Lisbon Shopping and Districts

(Lisbon, Portugal)

Home to Portugal's premier shopping, Lisbon may be known for its sunny weather and beachfront attractions, although its excellent selection of shops should not pass without mention. Many different souvenirs of both Lisbon and Portugal as a whole can be found for sale at reasonable prices along the Rua da Madalena, ranging from hand-painted figurines and azulejos tiles, to linen and various embroidered goods.

One of the country's leading shopping centres resides within Lisbon and along the Avenue Lusiada. Spread over three spacious floors, the busy Colombo Mall (Centro Comercial Colombo) is home to in excess of 400 shops, 50 restaurants, a number of cinemas and also an indoor amusement complex. Only slightly smaller, Lisbon's Amoreiras Shopping Centre is also particularly impressive and lies on the Avenue Eng Duarte Pacheco.

When to Shop and Opening Hours

Most of the shops in Lisbon tend to open between the hours of 09:00 and 19:00, Monday to Friday, but many choose to close for lunch between 13:00 and 15:00.

On Saturdays, the opening hours are reduced, with most shops choosing to close in the early afternoon, from around 13:00 or 14:00, although the biggest shopping centres open daily and close at late as 23:00, or even midnight in some cases.

Where to Shop

Even though various shopping malls are now appearing outside of central Lisbon, the downtown Baixa district is still thriving and filled with popular stores, aimed at all budgets. For something a little more upmarket, head to the west and visit the Chiado area and its lengthy Avenida da Liberdade, where quality lace, ceramics and wicker goods can be purchased.

The Bairro Alto area also contains plenty of shops, especially around the Rua do Carmo and at the Armazéns do Chiado.

Many restaurants and bars also reside in this part of Lisbon, allowing you to stop off and rest your bags, before continuing with your shopping expedition.

If you are planning to spend in a big way, be sure to first purchase a 'Lisboa Shopping Card' from the main Lisbon tourist offices, since this will entitle you to discounts at literally hundreds of the stores around the city. You may also be able to reclaim sales tax on large purchases, although a refund cheque will need to be obtained at the time of payment.