Lisbon is a fascinating city with a rich culture and an energetic vibe makes for a fantastic place to visit. It’s not hard to have a great time in the Portuguese capital, and if you do, you may find yourself wanting something to commemorate your trip. Or maybe you have people at home you’d like to buy a gift for. Either way, Portugal has some iconic items that make for great souvenirs to bring home with you.
Forget bottle openers and cheap, mass-produced trinkets. In Lisbon, you can pick up something authentic, local, and traditional, paying homage to the city’s unique culture while you shop. You can find some great items in dedicated shops and in the city’s famous market, so there’s no reason to settle for less.
Leave your heavy bags behind at a Lisbon luggage storage so you can shop in comfort and track down some of these iconic souvenirs. These authentic items make great keepsakes and will always remind you of the fun you had in Lisbon.
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Ceramics
Ceramics are one of the most traditional and well-known souvenirs of Lisbon. There are many shops in the city that sell ceramics, but one of the most famous is the Fábrica Sant’Ana. The factory is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide range of hand-painted ceramics.
The most popular items are the traditional azulejos, which are glazed tiles that can be used to decorate your home or as a decorative item. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, including the traditional blue and white patterns, and are a great way to bring a piece of Lisbon into your home.
Port Wine
Port wine is a famous product of Portugal, and it is a great souvenir to pick up from Lisbon. The most famous port wine region is the Douro Valley, which is about two hours away from Lisbon by car. However, many wine shops in the city sell port wine, and you can also find it in many restaurants.
The best way to enjoy port wine is to drink it after a meal, and it is best served at room temperature. There are many different varieties of port wine, including ruby, tawny, and white, and they all have different tastes and aromas. Which one will be your favorite?
Pastel de Nata
Pastel de nata, also known as a Portuguese custard tart, is a traditional pastry that is a must-try when visiting Lisbon. In fact, they were invented right in the city itself. These sweet treats are made of puff pastry and a creamy custard filling, and they are best eaten warm. It might be hard to choose a place to get this treat, but the absolute best in the city is Pastéis de Belém. This shop is located in the Belém district and has been making pastel de nata since 1837. One bite will confirm their iconic status, and you can even watch them being made through the window.
Cork Handicrafts
Cork is an important product in Portugal, and there are many shops in Lisbon that sell cork handicrafts. These handicrafts are made from the bark of the cork oak tree and can be found in various forms, such as bags, wallets, and shoes. The cork material is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, making it a great alternative to traditional leather products. There are also many cork items, such as coasters, keychains, and even cork jewelry, that you can pick up. These products are eco-friendly and sustainable, and they will travel easily back home in your luggage.
Fado Music
If you’re wondering what that lovely yet mournful music is that’s coming out of the various bars in the city center, it’s probably Fado. Fado music is a traditional style of music that originated in Portugal, and it is a great souvenir to pick up from Lisbon. The style is characterized by its melancholic and emotional lyrics, and it is usually accompanied by a guitar. There are many fado houses in the city where you can listen to live fado music, and you can also buy CDs or download tracks of your favorite fado singers. This is a great way to bring a piece of the city’s culture and tradition back home with you.
Sardines
As a waterfront city on the Tangus River that flows into the Atlantic, it’s probably not surprising that sardines are a popular food in Portugal. They are usually grilled and served with boiled potatoes or bread, and they are a great snack or a light meal. They can be found in many restaurants and shops in the city, and you can also buy canned sardines as a souvenir. They are a great way to bring a taste of Lisbon back home with you, and they are also very healthy and nutritious. It may sound unusual, but a can of sardines is actually a classic Lisbon souvenir, and even if you’re not a big fan of the fish itself, you can get colorful and decorative cans that are meant to be admired more than they are to be eaten.
Bordallo Pinheiro Pottery
Bordallo Pinheiro is a well-known pottery brand from Portugal, and it is a great souvenir to pick up from Lisbon. The company was founded by Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro in the 19th century, and it is known for its colorful and whimsical designs. The pottery offered for purchase can be anything from plates and bowls to cups and vases, all decorated with illustrations of fruits, vegetables, and animals. These items are not only functional but also make for great decorative pieces in any home. They can be found in many shops in the city, and it is also possible to visit the factory and learn more about the brand’s history and production process.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect souvenir isn’t hard in Lisbon. Keep an eye out for some of these classic items as you travel around the city, and you’ll soon find the perfect thing to take home and remind you of your trip. Just remember to leave your bags behind while you hunt for the perfect souvenir.
