Lisbon Shopping. Ten Most Unusual Stores

Lisbon shopping has always been a varied experience. Everything from Pastel to high fashion. Autumn is a perfect time to take a Lisbon shopping city break – the weather is mild, flights are affordable from the UK, and there is no shortage of hotels to suit all pockets. From cosmopolitan large shopping malls to the country’s oldest music store, there is quality and quirkiness guaranteed with some Lisbon shopping. Here are our top ten most unusual stores to seek out.

Manuel Tavares – founded in 1860, this is one of the oldest stores in Lisbon and specialises in Portuguese delicatessen. A wide range of wines, fine charcuterie, dried fruits and cheeses from all Portuguese regions will be on display here.
Feira da Ladra –this famous flea market is held twice a week on a Tuesday and Saturday in Alfama and is open from from dusk till dawn. Here you’ll find a rich mix of new and antique goods, from clothing, books to furniture.

A Vida Portuguesa –take a step back in time in this vintage store in Chiado, which sells original soaps, books, blankets, tiles and gourmet products in original retro packaging.
Pelcor – You’ll find this contemporary fashion brand in the heart of Baixa selling sustainable accessories in cork, one of Portugal’s biggest exports. Here you can but cork skin handbags, belts, purses and wallets.
CNM Companhia Nacional de Musica –the oldest music store in the country is a meeting place for locals, music lovers, musicians and intellectuals seeking a slice of genuine Portuguese musical culture.
Caza das Vellas Loreto – this quirky shop has produced handmade candles since 1789 – and is still using the same techniques today. Decorative, scented, organic and altar candles are some of the popular varieties available.
Outra Face da Lua –a very popular vintage clothing and accessories store in Baixa with an adjoining tea room selling local cakes, snacks and light lunches.
Garrafeira Nacional –Open since 1927, this rustic downtown Lisbon wine shop , offers over 4,000 Portuguese wines, including fine ports of course which can be shipped anywhere in the world.
Luvaria Ulisses –is a dedicated glove shop founded in 1925 in the Chiado area. It is the only shop in Portugal dedicated to the sale of all styles of gloves for all occasions.
Conserveira de Lisboa – this old fashioned Baixa shop from the 1930s sells one product only: quality canned fish. The tuna, squid and sardines all come from Portugal’s Atlantic waters and the unusually decorative vintage cans would make for very unusual gifts.

Lisbon Shopping Districts

The easiest way to navigate the many shopping areas in Lisbon is knowing your districts.

Chiado is where contemporary high street fashion stores sit next to ancient book stores, coffee houses, old Portuguese tile and porcelain shops and random historic monuments.

Baixa is the pedestrianised shopping and banking district and runs from the river Tagus waterfront to theAvenida da Liberdade, with streets named after shopkeepers and craftsmen who traded in the area.

Avenida da Liberdade is a 19th century tree-lined boulevard, not unlike the Champs-Elysees in Paris; and is now home to all the major luxury brands including, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Burberry.

Lisbon’s hippest district, Bairro Alto, is the “upper district” with often great views of the water. Lots of alternative shops, including local designers, second-hand clothes, interior decorations and music. By day it is a peaceful place to explore, but by night it becomes the heartbeat of Lisbon’s night-life, with buzzing bars and traditional fado houses spilling out on to the cobbled streets.

Extending on from Bairro Alto is Principle Real dominated by a lovely park and where the trendy set look for art work in independent galleries and design stores.

Alfama, is the city’s oldest and quaintest quarter and a maze of alleyways, stairwells and tiny squares with village-like grocery stores and shops selling more traditional souvenirs and gifts.