Although Lisbon is a small city, it offers variety of shopping. You will be both surprised and delighted by the number and the variety of shops and shopping malls to suit all tastes from the cheaper brands to top international fashion brands in this city. In fact, even if you don’t like shopping, it is very likely to find yourself buying a couple of items after seeing the cheap prices. Lisbon remains Western Europe's least expensive capital, and wandering around the traditional and specialist shops. Downtown is a refreshing experience. Many shops are even worth going into for their distinctive decoration alone such as Luvaria Ulises, Ourivesaria Aliança, and Casa das Velas do Loreto. There are some areas in Lisbon specially devoted to shopping. Some of the best bargains are handmade goods which also make excellent souvenirs. Look for antique and contemporary hand-painted tiles, distinctive regional ceramics and textiles such as tablecloths and embroidery, and don't forget that all gold sold in Portugal is at least 19.2 karats and is one of the best buys in the country.
Downtown
The area frequently called “Baixa” (downtown) comprises the Rossio, the Augusta street and its transversal streets, Chiado and the Liberdade (Freedom) Avenue. This is one of the oldest commercial areas in Lisbon. The streets are named after the businesses or jobs that used to be practised there. Prata (Silver) Street, is where silver used to be sold, Ouro (Gold) Street and Ferreiros (Blacksmiths) Street are other of these examples. The main shopping street is Rua Augusta, where you will find all the main high-street brands such as Zara, Benetton, Lanidor, Levi’s, H&M, etc.
Rua Augusta
Rua Augusta is situated in one of the busiest quarters of Lisbon. Closed to traffic, this pedestrian-only street offers a great variety of shopping options. Here you can shop in big European chain-stores like Zara, Mango or H&M or near the arch, you will find peddlers selling you all sorts of things from neck-scarves to jewellery, from shoes to hand-made bags. Although most of them cater to tourists, you'll commonly find locals on their work breaks hanging out in the streets to have a coffee and a snack.
Avenida da Liberdade
If you are looking for International brands then the best thing to do is walk down Avenidade da Liberdade. Here you will find brands such as Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, Trussardi, Burberry, Longchamp and Escada. It’s a lovely street to wander down, wide and occupied with cafes where you can take a break. However in the international stores be prepared to pay the same prices as you would in any of these shops in Paris or London.
Colombo
One of the largest malls in Europe, this shopping and leisure complex also houses dozens of restaurants, a bowling alley, health club, multiplex cinema, funfair with rides including a roller coaster, and a go-cart track.
Popular shopping center decorated with an ocean theme, with water running over the transparent roof. The stores are conveniently clustered by genre, and there is a 10-screen cinema and various fast-food outlets with outdoor seating and views.
El Corte Ingles
The Spanish department store opened its largest branch in Lisbon. Spreading over nine floors, it includes a supermarket, a gourmet shop, cafes, restaurants (including one on the top floor with an outdoor terrace), a 14-screen cinema, brand name fashion, sports goods, household goods, electronics, CDs, books etc.
Feira da Ladra
Lisbon's most famous market is called the Feira da Ladra or "Thieves' Market" (in the original Portuguese, it is a woman thief), which springs up Monday to Saturday 0900-1900 on the Campo de Santa Clara. A market of this type is thought to have been in place in Lisbon since the 12th Century. Today, the traders here are perfectly legal. The market is held every Tuesday and Saturday, from dawn to dusk. A myriad of small stalls sell all sorts of second-hand and new products, and other traders simply display their store on a stretched-out blanket.
Shops are generally open Monday to Friday 0900-1300 and 1500-1900 and Saturday 0900-1300. Shopping centres are open daily 1000-2300/2400. There is a sales tax of 19% included in prices which may be reclaimed by visitors who live outside the EU. Travellers wishing to take advantage of this must ask for a refund cheque at the time of purchase (available at participating stores only). The cheque must be stamped by customs and a refund claimed before passing through passport control.
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