Opening Hours

The typical opening hours in Portugal differ from German habits — especially the lunch break is still common in many shops and authorities.

Shops

• Small shops: Mon–Fri 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–19:00, Sat 9:00–13:00. Lunch break is real!
• Shopping centers: Daily 10:00–23:00 (including Sundays and holidays)
• Supermarkets: Daily 8:00–21:00, larger branches until 22:00 or even 24:00

Restaurants

• Lunch: 12:00–15:00 (kitchen often closes at 14:30)
• Dinner: 19:00–22:30 (kitchen often closes at 22:00)
• Many smaller restaurants are closed on Sunday evenings and Mondays

Museums

• Most museums are open Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00, closed on Mondays
• Last admission usually 30 minutes before closing
• Many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month — but they are crowded then

Authorities

• Mon–Fri 9:00–12:30 and 14:00–17:30. Without an appointment, it can take a long time

Pharmacies

Regular opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 9:00–13:00. In cities, there are night and weekend pharmacies (Farmácias de Serviço) — a notice at each pharmacy shows the next one on duty.