Although Lisbon is not perceived as a true shopping destination in the league of New York , Paris or London , there is still plenty for the visitor to enjoy. Unlike many other cities, Lisbon does not have a main shopping street but what you will find are plenty of little boutiques and quirky shops nestling amongst the larger stores. This, along with the traditional markets, makes Lisbon a fascinating and unique shopping destination.
The guide below will give an idea of some of the main shopping areas and what you can expect to find there.
• Avenida de Liberdade – Best for high fashion and designer-ware such as Armani, Boss, Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton not forgetting local designers such as Bairro Alto and Chiado .
• Chiado quarter – Best for modern retailers such as Benetton, Zara, H&M, Foot Locker etc. but also some high fashion and interior design.
• Bairro Alto – Best for alternative fashion such as club and street ware. The shops in this district tend to open in mid afternoon and stay open until late.
• Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market) – Best for fresh produce and regional specialties. There is also an impressive fish hall there.
• Feira da Ladra (flea market – literally means “thieves market”!) – Best for just about anything you can imagine!
• Colombo Mall (Metro: Colégio Militar) – This is the biggest mall in Lisbon
(open until 11.00pm )
• Amoreiras Mall (Metro: Pombal) – Another large shopping mall more centrally located than Colombo (open until 11.00pm )
What to Buy
Portugal isn't renowned for clothes, but Lisbon has a thriving retro secondhand clothing industry that has become a niche fashion throughout most of Europe . In particular the Bairro Alto is the place to head with plenty of small boutiques and secondhand emporiums selling everything from street fashion to clubwear. Portuguese designers can be found on Lisbon 's streets as well. Otherwise plenty of Spanish and Portuguese clothing stores can be found in the Baixa and Chiado areas, including mainstream chainstores, like Mango and Zara.
Portugal is well known as an important producer of handicrafts , ceramics in particular, and Lisbon is no exception. Brightly coloured ceramic pottery and tiles ( azulejos ) are a distinctively Portuguese, and not necessarily tacky, souvenir. The tourist shops shift thousands of cheaply produced souvenir tiles every year but you'll get a lot more for your money if you hunt around the less well trodden areas of the city. Markets such as The Thieves Market on the Campo de Santa Clara is a good place to unearth antique tiles. Naturally, there are few ceramic factories in the heart of the city but it is well worth seeking out a workshop during your stay to pick up some handmade pottery or a tile or two. Try Fabrica Sant'Ana, Rua do Alecrim, 95.
It's not like you can't get good port everywhere nowadays but it would be churlish not to bring back a bottle of Portugal 's most famous drink. Like with the tiles, cheap examples are easy to find, and eagerly thrust on unsuspecting tourists. Go to a specialist wine-seller and, if you're really serious about getting the best on offer, make sure you visit the Port Wine Institute on Rua de S Pedro de Alcântara. Here you can learn about the stuff properly before drinking it.
Opening Hours
Generally speaking shops open between 9.00am and 1.00pm and then again from 3.00pm until 7.00pm . Saturdays tend to be 9.00am until 7.00pm .
