English
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and famous for its export of port, the fortified wine that is popular as a pre- or post-dinner drink. In addition to its great food and wine, there’s plenty of shopping to be done in this modern city. Today, we’re going to tell you where you can find locally made products and hand-crafted items as well as where you can find some quality wine and port to take back home with you.
A Vida Portuguesa
To start out our tour, we’re going to A Vida Portuguesa, at 20 Rua Galeria de Paris. Located in a beautiful, sunlit space on the second floor, this unique store if full of items that have survived the test of time. It was started by journalist Catarina Portas, who sought out Portuguese products that kept their original style and packaging over many years. You can find great gifts and souvenirs here as well as household items, ceramics, stationery, and retro toys, all of which are made in Portugal
http://www.avidaportuguesa.com/
Portosigns
Another store specializing exclusively in products made in Portugal, Portosigns actually refers to two different stores. The first store, which is named TRADITION, is located at 17 Rua da Alfândega, opposite the “Casa do Infante”. It exhibits and sells items that are of genuine Portuguese origin and more traditional than its sister store. Of especial interest are the bags, hats and ties made of cork and the ceramic and metal rooster sculptures. They also have original, locally designed t-shirts. Stop by to see one of their ongoing exhibitions featuring ceramics, paintings, photographs, and more. INNOVATION is the name of the second store, which is located at 71 Rua Infante D. Henrique, in front of the old Ferreira Borges Market (now Hardclub). You’ll find more modern items in this contemporary space.
http://www.portosigns.pt/cms_porto/
Retrosaria das Flores
This shop encourages its visitors with their own creative sewing, embroidery, knitting, patchwork, craft, and DIY projects through a variety of workshops and classes. So if you have a hand at craftwork, stop in and buy some Portuguese wool. Or simply check out their selection of bags for sale made with Portuguese chintz, a fabric with a traditional 19th-century design known as “chitade Alcobaça”.
http://www.retrosariadasflores.com/
CC Bombarda
CC Bombarda is a small shop located among the galleries in the Rua de Miguel Bombarda. This concept store is guaranteed to appeal to hipsters, since it’s a great place to find urban clothing designed by locals or small items for you home. CC Bombarda is located at 285 Rua de Miguel Bombarda.
http://ccbombarda.blogspot.com/
Once your shopping is complete or if you need a rest in between, take a break in one of the small restaurants or cafes nearby. If, however, you’re looking to buy some port or another high-quality wine to take back with you, check out the selections at the Casa Januário, located at 352 Rua do Bonjardim, or the Gourmet da Bolsa, located at 26 Largo de São Domingos. You can also find everything you’d need for a romantic picnic (cheese, sausage, cookies, and wine) at either of these two stores.
