From artisan shops to upscale boutiques and international luxury brands, you have them all in Lisbon, Portugal. Whether you’re looking for traditional souvenirs, gourmet treats, unique artisanal products or designer luxury goods, Lisbon offers plenty of shopping opportunities to suit every taste and budget. Since Portugal is still one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe you will definitely see a price advantage while shopping in Lisbon. We suggest buying things that are distinctly Portuguese, unique to the country, and artisan-made. Here is your guide to Shopping in Lisbon. Read on to know what to shop in Lisbon and where to shop in Lisbon.
What to Shop in Lisbon?
Portuguese Ceramic Tiles
Much of Lisbon’s distinct look is due to the azulejos or ceramic blue tiles that cover Lisbon’s buildings. Antique azulejos used a simple colour palette dominated by blues and whites, but contemporary tiles now have a mix of vibrant colours. From geometric patterns and floral motifs to historical narratives, all find a place on these hand-painted tin-glazed ceramic tiles. You also have the option to purchase tiles, which can be utilised as standalone art pieces, magnets, coasters, or even as trivets/hot pads for dishes. We even spotted some with letters of the alphabet and numbers that you can pick and assemble to make a pretty nameplate for your home or office. We remember seeing these Azulejos on our trip to Fontainhas in Goa, a Portuguese colony in India.
Hand Painted Ceramics
From kitchenware to decorative pieces, Lisbon’s hand-painted ceramics are a must-have. They are greatly inspired by nature, so you will see lots of swallows, fish, and roosters made with clay. The crockery is unique with lettuce, cabbage, capsicum-shaped bowls and plates. We were particularly awed by a shop selling stunning ceramic showpieces in the shape of butterflies, cats, owls, turtles and so on. These make great gifting options and add some much-needed zest to a plain room.
Hand Painted Ceramics
Cork Products
Portugal is the world’s largest cork producer, and Lisbon is a great place to shop for cork products such as bags, wallets, accessories, and even shoes and clothing made from this sustainable material. You will see lots of locals selling bracelets and necklaces made with cork and ceramic trinkets in and around Lisbon for a couple of Euros. We picked a fanny bag and coin purses as gifts.
Cork Bags and Footwear @Rafiq Somani
Rooster Statutes/ Galo de Barcelos
Barcelos Rooster is the unofficial symbol of Portugal, inspired by an ancient legend. You will see these roosters in black painted with vibrant colours as magnets, showpieces, pictures and paintings all around Lisbon. So, what is the folktale behind the Barcelos Rooster? A pilgrim was accused of stealing silver. He was presented in front of a magistrate who was ready to eat a roasted chicken. The magistrate passes a judgement that the thief be taken to the gallows and hanged. The thief pleads for mercy as he is falsely accused. He says that if he is innocent, then the roasted chicken in front of the magistrate will spring back to life! Viola no sooner was the thief taken to be hanged than the roasted chicken springs back to life.
Ever since, the rooster has become a symbol of good luck, justice and honesty. We had heard precisely the same story while exploring the Fontainhas neighbourhood in Goa, where the locals had homes with figurines of roosters on top!
Filigree/ Filigrana Jewellery
Portuguese filigree jewellery is renowned for its intricate and delicate designs, crafted using a traditional technique that dates back centuries. It involves twisting and soldering fine threads of precious metals, such as gold or silver, to create intricate patterns and shapes. You will see filigree earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in jewellery shop windows. Seeing the Portuguese Filigree jewellery I immediately recall seeing Goanese locals wear these, too. On our recent trip to Odisha too, we had seen filigree jewellery. So much cultural and art exchange is evident when imperial powers colonise different geographic territories.
Portuguese Embroidery and Linens
Another demonstration of craftsmanship and expertise lies in Portugal’s exquisite embroidery and linen work. Skilled artisans produce stunning tableware, clothing, scarves, and accessories adorned with finely embroidered designs and motifs. Vibrant stripes and iconic symbols such as the Barcelos Roosters, sardines are commonly featured, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. We even saw a shop where a local artisan did personalised machine embroidery with your name on bibs, aprons and bags.
Miniature Trams, Trains and Cars
Lisbon is known for its charming miniature souvenirs of trams, trains, and cars. These tiny replicas capture the essence of the city’s iconic transportation modes, offering visitors a delightful keepsake to remember their time in Lisbon. Whether it’s the iconic yellow trams winding through narrow streets, the historic trains of the Portuguese railways, or the classic cars navigating Lisbon’s scenic roads, these miniature models make for popular and nostalgic mementoes of the city’s charm and character.
Local Artworks and Paintings
Local artists in Lisbon create captivating paintings that depict scenes of life in the city, capturing its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and bustling streets. These artworks often showcase iconic landmarks such as the colourful houses of Alfama, the charming trams winding through narrow alleys, and the lively atmosphere of local markets and cafes. Through their brushstrokes, artists convey Lisbon’s unique charm and personality, offering a glimpse into everyday life in this enchanting city.
Canvas Tote Bags
An alternative to plastic bags, the canvas tote bags are perfect eco-friendly yet stylish option to shop for in Lisbon. With patterns of blue azulejos, sardines, yellow trams, Barcelos roosters and elegant cats, they make for great gifts. We picked one with azulejos pattern for our daughter.
Portuguese Food Products
If you are a foodie, then you may want to shop for local Portuguese food products you can continue savouring when back home. A bottle of Port wine that comes from Porto, Portugal or Ginjinha, a traditional cherry liqueur, are hot favourites. If you are still craving the delicious ‘pastel de nata’ and can’t have enough of them, then carry some home. Portuguese cheese, tinned sardines, olive oil, jams and honey are other food favourites you may want to shop for.
Where to go shopping in Lisbon?
For unique souvenirs and traditional handicrafts, head to the historic districts of Alfama and Baixa, where you’ll find charming shops selling Portuguese tiles, ceramics, and cork products. Rua Augusta Street in the Baixa district of Lisbon has several shops where you can pick up these souvenirs. The ‘Feira da Ladra’ or ‘Thieves’ Market’ in Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama is another favourite among tourists and locals. You can visit the flea every Tuesday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For high-end luxury brands, explore the elegant streets of Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade, home to international retailers. Shopping in Lisbon is therapy. You will run out of cash but not things to buy!