Shopping is often one of the main highlights for visitors to Lisbon.
The wide range of reasonably priced products such as handmade
leather shoes, bags and belts are difficult to resist. Out of
town mega malls may be gradually strangling many of Lisbon’s
smaller shops but the Baixa quarter still thrives. Pricier outlets
can be found on Avenida da Liberadade and in the attractive Chiado
district, to the west above Baixa. Local handicrafts include
baskets and other objects made of wicker, copper utensils, embroideries
and lace, pottery and other ceramics. During the summer sales
many clothes shops - even designer outlets - offer discounts
of up to 50%. 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. One of the most favoured souvenirs is the
exquisite Vista Alegre porcelain, skilfully made by experts in
the northern town of Aveiro since 1824. The many low-priced ceramic
pots and plates you see in the shops are all fine examples of
the local craftsmanship known as artesenato, while the oriental-style
rugs from the Alentejan town of Arraiolos and the delicate lacework
from Madeira Island are also popular among tourists. And no visitor
should leave Lisbon without a bottle or two of vintage Port Wine,
a sure way of bringing back tasteful memories of your stay in
the Portuguese capital.
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