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Starting a new chapter in a different country is an exciting adventure, full of new places, flavors and experiences. But let’s be honest: Building a new social life from scratch can feel daunting, especially in Portugal, where family bonds and long-standing friendships run deep.

As expats in Portugal for over four years now, I can tell you this is one of the biggest struggles with living in another country.  Your culture, your job, the way you speak… It all isolates you in a way from those local to the country.  Those moving to Portugal have a leg up, as the Portuguese love English and American culture.  I cannot imagine moving somewhere where this was frowned upon!  However, it’s still a barrier to deep friendship.

We’ve made some amazing friends, but it is still different from my friends in the US.  We don’t have the cultural bonding or the time I have with friends I made before our move.  This results in a lot of Marco Polos and girls’ trips for me to fill some of that void.

The good news?  The Portuguese are famously warm and welcoming.  And while it might take a little time to weave yourself into local circles, there’s a thriving expat community ready to connect.  Many have been exactly where you are now, and they know how valuable it is to find “your people” in a new place.

Here’s how you can start meeting friends and making your life in Portugal even richer.

1. Dive into Online Communities

Platforms like Facebook are a treasure trove for expats. Look for groups such as Expats in Lisbon, Americans in Porto or Digital Nomads Portugal. These aren’t just bulletin boards, they’re lively hubs where people share advice, post about events and arrange casual meetups. From coffee mornings to happy hours, these low-pressure gatherings are perfect for those first friendly connections.

The only challenge I’ve found with these?  Lack of time!  Many expats in Portugal are retired or only working on pet projects. They’ve “retired” when they have come.  With five kids and working full-time, I simply can’t get the meet-ups into my schedule.  We are working US hours and this prevents nearly everything at night.  However, if you have more time, this can be an amazing opportunity.

You can also use platforms like Meetup to find communities based on shared interests such as book clubs or hobbies. It could be a great start!

2. Seek Out Expat-Friendly Events

Portugal’s international crowd is active and social. Check Meetup.com or local event listings for expat mixers, language exchanges or international potlucks. These events are designed with newcomers in mind, so everyone’s in the same boat, making it that much easier to strike up a conversation.

These groups can include conferences, workshops and other events that help you to mingle with expats, but also you can make more international connections, creating rich opportunities for friendships.

Pro Tip: Attend events at cafés or organized meetups to practice Portuguese while meeting both locals and other expats.  For example, our favorite brunch place, Liberty Cafe, has amazing events for the Ukrainian/Russian expat crowd!

3. Volunteer for Something You Care About

Few things bring people together like working toward a shared goal. Whether it’s helping at an animal shelter, joining a beach cleanup or lending a hand at a food bank, volunteering connects you with people, both locals and expats, who share your values and interests.

One of the most rewarding ways to connect with Portugal is through volunteering. Beyond the beautiful landscapes and historic towns, there are numerous opportunities to give back, which often opens doors to deeper cultural experiences and lasting friendships.

If you love the outdoors, environmental and conservation projects are a wonderful option.  Along the coast, volunteers join marine conservation programs, while in the countryside you’ll find projects focused on reforestation, permaculture farms and animal welfare in local shelters.  It’s a chance to enjoy Portugal’s natural beauty while helping to protect it.

In Portugal’s cities, the focus often shifts toward social and community support. In Lisbon and Porto, for instance, programs like Refood invite volunteers to dedicate just two hours a week to rescuing surplus food. Each shift helps secure meals for around ten people in your local community, a small effort with a big impact.

Beyond food initiatives, there are also projects aimed at supporting youth programs or assisting the homeless. Opportunities vary, so it’s best to check availability in advance. Volunteering in these initiatives offers more than just service, it allows you to experience a different side of urban life and build genuine connections with the people who call these cities home.

Finding the right opportunity is easier than you might think.  Many travelers start with international platforms like International Volunteer HQ or VolunteerWorld.  Young people often look into the European Solidarity Corps, while Portugal Voluntário is the government’s official platform.  And if you prefer a personal touch, you can reach out directly to NGOs like the AMI Foundation or Re-food, both of which do incredible work.

4.  Learn Portuguese

Even if the Portuguese culture is super friendly, and many people in Portugal speak English, learning some basic Portuguese  phrases such as  Bom dia, Obrigado, and Como está? shows respect for the culture and it will make your days smoother.

I’ve met many amazing expats in my Portuguese classes.  We’ve bonded quickly over the experience of trying to adjust to life here, even if our lives don’t look the same.  I love that the school also offers a weekly “field trip” where you can chat and get to know each other better as students while exploring local favorites.

Joining an actual class will allow you to meet new people, and some of them are expats too, and you will totally relate with them, so it will be like a double win: You’re gonna win new friends, and you’re gonna get immersed in the culture.

5. Take a Class or Join a Club

Leaning into your hobbies, or even trying something completely new, can be one of the best ways to build connections in Portugal. A Portuguese language course is a great start, but you might also consider cooking classes focused on regional dishes, joining a local hiking group, or even signing up for surfing lessons.  Each of these activities not only immerses you in Portuguese culture, but also naturally introduces you to people who share similar interests.

Fitness and wellness activities are another strong avenue for meeting others.  Whether it’s joining a class you’re already passionate about or exploring something new, these experiences can easily become social.  Many parents also find that involving their kids, through family-friendly classes or outdoor activities, creates opportunities to meet like-minded families and forge lasting friendships.

I attend classes from time to time at Homes Place, which is a British gym and often has expats.  I haven’t made any friends there yet, but I could definitely be more outgoing!  I usually just want a good workout!

Of course, exploring uniquely Portuguese pastimes can be both fun and socially rewarding. Wine tastings, Fado music workshops and other cultural experiences often serve as fantastic conversation starters, helping you connect with locals while deepening your appreciation for the country’s traditions.

For those who prefer a more structured approach, the One Thousand Club (OTC) can be a great choice; it’s a social network built around the idea of bringing together 500 locals and 500 expats. 

The OTC in Portugal is more than a private social club; it’s a community focused on real and meaningful relationships.  Unlike traditional networking groups, OTC brings together a diverse group of members, including founders, artists, leaders, locals, and expats who all want genuine connections.

What makes the club special, according to members, is its unique atmosphere. Conversations go beyond small talk and explore shared interests, personal passions and new viewpoints.  Through carefully planned events, ranging from intimate private dinners to lively late-night gatherings, OTC provides the space for connections to develop naturally.

This approach has created something uncommon: a network that feels personal, collaborative and inspiring.  Members often share how friendships and professional partnerships have formed organically.  This shows that the club’s true value is in the community it fosters.

6. Leverage Your Work or Workspace

Say yes to after-work drinks or team events.  They’re a relaxed way to get to know people outside the office.  So, say yes to invitations, accepting social offers helps expand your network and deepens relationships over time.

If you’re looking to connect with people in Lisbon, coworking spaces are one of the best ways to make new friends, especially if you work in a digital or creative field. Many say they’ve met like-minded people while working side by side in these spaces.

One place that comes up frequently is Second Home, located right above the Time Out Market. people highlight its vibrant social and cultural program, which draws both locals and expats together, creating a welcoming and dynamic community.

You can also embrace café culture, so spending time in local cafés, which often host social events and are natural gathering spots, could be a great option as well.

7. Take the First Step

Friendships rarely appear out of thin air.  You’ll need to put yourself out there.  If you meet someone you click with, suggest a coffee, a walk or a casual drink.  Swap contact details and follow up.  You’ll be surprised how often people are eager to connect, especially fellow expats who understand exactly what you’re going through.

I recognize I’ve not done the best in this department and have just a few friends as a result!  However, we have a strong church community, which allows me to interact and spend time with many Portuguese and, for that, I am grateful!

Our recommendation is to be proactive, open and willing to engage with both locals and fellow expats to build a vibrant social life in Portugal.

A lot of us who’ve lived in Portugal, whether locals or foreigners, have noticed how tricky it can be to make new friends here, especially in the north.  People often stick to the same groups they’ve had for years, gathering at the same cafés over and over.  It’s cozy, yes, but for someone trying to break in or build new connections, it can feel a little closed off.

After living in different Portuguese cities or even abroad, it’s clear this isn’t just “in your head.”  Making friends as an adult here really does take effort.  Many of us aren’t necessarily looking for expat-only groups, but simply people who are open-minded, social and happy to connect, whether Portuguese or foreign.

Bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto naturally offer more chances to meet new people.  So, if you’re moving to Portugal or already living here, know you’re not alone in feeling this way. Plenty of people share this experience, and many are eager to change it, and meet new friends.

Additional Readings

My Experience Learning European Portuguese: Portuguese Connections School in Lisbon, Portugal

What We Import to Portugal (As an Expat Family)

Why We Are Uprooting Our Family and Moving To Portugal