Six unique items to take home from Lisbon
Time to shop! Vacations are all about souvenirs. Impress your friends and commemorate your travels.
Azulejos
Azulejos are one of Portugal’s most unique souvenirs. From the Sintra National Palace to the São Bento train station in Porto, the legendary glazed tiles are as historic as they are beautiful.
Make sure you purchase your treasured keepsake from a legitimate local dealer, such as one of the following: Fábrica Sant’Anna has been producing tiles using completely artisanal methods, since 1741. For more modern tiles, from the 1960s through the 1990s, visit Cortiço & Netos one mile north of Rossio Square. The bright, beautiful shop is made for browsing. Or in the more-touristy Alfama, stop by XVIII – Azulejo & Faiança, a modern shop that recreates antique tiles using 18th century techniques.
Books
Why books? Only in Lisbon can you buy a book from the world’s oldest operating bookstore. Founded in 1732, nothing has stopped the Bertrand brothers—nor their many, many ancestors—not the 1755 earthquake, not two World Wars, and certainly not Amazon. Now in 52 storefronts across Portugal, the flagship location in Chiado stocks hundreds of titles in English and has a café in back—the perfect place to pore over your purchases.
Fragrances & Soaps
Since 1887, Claus Porto has created unique soaps, colognes, candles, and grooming products. Their bright, expansive flagship store in Chiado–housed in a former pharmacy, naturally–is the ideal spot to pick up a gift for your friends with good taste and a great nose.
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves make a deluxe gift for anyone. Luvaria Ulisses is the last shop in Portugal dedicated to the exclusive sale of bespoke leather gloves. Enter the tiny shop, founded in 1925, have your hands measured by professionals, and allow highly skilled artisans to craft gloves to last a lifetime, using traditional handcrafting techniques.
Men’s Shoes
“Booze & Shoes” the sign beckons, and who wouldn’t fall for a line like that? The Lisbon Walker is dedicated to stylish, handmade Portuguese men’s shoes. Buy any pair of shoes and get a bottle of Portuguese wine to go. It’s really that simple. The store is located in between the Alfama and Chiado neighborhoods – run don’t walk.
Sunglasses
Located in the center of Lisbon, Chiado has become a major shopping destination for the best retailers, bars, and restaurants. Make your visit to Chiado memorable with a pair of locally handcrafted Fora sunglasses. Only eight years since opening, Fora is the baby in the ‘hood, but their style says nothing but vintage. Zeiss lenses ensure the highest optical quality, making the world around you look every bit as good as the new sunglasses on your face. Get a second pair for that special someone to guarantee that every time you plan a trip to Lisbon in the future they will respond “why yes darling!”