? — Can you help me?

Use When: When you’re lost or need assistance.
Example: Pode me ajudar, por favor? (Can you help me, please?)

---

🏨 Hotel and Accommodation Phrases

Checking in, making requests, or solving small issues at your hotel is easy with these useful Portuguese phrases for tourists.

Tenho uma reserva — I have a reservation

Use When: Arriving at your hotel.
Example: Tenho uma reserva no nome de Silva. (I have a reservation under Silva.)

Qual é o número do meu quarto? — What’s my room number?

Use When: Asking about your room.
Example: Qual é o número do meu quarto? (What’s my room number?)

Preciso de toalhas, por favor — I need towels, please

Use When: Requesting something from staff.
Example: Preciso de toalhas, por favor. (I need towels, please.)

O Wi-Fi é gratuito? — Is Wi-Fi free?

Use When: Asking about internet access.
Example: O Wi-Fi é gratuito? (Is Wi-Fi free?)

Posso fazer o check-out mais tarde? — Can I check out later?

Use When: Requesting late check-out.
Example: Posso fazer o check-out mais tarde, por favor? (Can I check out later, please?)

---

🛍️ Shopping and Money

Love to shop? These useful Portuguese phrases for tourists make buying souvenirs or bargaining simple.

Aceita cartão? — Do you accept cards?

Use When: Asking about payment methods.
Example: Aceita cartão de crédito? (Do you take credit cards?)

Tem desconto? — Is there a discount?

Use When: Asking for a deal or offer.
Example: Tem desconto para turistas? (Is there a discount for tourists?)

É muito caro — It’s very expensive

Use When: Expressing that something costs too much.
Example: É muito caro! (That’s too expensive!)

Posso experimentar? — Can I try it on?

Use When: Trying clothes or accessories.
Example: Posso experimentar este chapéu? (Can I try this hat on?)

Vou levar — I’ll take it

Use When: Deciding to buy something.
Example: Vou levar este souvenir! (I’ll take this souvenir!)

---

🚑 Emergencies and Health

In emergencies, knowing these Portuguese phrases can be a lifesaver.

Ajuda! — Help!

Use When: In any urgent situation.
Example: Ajuda! Eu preciso de ajuda! (Help! I need help!)

Chame uma ambulância — Call an ambulance

Use When: Medical emergencies.
Example: Chame uma ambulância, por favor! (Call an ambulance, please!)

Estou perdido — I’m lost

Use When: If you can’t find your way.
Example: Estou perdido. Pode me ajudar? (I’m lost. Can you help me?)

Tenho alergia — I have an allergy

Use When: At restaurants or pharmacies.
Example: Tenho alergia a amendoim. (I’m allergic to peanuts.)

Onde fica o hospital mais próximo? — Where’s the nearest hospital?

Use When: Finding medical help.
Example: Onde fica o hospital mais próximo? (Where’s the nearest hospital?)

---

❤️ Connecting with Locals

A few friendly phrases can help you bond with locals and enjoy genuine Portuguese hospitality.

Tudo bem? — How are you?

Use When: Starting a friendly chat.
Example: Oi! Tudo bem? (Hi! How are you?)

Gosto muito de Portugal — I really like Portugal

Use When: Expressing appreciation.
Example: Gosto muito de Portugal! É lindo! (I really like Portugal! It’s beautiful!)

Você é muito simpático — You are very nice

Use When: Complimenting someone.
Example: Você é muito simpático! (You are very nice!)

Posso tirar uma foto? — Can I take a photo?

Use When: Asking before taking photos.
Example: Posso tirar uma foto? (Can I take a photo?)

Até logo — See you later

---

🗒️ Bonus Recap Table

Category	Key Phrase	Meaning	Example Use
Greetings	Olá	Hello	Olá! Como vai?
Polite Words	Obrigado	Thank you	Muito obrigado!
Dining	A conta, por favor	The bill, please	A conta, por favor.
Directions	Onde fica…?	Where is…?	Onde fica o hotel?
Hotel	Tenho uma reserva	I have a reservation	Tenho uma reserva no nome de Silva.
Shopping	Posso experimentar?	Can I try it on?	Posso experimentar este vestido?
Emergencies	Ajuda!	Help!	Ajuda! Eu preciso de ajuda!
Social	Gosto muito de Portugal	I like Portugal	Gosto muito de Portugal!

---

✨ Final Thoughts

Learning useful Portuguese phrases for tourists doesn’t mean you need to master the language it’s about connection.

Every time you say “obrigado” or “bom dia”, you’re not just speaking words; you’re sharing respect, warmth, and curiosity for the culture.

Before your trip, practice these phrases a few times daily. Even if your accent isn’t perfect, locals will appreciate your effort.

The key is confidence and kindness two things that always translate well, no matter the language.

---