Shopping in Lisbon may seem, to the untrained eye, much like other European capitals. The main shopping area – Chiado – is home to high street names you might see anywhere (the second-largest Zara store now sits prominently in an historic building in Rossio square, for example). But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that this is a city that still values craftsmanship. After all, there’s a reason why a ‘made in Portugal’ label inside your t-shirt or shoes indicates quality for many brands around the world.
Shopaholics will love getting under the surface of Lisbon, wandering through its winding streets and discovering treasures to take home. Whether you want quality shoes, classic Portuguese ceramics or sunglasses made bespoke, here’s where to look for the best shopping in Lisbon.
The best book shops in Lisbon
Livraria Bertrand
Lisbon is home to a great number of bookshops, from modern arty spaces to old-school academic purveyors, including the world’s oldest, Livraria Bertrand. Located in Chiado, it has been in operation since 1732, and is now one of the largest booksellers in Portugal. Visitors can pick up literary tomes and English-language versions of works by famous Portuguese poets, such as Fernando Pessoa or Nobel Prize winner José Saramago, as well as join the shop’s historic tertulia (book club).
Website: bertrand.pt
Palavra de Viajante
Over on Rua de São Bento, chic travel bookshop Palavra de Viajante (which translates as “Traveller’s Word”) offers a literary journey around the globe – with recommendations from owner Ana Coelho.
Website: palavra-de-viajante.pt
Livraria Sá da Costa
Those in the market for antique maps and rare books go to longstanding Livraria Sá da Costa in Chiado, to peruse leatherbound editions on its wooden shelves and quaint library trollies.
Website: sadacosta.com
Where to find tinned fish in Lisbon
Conserveira de Lisboa
The oldest shop in Lisbon to stock tinned fish, Conserveira de Lisboa has remained true to its roots and continues to sell quality conserved fish and preserves to its faithful crowd of foodie traditionalists. Opened in Baixa in 1930, it has updated very little: its products come in pretty old-fashioned tins wrapped in paper and tied up with string. The shop offers a nostalgic trip to another era, with wood-panelled shelves and tin signs hanging over a stone-topped counter. Classic buys include canned tuna, mackerel, squid and cod, and conserves from heritage labels Tricana, Prata do Mar and Minor.
