Lisbon's commercial areas are mainly located in the center – Baixa, Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade. Baixa continues to be, par excellence, the area where we find the largest number of stores, not only international chains but also those small stores, which we call local commerce. Here, it is mainly on Ruas do Ouro, Augusta and Prata that we have the most commerce, but on almost all streets perpendicular to these we also find many shops, cafes and restaurants.
Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade
In the entire area that goes from Rossio to Largo de Camões we find a different and more high-end type of stores. It is mainly on Ruas do Carmo, Garrett and Nova do Almada that we find the most commerce, although all the streets in this area have shops. We also have commerce on the axis from Rua Nova da Trindade to Príncipe Real and in the entire area surrounding the São Carlos Theatre. This entire area, despite being much steeper and, consequently, more difficult to walk around, houses a more expensive type of commerce, but also more alternative and with shops cool.
The axis that goes from Rossio to Marquês de Pombal is characterized by luxury commerce with griffes international clients and an exclusive and wealthy clientele. The exception is Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, which is essentially a street with restaurants. But Avenida da Liberdade, the most well-known and expensive avenue in Portugal, is where the luxury brands can be found: haute-couture, luggage, watches and 5-star hotels.
Other commercial areas
Throughout the city of Lisbon we find shops. There are streets known for being commercial areas, such as Avenida de Roma or Avenida Guerra Junqueiro (metro Roma or Alameda), but there are also neighborhoods known for their shops, such as Alvalade (metro Alvalade), Cais do Sodré and Rua da Boavista (near the river) and Campo de Ourique neighborhood (bus and tram). However, these areas may not have the same appeal for those visiting the city as Baixa and Chiado because the type of stores, although modern, are not typically Portuguese or with typically Portuguese products. But sometimes it's good to leave the center, namely Alfama or Baixa, and explore other areas where prices might be fairer.
The Malls
Portugal is the country of shopping malls. And in Lisbon this trend is no exception. There are lots of shopping malls, there are shopping malls for all tastes, most of them are huge, they are all modern and there is no shortage of choice. All with very long opening hours from 10 am to midnight (some close at 11 pm).
Most of the large shopping malls are not in Lisbon, but in the surrounding area. These “satellite shopping malls” are found in the municipalities around Lisbon and each municipality has on average two large commercial spaces. They are usually more difficult to access and although many have public transport, it is much more comfortable and quicker to get there by car.
In Lisbon, with very easy access, I highlight four large shopping areas that you can quickly reach by public transport. We have the El Corte Inglés (metro São Sebastião) which belongs to a Spanish network and is best suited for those looking for good brands and a lot of diversity. This building houses many brands in the style of a large warehouse (open plan) but does not exactly have emblems of international chains, for example. The other large commercial spaces are the shopping malls that belong to the Portuguese company Sonae: the Colombo Mall (one of the biggest and best, Colégio Militar metro) and the mall Vasco da Gama (not that big, but also with 3 floors and a lot of variety, metro Oriente). We still have the Amoreiras Shopping Center which has a good variety of shops and restaurants (bus and metro Marquês de Pombal) and three smaller shopping malls in the Saldanha area that I recommend most for a quick and convenient way to grab a bite to eat.
Advantages and disadvantages of shopping malls
Shopping malls have some advantages for those who visit Lisbon and for those who want to shop, they are one of the best ways to get lost in stores. Firstly, they operate very long hours where it is possible to spend time in a safe, air-conditioned place. The variety of stores is a second point that I highlight. There are many options for all purses. Thirdly the prices. With so many stores together and very frequented by the Portuguese, it is natural that you will find some kind of promotion in a shopping mall. In fact, nowadays in Portugal promotions are no longer limited to traditional sales periods. Now, just pay attention and there are always promotions going on. However, in the center of Lisbon this is more difficult to find. For example, purchasing a bottle of red wine or port wine may be better in a large hypermarket (all shopping malls have large supermarkets), but if you are looking for a very specific item then specialty stores in the Low remain your best option. Finally, if you're not willing to spend a lot of money on food or want a quicker, lighter meal, eating in a shopping mall is the best option. Many restaurants have full menus for a fixed price and there is no shortage of variety.
Shopping malls have advantages as we have seen, but they are not for everyone, especially when you are on vacation. They are huge, closed spaces, like a lot of people and they mainly have brands that you can find in your country. There will certainly be differences, but as a general rule you won't find typical Portuguese or regional products. Prices may even be lower on some products, but if you want something specific, perhaps a local store would be better. The service is also less personalized because they are stores, sometimes gigantic, where customer service is not the best. Finally, if you want to eat something different and traditional from Portugal, the restaurants in the center will be more in line with that. However, make sure the price you are paying is fair and not just because it is a trendy place. You can pay twice as much for a dish in a restaurant more frequented by tourists, but which is not radically different from what you would eat in a shopping mall. The analysis is not that linear naturally, but it illustrates what I mean, so make your choice wisely.
Tax Free
There are many more streets in Lisbon with interesting shops, places with restaurants and many more shopping malls that I haven't mentioned. But this is a generic overview of where you should head if you want to browse the stores and buy gifts for yourself or family and friends.
Don't forget that if you live outside the European Union you are entitled to a partial refund of VAT (Value Added Tax whose current value is 23%) on purchases over €50 (tax excluded) and that are not for resale. For more information about how the tax free please click here