Shopping in Lisbon

Shopping in Lisbon includes a profusion of out of town mega malls, which may be gradually strangling many of Lisbon's smaller shops, although the Baixa quarter still thrives.

Key areas

Pricier outlets can be found on Avenida da Liberdade and in the attractive Chiado district, to the west above Baixa. Lisbon has long been renowned for conservative dress but the renaissance of the city has also translated into a wave of new funky fashion stores, such as Agencia, Rua do Norte 117, a 70s-style shop with a hairdresser and a bar.

Markets

Lisbon's most famous market is the Feira da Ladra (Thieves' Market), which springs up Monday to Saturday 0900-1900 on the Campo de Santa Clara, packed with all sorts of bric-a-brac - yet another excuse for visitors to take Tram 28. Belem has an antiques market on the first and third Sunday of the month, whilst an organic food market takes place in Principe Real every Saturday.

Shopping centres

Centro Colombo, Avenida Lusíada, is the largest shopping centre on the Iberian Peninsula. Competitors include the Amoreiras Shopping Centre, Rua Carlos Alberta da Mota Pinto, and the Centro Comercial Vasco da Gama, Parque das Nações.

Opening hours

Shops are generally open Monday to Friday 0900-1300 and 1500-1900 and Saturday 0900-1300. Shopping centres are open daily 1000-2300/2400.

Souvenirs

Local handicrafts include baskets and other objects made of wicker, copper utensils, embroideries and lace, pottery and other ceramics.

Tax information

There is a sales tax of 23% included in prices which may be reclaimed by visitors who live outside the EU (minimum spend per shop £61.35). 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 (www.globalrefund.com).