Two Days in Lisbon
I love exploring cities that are easily navigated on foot. Lisbon is one of those places, and if you visit in February, as I did, conditions are perfect (clear blue sunny skies and comfortable temperatures) for discovering all the delights on offer – and all the necessary hill climbing. Lisbon is rich in history and culture, has great restaurants, bars and cafes, and beautiful decorative tiled buildings. Always on the look out for my favorite shops to share the best shops in Lisbon are those that celebrate the rich Portuguese heritage, artisans and crafts. I loved wandering around the streets of Lisbon, and wish I could have stayed longer. So I’m already planning my next trip which will definitely include a visit to Sintra and Porto.
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A Vida Portuguesa
Largo do Intendente Pina Manique 23, Rua Anchieta 11, Rua Ivens 2, Avenida 24 de Julho
A flight of black swallows decorates each A Vida Portuguesa store. There are four A Vida Portuguesa shops in Lisbon, each one beautifully unique. The shops showcase products created and made in Portugal, goods that have retained their beauty and quality over the test of time. The gorgeous Intendente store, housed in an old tile factory, has to be one of my favourite shops in the world. Vintage cabinets and tables display an amazing assortment of the finest Portuguese goods, ranging from sardines to children’s toys. Products to treasure and souvenirs of our travels.
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Embaixada
Praça do Príncipe Real, 26
A 19th century palace is home to Embaixada, a gallery of shops, restaurants and cafés. Striking architectural details form the backdrop to a series of shops including Stock the Nature, Muu, and Castelbel.
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More Best Shops in Lisbon
The neighborhoods I explored were Alfama, Baixa, Bairro Alto, Chiado and Belem (home of the original Pastel de Nata). Pictured below are some of the shops I discovered. If you want to visit a beautiful flower shop then Instagram favorite, Pequeno Jardim is a must-visit. Chicuração makes and sell woollen clothing and home accessories; Caza das Vellas Loreto has been making handmade beeswax candles since 1789, and the shop has been in the same family for seven generations; and Azulejos de Fachada, a shop and studio where contemporary cork backed tiles are hand-painted and sold. Speciality grocer Prado Mercearia is on the list for next time, as it opened since I visited. For more on this beautiful city check out these accounts @ibrandling, @heyandiehay and @sardinesplease.
Check out more destinations in our Going Places Guides