Lisbon is one of those cities where it is easy to find yourself bringing home more than you planned. Between the colourful tiles, local food, beautiful shops and markets, there are plenty of Lisbon souvenirs that feel distinctly Portuguese.
I always prefer souvenirs that either remind me of something we experienced on a trip or that I can actually use when I get home. Food is another easy choice, especially when I want to bring home small gifts without filling my suitcase with things no one really needs.
If you are wondering what to buy in Lisbon, here are some of the best Portuguese souvenirs to keep an eye out for while exploring the city.
Top Lisbon Souvenirs to Keep Your Eye Out For!
Portuguese Tiles
You cannot spend much time walking around Lisbon without noticing the beautiful tiles covering buildings throughout the city.
Known as azulejos, these decorative tiles are one of the most recognizable things to buy in Lisbon. You will find everything from traditional blue and white designs to colourful modern versions.
A single tile is relatively easy to pack and can be used as a decorative piece, coaster or incorporated into your home once you get back.
Portuguese Ceramics
If you love bringing home something for your kitchen, Portugal is a great place to shop for ceramics.
You will find colourful bowls, serving dishes, plates and decorative pieces in shops throughout Lisbon. Some feature traditional Portuguese patterns, while others have much more modern designs.
Small bowls and dishes are easier to get home than large serving pieces. Wrap them carefully in clothing and tuck them into the middle of your suitcase for the trip home.
Cork Products
Portugal is one of the world’s largest producers of cork, and you will quickly discover that the Portuguese can turn cork into just about anything.
You will find cork wallets, handbags, hats, coasters, notebooks and even shoes in Lisbon’s shops.
Smaller cork products make particularly practical souvenirs because they are lightweight and easy to pack. A wallet, coin purse or set of coasters also makes an easy gift if you are looking for something distinctly Portuguese that is not another magnet.
Canned Sardines
Canned sardines might sound like a strange souvenir until you visit Lisbon.
Beautifully packaged tins of sardines and other Portuguese seafood are sold throughout the city, and some of the packaging is almost as much fun as what is inside.
They are inexpensive, easy to pack and make a fun gift for someone who enjoys trying food from around the world.
You will find plenty of shops catering specifically to tourists, but it is also worth looking in local grocery stores and traditional food shops for Portuguese brands.
Portuguese Olive Oil
If you prefer edible souvenirs that you know you will actually use, look for a bottle of Portuguese olive oil.
Portugal produces some excellent olive oils, and specialty food shops around Lisbon offer everything from everyday bottles to beautifully packaged oils that make easy gifts.
Portuguese Art and Prints
Lisbon is such a visually distinctive city that artwork makes a particularly good souvenir.
Look for illustrations and prints featuring Lisbon’s yellow trams, tiled buildings, steep streets and red rooftops. You will find inexpensive prints alongside original artwork from local artists.
I like prints because they are lightweight, flat and easy to bring home. They are also a much more personal reminder of a destination than something with simply “Lisbon” printed across it.
Check local markets, galleries and independent shops for pieces from Portuguese artists.
Portuguese Clothing and Accessories
Instead of buying a generic Lisbon t-shirt, look for something from a Portuguese designer or local brand.
Lisbon has plenty of independent boutiques where you can find clothing, bags and accessories that you will actually want to use when you get home.
If you are traveling with tweens or teens, letting them pick something out themselves is an easy way to get them involved in souvenir shopping. A locally designed t-shirt, hat or sweatshirt will probably get a lot more use than another keychain.
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Lisbon
One of the best ways to figure out where you want to return for shopping is to explore the city first. Joining one of the many Lisbon tours can help you get your bearings, learn more about the neighbourhoods you are walking through and spot shops or markets you might want to come back to later.
You will find plenty of souvenir shops around Lisbon’s most popular areas, including Baixa, Chiado and Alfama. They are convenient for inexpensive gifts, but I would not do all of my shopping in traditional tourist stores.
Instead, keep an eye out for independent boutiques, ceramic shops, markets and stores selling products made in Portugal.
Grocery stores are also worth visiting if you are looking for edible souvenirs. Olive oil, canned seafood, chocolates and other Portuguese foods are often less expensive than similar products packaged specifically for tourists.
Markets are another good place to look for artwork, handmade products and gifts from local makers. If you see something you love while exploring Lisbon, buy it. There is no guarantee you will find the same thing again later!
Lisbon Souvenirs I’d Skip Next Time
I would skip most of the generic mass-produced souvenirs that simply have “Lisbon” printed across them. With so many interesting products made in Portugal, there is really no reason to fill your suitcase with things you could find in almost any European tourist shop.
I would also be cautious about buying supposedly antique Portuguese tiles. Historic tiles have been removed illegally from buildings in the past, so buying newly produced tiles from reputable shops or local artists is a much better option.
Large ceramics are another purchase I would think twice about unless you absolutely love the piece. They are beautiful, but getting a giant serving platter safely home in your suitcase is another story.
Instead, I would spend my money on smaller ceramics, locally made art, cork products or Portuguese food. They are easier to bring home and are much more likely to remind you of the things you actually experienced in Lisbon.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.