Shopping In Portugal
Shopping is a must in the ‘things to do' list of almost all tourists. Portugal is a veritable paradise for the die-hard shopping enthusiasts. Leather goods, jewelry, fine porcelain as well as fashion garments and thick knitted garments are indigenous goods available in the local market.
Pottery, ceramics and tiles, are traditional crafts of the country and production processes adhere to very high standards all over the country. Each region has a unique style that is typical to the town. Madeira produces exquisite quality of lace and embroidered linen in traditional themes and designs, which are a rage among tourists.
Baixa is the most popular shopping area of Lisbon. It is a downtown district that is well laid out with several parallel streets. Rua Augusta is a unique traffic-free area of the city. Chiado is a fashionable district that was almost entirely ruined by fire in 1988, but has recovered by now. A short walk up Rua do Carmo will bring you to Chiado. The largest shopping mall in the Iberian Peninsula is The Colombo Center, which is located just off the city center at Benfica.
There are various up market boutiques and fashion stores along Avenida da Boavista around the Meridien Park Atlantic Hotel in Oporto. Visitors may find shopping at Rua de Santa Catarina, much more comfortable and affordable, which is the main downtown area of the city.
Generally the shops are open for business from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm on weekdays. Shops usually close at 1 pm on Saturdays. The shops remain open on Saturdays in December due to the onset of the festive season. Several shopping centers called Centros Comerciais, are typically open from 10 am until midnight.
Old relics and items of yore can be purchased at good bargains in small antique shops that are tucked away in the back streets of larger cities like Lisbon and Oporto. Tourists interested in antiques can visit Rua Dom Pedro V in Lisbon's Bairro Alto that has a number of shops that sell antique items.
If you are looking for gold jewelry, then Portugal is an appropriate place to shop for it. The gold is of standard quality as the government strictly regulates it. All jewelry is made with a minimum of 19.2 karats of gold. Filigree jewelry in silver and gold is unique to this region. This art involves the delicate craftsmanship of ornamental openwork of fine, wires of silver and gold. This is an ancient craft that has been handed down through generations and tourists may like to purchase exquisitely crafted pieces for its sheer beauty and exceptionality. Trinkets which are made in sterling silver are cheaper and could be available at lower prices that tourists could take home as a souvenir.
Arraiolos carpets and fine woolen rugs of Portugal are well known all over the world and are highly sought after. Arraiolos carpets are finely woven and are painstakingly made. They are fit to be displayed in museums due to their unique weaving and style. Atlantis is popular for its Crystal ware. Goods in suede and leather are also available in this country. The city of Algarve is well known for its well-crafted lanterns, fire screens and furniture made in metals such as copper, brass, and tin.