There is no better way to discover a country than by doing as the locals do. Portuguese culture is full of long-held traditions and ‘way of doing things’ that make it so unique, from inconvenient morning commutes to the insider scoop on sampling Portugal’s fine cuisine. Check out how we ‘Go Local’ with a selection of treasured experiences unique to Portugal and best celebrated alongside its hospitable locals.

Mostly found along Portugal’s coastal towns, but also present in its cities, a marisqueira is the only place to go to enjoy authentic Portuguese seafood. Everything is priced by the kilo, whether you want oysters, crabs, seabass or a firm favourite of sea urchins, you’re sure to find it here. Always served with a side of hot buttered bread and quenching glass of Vinho Verde, arrive before sunset to enjoy an alfresco experience, watching the waves and sun roll in.

Upon wandering the streets of Porto on the 23rd of June, locals will greet you with wilting leeks and plastic hammers to symbolize good luck, whilst the evening sky is filled with fireworks and lanterns to celebrate the summer solstice. The smell of grilled sardines fills the air as thousand’s fuel up for the midnight march to the coast of Foz and Matosinhos for a refreshing dip in the sea waters. Sounds completely bizarre? Come and experience it for yourself to find out.

It’s loud, screechy and has an average speed of 12 miles per hour, with a habitual tendency to brake a little too well and its over-polished wooden benches rarely provide sufficient friction for the slide. But it is how the Lisboans have commuted since 1930, packed like sardines as you tackle the hilly and narrow cobblestoned neighbourhoods with lackluster speed. Relax and enjoy a scenic ride in the little yellow cabin that perfectly exudes Lisbon’s old world charm.

Translating as ‘the burning of ribbons,’ this long-held student-led tradition at the University of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest institute is celebrated every May. For eight days, the streets are filled with colourful ribbons and elaborate floats paired with traditional Iberian music. Each day ends with a ceremonial burning of one of the eight ribbons representing the faculties that makeup Coimbra’s University.

It’s where the locals hang out and are typically filled with loyal regulars. There’s rarely a menu and you chose by looking at what everyone else is eating around you. Tables are always packed at lunchtime and shared by strangers, there are no frills and the house wine never fails as a pairing. It’s the best way to experience Portugal like a local and the ‘Prato do dia’ certainly will not disappoint.