17 Uniquely Portuguese Things to Buy in Lisbon

The rooster is one of the national symbols of Portugal, and sardines are very big too, as can be witnessed during the Festival of Santo Antonio in Lisbon every June. It’s a celebration of the patron saint of the capital, Santo Antonio, and the beginning of the sardine season. Miles upon miles of streets get overflown with people drinking beer and wine and eating grilled sardines bought from vendors at roadside stalls. You can pick up colorful and artfully made roosters and sardines all over the town. Some are ceramic, while others are made of cloth, wood, stone and even cork.

One of the best places to pick up these fun (and perhaps a little kitschy) items is the historic district of Alfama. The tiny shop, Ponto LX produces and sells some of the coolest handcrafted roosters and sardines in Lisbon. If you manage to duck beneath the low door and squeeze yourself inside, you’ll be able to browse this store’s very playful collection. You can spend as little as a few Euros for a ceramic sardine magnet, 10 EUR for a mid-sized rooster, and more than 40 EUR for a giant, human-sized sardine.

Portuguese manufacturers have been making ceramic good for centuries. You can purchase classic pieces that have much in common, thanks to the former Portuguese global empire, with the ceramic work coming out of China and India in the past. Chinese designs were popular throughout Europe, and you can still see those influences in Lisbon’s ceramic shops, woven through artistic motifs found in the bowls, dishes and plates. In addition to the more ‘rustic’ ceramics on offer, you can also pick up some very modern goods that are colorful and sleek, made in a variety of patterns.

Pastéis de Belém, also known as the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, is a renowned café specializing in the sweet egg tart called the ‘Pastéis de Belém,’ or simply ‘pastel de nata.’ These egg tart pastries have been coming out of this bakery’s ovens for more than 150 years. The ‘pastéis’ is the pastry, and the ‘nata’ is the cream. You can buy them for less than 1 EUR individually, or in pretty cardboard packs of six or more for around 5 EUR. The tarts are a little similar to the French pastry crème brûlée, and should be partaken of with a dash of powdered sugar and cinnamon on top. Pastéis de Belém is located in the district of Belém, west of the city center. If you looking for a gift for someone with a sweet tooth, these simple but delicious pastries should fulfill your needs.

Portuguese artisans make some of the finest gold and silver jewelry around. The people employed in this craft have a long tradition behind them. Portugal amassed an enormous amount of gold and silver from its former colonial holdings. The country once had one of the largest gold reserves on the planet (that’s all gone now). With so much precious metal to work with, the smiths and artists gained a lot of experience.

You can visit Joalharia do Carmo which specializes in graceful gold, silver jewelry and silver filigree. It’s possible to purchase handmade works of art in the form of caravel sailing ships, animals, butterflies, hearts and other creative designs. A pendant can cost anywhere from 20-100 EUR. If you’d like to buy a filigree caravel sailing ship, then you’ll have to spend more than 1000 EUR. Any one of these pieces, often decorated with precious stones, would make a wonderful gift for any collector of fine jewelry.

Portuguese muscatel comes from the region of Setubal, just to the south of Lisbon. The wine grapes come from the nearby Arrábida Hills. The winemakers add grape brandy to the mixture in order to stop the fermentation process, which makes Moscatel de Setúbal taste like no other muscatel wine in the world. This flavorful wine is always a good gift choice for a wine lover. You can pick up a very decent bottle of three-year-old Bacalhôa or José Maria da Fonseca muscatel for as little as 12 EUR. Of course, there are more expensive varieties for sale, which can cost as much as 50 EUR. In addition to muscatel, most wine stores also stock an abundance of premium vintages and tasty liquors.

Garrafeira Nacional was established in 1927. The friendly staff of this excellent wine store can speak to you in English, Spanish, French and, of course, Portuguese. They’ll be able to answer all of your questions about muscatel, vintage, or any other kind of wine for that matter, in a very clear and concise manner. Manuel Tavares is another wine shop, located downtown. They also have an extensive collection of wines with a good selection of muscatel on display.

Paraffin wax can be molded into a variety of shapes, and dyed any color you can possibly conceive of. In Lisbon, there’s one store that excels in the art of candle making. The candles produced there can easily be considered art. Casa das Velas do Loreto, located at Rua do Loreto 53 in the Barrio Alto neighborhood, produces some very unique candles. The proprietors of this small store make everything, from specially candles, used for important ceremonies and religious occasions, to humorous candles and those shaped and colored like exotic fruit. The variety of sizes and shapes you’ll find on the shelves is pretty amazing. Some of the fruit pieces look good enough to eat.

Casa das Velas do Loreto is a family-run shop with an exceptionally long tradition of candle making behind it. The ancestors of the current owners opened the store more than two hundred years ago. Candles will run you anywhere from 18 EUR and up. Many people come in for the joke candles, but the store also has some exceedingly elegant candles for sale. Most are free standing, but some come in glass containers or need to be put in a candleholder. For quality work, and a bit of history and fun, you really can’t beat Casa das Velas do Loreto.

When you stroll through Lisbon, you can’t help but notice the blue and white ceramic tiles decorating the façades of many of the old buildings. These ceramic tiles are called ‘azulejos,’ and they make wonderful gifts for friends and loved ones back home. Specialty shops in the city sell sets of these tiles. You can hang them on the wall in beautiful mosaics, often depicting rural and ocean-faring scenes. You can buy tiles individually as well, to use as simple art pieces, coasters, or as a hot pads for dishes.

Two of the best shops in Lisbon for azulejos tiles are Azulejos Sant’Ana and Solar. Sant'Ana is an azulejos factory and shop that has been churning hand-decorated ceramic tiles since 1741. The designs and sublime motifs are painted by hand. Anyone, who appreciates ceramic art, will be glad to have one or a few of these tiles. Solar is the place to buy antique tiles, some more that 400 years old. The tiles come from old churches and other buildings that were torn down or refurbished. The prices of the tiles vary widely. Some that are sold as mementos will only set you back 10-20 EUR, while larger sets, commissioned pieces and antique tiles can cost well into the hundreds.

Vinho do Porto, also know as Port wine, is a dessert wine that comes from Porto, Portugal, but is consumed all over the country, much as the whole world. Depending on your budget, you can pick up a nice bottle of Port wine for 10-20 EUR, but if you really want to impress, several more options are available. You can try Late Bottle Vintage (LBV) Port wine, which comes from a single grape harvest. If you want something more unusual, try a bottle of Vintage Port. Vintage Port comes from only the best grape harvests, and can be aged for up to one hundred years. A bottle of the good stuff will set you back at least 120 EUR or more.

One of the best places to browse, buy and learn about Port wine is the Napoleão Wine Shop. This establishment has been in business for more than 30 years, and the employees really know Port and Portuguese wines. Napoleão operates nine shops in the city. They also have another shop in the upscale shopping district of Chiado. Casa Macário also specializes in vintage Port, with some very old bottles running as high as 800 EUR. The store’s very knowledgeable staff can help you select some of the best vintages of Port wine to take home with you.

Cork can be used for a lot more than sealing wine bottles. Portugal is one of the largest producers of cork in the world. Cork trees are mainly grown in the southern region of Algarve. With such an overabundance of cork, local artisans decided to make use of this spongy wood in a variety of fun and stylish products. Cork handbags and shoulder bags are some of the most popular items available. They come in a variety of designs, and because they’re made from cork, you can rest assured that they’re waterproof. In addition to bags, you’ll also be able to find cork wallets, hats and shoes.

Pelcor Lisboa specializes in all things cork. You’ll find plenty of gorgeous bags, accessories, footwear and even goods for home and kitchen, all made out of cork. Wallets usually start around 20 EUR, while bags, depending on the size and quality, will run you from 80 EUR on up. If you’re in the market for a unique and playful gift, then you should give cork a try.

As you wander around Lisbon, you’ll probably notice the new, modern trams rolling through the city and, of course, the classic and very iconic ‘Tram 28.’ The small (and constantly changing location) tourist shops in the center, and especially on Rua Augusto, hawk toy trams and trolley cars, along with all of the other mementos for sale.

Ginjinha is a famous Portuguese cherry liqueur, sold all over Lisbon. The young and old drink it alike, on the streets, at home and at night on the town after dinner, and in the bars. The bottles are very colorful, and you can see the sour cherries floating inside the glass. One of the best places to sample and buy a bottle or two of ginjinha is A Ginjinha, situated at Largo de São Domingos 8. You’ll probably notice groups of people hanging around the door of this small ginjinha shop. You can buy a small glass of ginjinha for 1 EUR, and take a bottle home with you for around 10 EUR. Some of the better stuff can cost as much as 20 EUR a bottle. If you like, you can munch on the cherries left in the glass after you’ve downed the liquid.

Ginjinha shops have long been used as meeting points where locals can gather. There’s a lot of Portuguese culture and tradition behind this sweet cherry drink. A bottle from one of these shops would make a fine gift for any alcohol enthusiast. Most of the shops that sell wine and spirits also have a selection of ginjinha bottles, in case you don’t have a chance to stop by A Ginjinha.

Portugal has a long tradition of producing elegant, hand-embroidered linens. The artisans crafting these linens make use of silk and other materials, as well as bullion knots and a wide variety of stitches. When finished, they come out with some very refined designs and embroidery work. At the top of Lisbon’s Park Eduardo VII, just in front of the giant Portuguese flag flapping in the wind, men and women set up tables for the day and sell hand-embroidered handkerchiefs and linens, ranging in price from 10-30 EUR. This is a great place to buy from locals who run small cottage industries.

If you’re after something a little more urban, try the linen shop Teresa Alecrim. You can purchase beautiful bed covers, pillowcases, sheets and more, with unique and stunning designs. Linens typically run in the range of 30-100 EUR, depending on what you’re buying. For the quality on display, the prices are well worth it.

Many of the same shops that sell ginjinha and other typical Portuguese items will also stock and sell traditional Portuguese jams and honey. These tasty preserves are artfully packaged in appealing jars and come in a variety of flavors. You can purchase traditional berry jams, as well as some other enticing choices and mixes, including almond, muscatel, pumpkin, Port wine and African chocolate.

A Vida Portuguesa generally keeps a good stock of quality jams and jarred honey on hand. Amatudo is a shop that offers its customers Portuguese mementos and products of a high caliber. You’ll find a decent selection of jams and honey inside, all in very pretty jars and packaging. If you’re looking for a present with a bit of local flair, a few jars of gourmet Portuguese jam or honey just might fit the bill. A jar will generally cost you about 3-6 EUR. The producers use all natural ingredients, ensuring the best quality and taste.

Fernando Pessoa is the quintessential Portuguese writer associated with Lisbon. He was a poet, writer and translator who lived in the first part of the last century. He wrote under his own name, as well as more than 70 pen-names. Some of the most famous names he worked under, such as Alberto Caeiro, Álvaro de Campos and Ricardo Reis, had their own distinct biography and writing style. Pessoa, responsible in large part for bringing modernism to Portuguese writing, lived a fairly quiet and humble life in Lisbon. An edition of his work(s) or a biography about the man himself would make a great gift for those who like to read.

One of the best places to buy books in Lisbon is Bertrand. Bertrand is one of the oldest books shops in the world. The store was first opened in 1732, and then was reopened at a new location in 1755, after the original store was leveled in Lisbon’s massive earthquake of the same year. The bookseller has been going strong ever since. In addition to books in Portuguese, Bertrand also has a large collection of English language books. Finding just the right gift for the reader on your list should be a pinch here.

Portuguese craftspeople excel at the art of leatherwork. These days, Portuguese goods have been crowded out of the market by an influx of leather goods coming from Asia, but there is still a lot of quality merchandise on offer. If you’d like a pair of designer, well-built shoes (for men and women), or a very sleek leather belt, you’ve come to the right city. Prices vary, but 40-150 EUR should put you in a pair of elegant shoes, and the chances of someone having the exact same pair at home are slim to none.

The pedestrian street downtown, Rua Augusta, is Lisbon’s ‘shoe central.’ Arte carries men and women’s shoes, perfect for work or a night out on the town. Some of the best-known Portuguese brands are Armando Silva (men’s) and Sofia Costa (women’s). The interior of Arte is quite stylish, laid out so the attentive staff can take good care of you. You can choose from Portuguese-made footwear, as well as some imported Italian designs. Sapataria Lisbonense has been in business of selling leather shoes since 1887. This shop has a very wide selection of Portuguese shoes. The retailer Sapataria e Chapelaria Lord sells a variety of leather products as well. You’ll find leather shoes inside, bags, and as the name ‘chapelaria’ (hat store) suggests, a good selection of hats.

Lisbon, and Portugal in general, is a place where people go mad over soccer. This is the national sport, and the Portuguese are very good at it. Everyone has his or her favorite local team, and of course there’s also the national team to root for. In the capital, you have a choice between two football clubs. Some people support Benfica, while others stand behind Sporting. When the two teams meet in competition, the city usually goes wild.

Sports jerseys and scarves with team logos on them are popular items in Lisbon, especially around the game time. If you have a favorite team, the choice is simple. If not, you can go by color or design. For those of you who are unsure, local vendors will steer you in the right direction (probably toward a team they favor).

There are many places where you can buy sports paraphernalia. Some of the best are on Rua Augusta. As you walk down this pedestrians only street, toward the Arco da Rua Augusta and the Tagus River, you’ll pass by a lot of small shops and kiosks selling soccer jerseys and scarves. They tend to change location, and set out more goods when a game is approaching, but you can always find something for sale. You can also buy sporting merchandise at Sports Zone. Depending on the quality, sports jerseys and scarves will run you about 5-20 EUR.

The Portuguese have been making fine leather products for hundreds of years. The quality and designs of their leather bags and gloves are simply outstanding. One of the coolest places to shop for women’s gloves is the store Luvaria Ulisses. This art-deco glove shop is probably one of the smallest shops in the world. Even though there isn’t a lot of elbowroom inside, the service you’ll get from the staff is outstanding. These people really know leather gloves. One glance at your hand and they’ll bring out the perfect fit. All you have to do is browse the store’s showcase and indicate the style that tickles your fancy the most. You can choose from gloves with fur lining, or without, all coming in a myriad of styles and colors. If you’re buying for a friend, make sure you have some idea about the size of her hand, as these gloves fit, well, ‘glove tight.’
This elegant shop has been in business since the 1920s, and it still retains some of the old world charm from that bygone era. If you’re a fan of custom-made gloves, then squeeze into this tiny shop, and squeeze into a pair of wonderful gloves. Prices begin at around 35 EUR and go up from there.