Where to Go Shopping in Lisbon for Books, Tinned Fish, and More

The front of the Claus Porto store in Lisbon

The best fragrances

Although Portugal has lacked a tradition in perfume making, it has been producing quality soaps and colognes since the 19th century. Claus Porto, founded in 1887 and known for its bright art nouveau packaging and color-pop oval soaps, is one of the nation’s most beloved beauty brands. Its Lisbon shop—which sells gift sets of soap bars and tricky-to-find diffusers, candles and hand creams—occupies an old pharmacy that has been beautifully renovated by local design star Joana Astolfi, who paired the original wood-and-glass cabinets with minimalist polished gold tables. Downstairs is a barbershop, which uses Claus Porto’s Musgo Real line (a scent synonymous with Portugal’s stylish folk). Nearby, fellow heritage beauty brand Benamôr has been making creams and fragrances since 1925 from natural ingredients grown under the Portuguese sun: lemon, rose, aloe vera and almond oils.

Where to buy vintage furniture

For generations, browsing the antiques shops along Rua de São Bento has been a customary pastime for Lisbon’s residents. Highlights include Miguel Arruda Antiguidades (at number 356), with sculptures and furnishings ranging from midcentury modern to French Regency, and the exquisite art at São Roque Antiguidades e Galeria de Arte (number 199), which also organizes exhibitions—the latest features celebrity Portugal resident Ai Weiwei. Galeria Bessa Pereira (number 426) also offers a splendid selection of art and vintage furniture, or, for more suitcase-sized finds, there’s The World of Vintage (number 291), particularly good for table lamps. Additionally, at numbers 234 and 418 are the outlets for Depósito da Marinha Grande, the primary brand of the Portuguese glass industry, and a secret of interior decorators the world over.

a large light space with a tree in the center. Products are arranged on a table around the tree and customers pass by

The best concept stores

In the charming Príncipe Real neighborhood, EmbaiXada set up shop in the iconic neo-Arab Ribeiro da Cunha Palace, originally built in the 1870s. Products from local brands and artisans coexist to showcase Portuguese talent, from Benedita Formosinho’s elegant holiday gear and cotton t-shirts by Isto to modern jewelry by HLC and fun swimwear from Latitid. Another great concept store, almost opposite EmbaiXada, is Nº50, where international brands sit alongside Portuguese creators, such as contemporary jewelry designer Carolina Curado. Converted warehouse 8 Marvila in the ex-industrial area towards the east, has residents including vintage shops Black Mamba and Anomaly, plus up-cycled fashion line RO Archive.

A version of this story originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK.