One of the biggest Lisbon attractions is that it is inexpensive to enjoy a Lisbon vacation and you will just love walking aimlessly around its wonderful shops with their charming ambience. It is traditional to do a lot of shopping when you are on your vacation, and Lisbon is one place where you will find it impossible not to be tempted.
What To Buy On Your Lisbon Vacation
Downtown Lisbon is a good place to start. Lisbon has plenty of shopping malls with shops displaying a variety of wares. Don’t be surprised to find some of the best brand names in the world right here in Lisbon. You will also find some terrific handmade leather items that you can take back home as gifts or keepsakes. Be careful about the roadside vendors who try to push their wares on you, though, convincing you that they are genuine.
On your Lisbon vacation, you can shop for some wonderful antique and hand painted tiles. You will also find beautiful handmade lace and embroidery. Gold and filigree jewelry is another must buy item in Lisbon. Other items you can buy are woven baskets, Barcelos pottery, Atlantis crystal and the famous fine woolen Arraiolos carpets.
Where To Shop On Your Lisbon Vacation
The best Lisbon shopping is in Baixa – between the Rossio and the Tagus River - from Praça do Comércio to the Restauradores. It is great to walk down the Rua Augusta where you will find everything you can think of.
If you are looking for big brand names in fashion, the Avenida da Liberdade is ideal as you will find labels like Armani, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Escada, etc. For local designers, you will need to visit Bairro Alto and Chiado. There are plenty of old shops and bookstores around Chiado alongside international names. Portuguese design is very popular and there are many designers who have made this area their base. Bairro Alto is where you go for more casual wear.
Most shops will open late and also enjoy long lunch breaks, mostly enjoying the siesta or rest. Sundays are holidays, but some shops might be open for a little while. Malls are open on Sundays, for example the Colombo, the Armazens do Chiado, the Amoreiras etc. Feira da Ladra in Alfama is where you head for if you enjoy shopping for big discounts especially on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
By buying a Lisbon Shopping Card valid for 24 hours, you can get good discounts at some of the big stores on your Lisbon vacation. Most shops will offer International-shipping services.
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