Lisbon's shopping district is an experience unlike any other, with specialty and quirky stores, luxury boutiques and large shopping malls. Although it is considered a city full of historical monuments, Lisbon has a lot to offer to shopping lovers who are lucky enough to visit.
Make room in your suitcase, because we're looking at the five best places to shop that will steal your heart and add to your travel collection. To help you navigate Lisbon's bustling retail culture, get in touch with our experienced local guides and create the ultimate personal shopping adventure.
Vasco da Gama Shopping Center
Start your shopping adventure in Portugal at Centro Vasco da Gama, where architecture meets comfort. This shopping center is the result of Lisbon's renovations in 1998, during the World Expo. Its name is a tribute to the famous Portuguese explorer and sailor Vasco De Gama.
To say that this shopping center has it all is not an exaggeration. It is the second largest shopping center in Lisbon, with three floors, more than 50 restaurants, 10 cinemas and an impressive 164 retail stores. Spend a whole day browsing the local boutiques and international stores such as Calvin Klein, Guess and H&M. If your visit leaves you hungry, you're in luck. The restaurant floor has everything from Italian cuisine to artisanal cafés, classic coffee shops and American fast food favorites.
From the terrace, you can enjoy views over the Tagus River and Parque das Nações, the neighborhood that has transformed Lisbon's east side into a modern metropolis. There is also a panoramic view of the Vasco da Gama bridge, the largest in Europe to date. Pass by the nautical-themed gardens and the Oceanarium, where you'll find unique souvenirs near and inside the world-famous aquarium.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy this tour of Lisbon by van with a local guide, or find out more about all our private tours.
Alfama
There's a reason why locals and visitors can't stop praising Alfama. As well as tasty food and fascinating history, there's rare fashion, beauty and culture. If you find yourself walking through the winding streets and hillsides, here are a few places you must visit. First of all, the Loja dos Descobrimentos, the home of tile culture in Lisbon. Also known as Azulejos, Portuguese tiles have a legacy that spans centuries. They were brought from Egypt during the 13th century, but adopted Portuguese art over the years.
In the Shop, you'll discover a variety of traditional, locally made tiles, hand-painted ceramics and unique souvenir pieces. Head to the back of the workshop for the full experience, where you can observe the fascinating tile-making process up close.
One thing Alfama is known for is its craft stores. Arte de Terra has a selection of niche antiques and cultural crafts, such as their skillfully made Portuguese carpets. They even have a collection of eccentric puppets that will make for a good story. For thrift lovers, head to Alfama on Tuesdays and Saturdays and you'll find the Feira da Ladra. It's a great opportunity to interact with local vendors and choose from a wide variety of second-hand vintage art, clothing, tiles, books, stamps and furniture.
Want some tourist souvenirs that say “I love Lisbon”? Head to the Alfama Shop, which has everything from tile-themed gift cards and stationery to fun fish-shaped decorations. Popular items include their famous “Miss Edite” aprons, handmade baskets and scarves. Alfama can be a dizzying ride, even for seasoned travelers, so explore the neighborhood like the locals do with your personalized guided tour of Alfama.
BookShop: Livraria Ler Devagar
Ler Devagar, it literally means read slowly, and is an elegant bookshop that speaks of Portugal's literary culture. In fact, Portugal has the oldest working bookshop in the world, Livraria Bertrand, which has been in operation since 1732, although it has changed location and owner over time. Ler Devagar used to be an industrial textile warehouse and was transformed into one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. It is full of charming metalwork, including a whimsical cyclist with a cape. To reach the collection of books on the ceiling, climb the structural white stairs and find local and international bestsellers.
In addition to the stunning exhibition and books focusing on creativity and the arts, Ler Devagar hosts a series of cultural programs highlighting local music, dance and theater, as well as debates and conferences. After choosing some of your favorites, snuggle up in the café and enjoy a Bolo da Marta, a creamy, fluffy meringue cake topped with fresh fruit.
The bookshop is open from 12:00 to 12:00, but on Sundays it hosts an antiques market, so keep that in mind. If you can't get enough of Lisbon's book culture, stop by Livraria Bertrand and ask your guide about Lisbon's rich literary legacy.
Loja Das Conservas
With over 300 varieties of canned fish, Loja Das Conservas is a strange but necessary entry on this list. From mackerel to tuna and tilapia, the sheer magnitude of its stock means there's something for everyone, even those new to canned fish. Strolling through the famous market, you'll get to know a different side of Lisbon, one that celebrates the importance that seafood has had on the Portuguese economy and culture. Canned fish has been gaining importance since it became a viable industry in the mid-19th century. Today, you can find canned fish representative of all of Portugal's regions.
The charming display, vintage art and delicate handmade wrapping paper make you feel like you're in a 50s warehouse. If you ask the locals, they'll tell you that Minerva, Nuri and Cantara are some of the most popular brands. Common products like tuna pâté contrast with rich selections like octopus in garlic and olive oil. The tins are thin and the fish has undergone a conservation process, so it's the perfect souvenir that will last long after your trip.
Mercado da Ribeira: Timeout Food Market
Shop while you eat in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood, where you'll find the Timeout Market. This gastronomic space is where Portuguese cuisine really shines. It was inaugurated and carefully organized by Time-Out's gastronomy team in 2014, and is home to over 48 bars, stores, food stalls and cafés. Each stall features talented local and international chefs and ingredients you can use to create your own Lisbon-inspired dishes. Although Timeout is a modern market, it is located in the Mercado da Ribeira, a historic building known for housing a traditional market built in 1890. If you're wondering which stalls serve the best food, the answer is all of them. Each vendor has a five-star rating, so you can spend the day sampling the best Lisbon has to offer.
In addition to the food, there is an excellent selection of wine sellers, such as Garrafeira Nacional, where you can buy a bottle of authentic Portuguese Port. Vida Portuguesa offers locally designed products such as engraved soaps, marmalade, baskets, books, vintage pencils and branded items.
For those who want Michelin-starred cuisine, you'll find it here. Some stalls are run by well-known local chefs such as Miguel Castro e Silva, Marlene Vieira, Alexandre Silva and Henrique Sá Pessoa. There are also simple snacks such as pizzas, hamburgers and pastries. You can even enjoy a classic Pasteis de Nata dessert that is just as good as the ones in Belém.
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