When it comes to shopping in Lisbon, reviews are unanimous: it's an opportunity to explore the ancient traditions of Portugal rather than chasing brand names. If you're planning a shopping tour in Lisbon, make sure to visit Rua Anchieta, 11. Here, you'll discover the gift store A Vida Portuguesa, a favorite shopping destination for many Hollywood stars and even Queen Elizabeth II of England.
The store offers a range of products, including soaps, shaving supplies, perfumes, candles, and more, all made according to ancient recipes. All cosmetics are exclusively natural. For instance, the composition of soap, cologne, toothpaste, etc., has remained unchanged since the XIX century. A bar of soap costs 14.5 EUR, while toothpaste following a recipe from 1932 is about 6.5 EUR, and hand cream is priced at 6 EUR.
Sellers proudly claim that no one has ever complained about the quality of the cosmetics they offer in the last 50 years. The products' quality stands out even among the big shopping centers in Lisbon. The attention to detail is remarkable, with real sealing seals on the soap packages. Everything available here is authentically Portuguese; there's not a single Chinese-made item in sight. A Vida Portuguesa is undoubtedly the best place to purchase authentic Portuguese souvenirs.
For history enthusiasts, there's the opportunity to buy azulejo, the ceramic patterned tile that is a significant part of Portuguese culture. The specialized azulejo store Solar Antiques (Rua D. Pedro V, 68-70) has been open since 1956 and boasts an inventory of over half a million pieces. The prices for individual tiles can reach up to 2500 EUR per piece, with paintings priced at 7000, 12000, and 25000 EUR. On average, a small XV-century tile will cost around 450 EUR.
If you're looking for truly unique items, avoid mass-markets and large shopping centers. Lisbon is home to specialty shops that offer eco-friendly products made from cork oak bark.
The most delicate layers of bark are used to produce various cork products, including postcards (1.5 EUR), covers for gadgets (40 EUR), bags (300 EUR), clutches (250 EUR), wallets (350 EUR), caps (40 EUR), and even cork umbrellas (120 EUR). The quality of all these products is of the highest level.
For unique and affordable Lisbon souvenirs, consider visiting the unconventional Conserveira de Lisboa, a canned food store. Tourists who shop here often provide positive feedback, as canned goods based on old recipes have become one of Lisbon's most popular souvenirs.
A single jar of canned fish, depending on the type (e.g., cod, mackerel, octopus, tuna), typically costs between 1.5 and 5 EUR. Sardines are among the most popular canned goods. These products are traditionally packaged in paper and tied with twine. You can find Conserveira de Lisboa at Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, 34.
The Most Popular Outlet Stores in Lisbon:
Forum Tivoli is the most branded outlet, offering clothing and accessories from top brands like Adidas, Burberry, Celine, Dolce&Gabbana, Jil Sander, Levi's, Missoni, Miu Miu, and Prada. You can find it at Avenida da Liberdade, 188.
Centro Comercial Colombo is not only the largest outlet on the Iberian Peninsula but also one of the world's shopping giants. After visiting this 13-story department store, tourists won't think of looking for a cheaper outlet near Lisbon.
There are more than 360 stores, about 60 restaurants, a movie theater, a fitness center, and a bowling alley at Centro Comercial Colombo. You can even send your purchases directly to your home using the post office on the first floor. The address is Av. Lusíada, 1500-392.
Centro Vasco da Gama doesn't have a vast selection of merchandise or a bustling atmosphere, but it's a cozy shopping destination. You can find it in Parque das Nações.
