Shopping and Sightseeing in Lisbon - Flat in Lisbon

Lisbon is a paradise for budget shoppers. It boasts of some of the largest shopping malls and international retailers in Europe. Most popular among them are Armazens do Chiado, Amoreiras and Colombo. Traditional markets are situated in Mercado da Ribeira downtown.

There are all types of traditional and boutique shops especially in the downtown Lisbon. They offer good bargains for leather and handcrafted merchandize.

Centro Vasco da Gama

The shopping center has the décor of an ocean theme with water flowing over the transparent roof. There are several fast food outlets and shops by genre. There is also a 10-foot screen cinema hall.

Colombo

Colombo is one of the largest shopping malls and leisure complexes in Europe. It houses a large number of restaurants, a bowling alley, health club, multiplex cinema theatre, fun rides including a roller coaster and a go-cart track.

El Corte Inglês

Owned by a Spanish departmental chain store, it is one of the largest stores in Lisbon. It is spread over nine floors and also houses a supermarket, a gourmet shop, cafes, restaurants, a 14-screen cinema hall, fashion brands, sports items, electronics, books, CDs and various household goods.

Restaurants

If you are looking for some special or gourmet food, you may head for:

Celeiro

Celeiro specializes in vegetarian health food and microbiotic products. Every food item provided here is completely natural.

Manuel Tavares

This wonderful eatery dates back to 1860s and offers the choicest selection of chocolates, cheeses, nuts and vintage wines besides a wide array of Portuguese products.

Mercearia da Atalaia

This gourmet deli offers high quality Portuguese desserts, coffees, teas, jams and homemade breads, wines, herbs and spices.

Handicrafts & Textiles

Principe Real

You can buy some of Europe’s prettiest tablecloths and sheets at Principe Real. Their customers’ list consists of the rich and famous of the European society. They include Kennedys, Rockefellers and Michael Douglas. The products here are handcrafted and manually embroidered according to the order.

Antiga Casa do Castelo

Although owned by an American, Antiga Casa do Castelo specializes in Portuguese handicrafts including ceramics, linen, tiles, soaps and embroidery.

Sightseeing in Lisbon

Lisbon, in fact, has not been spruced up to be a tourist attraction. Lisbon is a strange mix of the old and the new. You only need to get lost through its streets and roads to discover its typical sights and scenes. You will be surprised by the beauty of the cobbled patterns in the city’s streets. The buildings located in the Parque das Nacoes reflect the maritime interest of the Portuguese people in their themes and architecture.

Although the city boasts of several big time attractions, yet the real Lisbon lies in its street life and setting. You can watch and admire Lisbon from the top of the hilltop miradouro or simply by walking or biking through it.

Belem Tower

Belem Tower enjoys the same patronage and popularity in Lisbon as Eiffel Tower in Paris and Big Ben in London. It is Lisbon’s icon and the most visited and photographed tower of Lisbon.  It was built in 1515 as a fortress to safeguard the Lisbon harbor. Jeronimos Monastry situated close to it is another unforgettable attraction.

Castle of St. George

Dating back to 6th century, Castle of St. George is visible almost every locality of the city. It served as the residence of the royal Moors until the first ruler of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, captured it in 1147. It was then dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of England, to commemorate the Anglo-Portuguese pact of 1371. You can see the statue of King Afonso Henriques near the main gate.