Whether you’re a creative looking for craft supplies or a traveler in search of a unique souvenir, you’re bound to find something at these art shops in Lisbon.
A few days ago, a friend of mine shared a post from one of my favorite art shops in Lisbon — Ó! Galeria. It seems that the pandemic hit them hard, and sadly they couldn’t keep their doors open.
It led me to think that more businesses could be in trouble, and I would hate to see another one go, without saying a word. That’s why I decided to create this guide featuring some of the best spots to buy art and craft supplies in Lisbon.
As the city begins to ease its restrictions, these local stores will slowly get back to business, and more than ever, we need to support them.
Where to Buy Art Prints in Lisbon
Malapata Gallery
Malapata is a tiny art gallery located a few steps away from Terreiro do Paço. It promotes work by emerging artists, with a focus on illustration. Inside you’ll find pieces from Portuguese creatives such as Clara Não and Tiago Galo, as well as international ones like Chiara Lanzieri. They’re currently sharing a #stayathome series, where artists show their creative process at home. I mentioned this shop before on my alternative Lisbon guide.
Underdogs Art Store
Most people head to Mercado da Ribeira for the food, but there’s an art shop inside that it’s worth checking too. Run by the Underdogs, a platform responsible for launching most street art projects in Lisbon, this shop sells a variety of prints. There are pieces by urban artists like Vhils and famous local illustrators such as Wasted Rita and Maria Imaginário. They also have a gallery in Marvila, where they host several exhibitions throughout the year.
Centro Português de Serigrafia
Located in the São Bento neighborhood is the Portuguese Centre for Serigraphy. Serigraphy is the highlight of this gallery, but there’s also a series of woodcuts, lithographs, photographs, and digital art, from emerging to professional artists. You can support them by buying an artwork on the spot or through their membership program.
Abysmo Galeria
It’s easy to miss this hidden Lisbon gallery if you don’t know where to look. The doors are usually closed, so you need to ring a bell to enter. From Largo do Camões, walk up Rua Horta Seca, and then find number 40. Once inside, there’s a collection of prints and books available for purchase. Sometimes, they also host exhibitions, which you can access for free.
In memory of Ó! Galeria: I stumbled upon Ó! Galeria when it first opened as a small pop-up in Mouraria and immediately fell in love with its colorful illustration display. The original gallery is in Porto, and this was their first taste of the capital. Soon they grew into a bigger space, which I continued to visit in search of cool postcards and prints for the house. Even though they had to close down, my hopes are they will return to Lisbon one day, even if it’s with the occasional pop-up. Until then, I guess you’ll have to visit them in Porto or order prints online.
Coolest Design Shops in Lisbon
Icon Shop
Maria Lacerda and Inês Mendes run the Icon Shop, a small design shop in the center of Lisbon. The duo created a space dedicated solely to Portuguese artists. Botanical prints, handmade ceramics, and stylish lamps are a few things you can admire inside.
Fábrica Features
Step inside Benetton Chiado, and then hop on the elevator to reach this cozy stationery shop. Fábrica Features is my go-to spot for cool greeting cards in Lisbon. Before dating a British guy, I never understood the value of these, but now I buy cards for pretty much every holiday. Other things you can get here include notebooks, children’s books, and ceramics. Sometimes they also host art exhibits. While you’re here, make sure to check the old elevator in the corner with its Art Nouveau interior and velvet seats.
Bernardo Atelier
Alexandra Bernardo is the woman behind this beautiful concept shop in Príncipe Real. It showcases products from independent designers with a focus on clothing, toys, and home decor. Most of them are from Portugal, but there are also pieces from Spain, Italy, and Denmark, among others.
Apaixonarte
Falling in love with Portuguese art is the motto of Apaixonarte, a creative shop set along the tracks of tram 28 near Bairro Alto. They offer a selection of unique items made by young local companies and emerging artists, including books, ceramics, and prints. The shop also works as a gallery, welcoming photo and illustration exhibits.
Wish Concept Store
Once an industrial complex, LX Factory has become one of Lisbon’s creative hubs. It’s full of restaurants, cafés, and small design shops like Wish. Here you can buy prints, washi tape, or notebooks and then sit down with a cappuccino in the café area.
Tiles and Ceramic Art Shops in Lisbon
Bordalo Pinheiro — Portuguese Ceramics
When you think of Portuguese ceramics, you can’t help mentioning Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. Born in Lisbon in 1846, he became famous for its illustration work and quirky ceramic designs. In 1885 he founded a factory in Caldas da Rainha, which continues to release stunning ceramic pieces today. Their Lisbon shop near Alameda features a series of tableware and home decor pieces. If you’re curious about the artist, you should visit the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum.
Sant’Anna — Traditional Portuguese Tiles
Walking through Lisbon, you’ll notice many buildings covered in tiles from top-to-bottom, but what if you want to get one of those squares as a souvenir? Head over to Sant’Anna, the oldest tile store in Lisbon. Every tile here is made by hand, from preparing the clay to painting the details. The staff has been using the same techniques since its opening in 1741, giving it an old-style look.
Local tip: Avoid buying tiles at Lisbon’s flea market, as most of them might have been stolen! Here are a few more tips on buying tiles from local businesses in Lisbon.
Arteceramics by Olaria de São Pedro — Pottery Shop
Olaria de São Pedro is a ceramic atelier created by Sónia Borga. It started in Óbidos, and soon she opened stores in Sintra and Lisbon. It’s in the heart of Alfama that you’ll find the Lisbon store Arteceramics. It sells work by small Portuguese producers, including jewelry, tableware, and decorative items.
Cerâmicas na Linha — Ceramics by kilo
If you want to stock up on ceramic items, Cerâmicas na Linha is your best bet. Pots, tableware, and ceramic sardines are a few things on display. The shop sells pieces by the kilo, with prices ranging from €4 to €8 per kilo. There are also a few pieces sold by the unit, from brands like Bordalo Pinheiro and Costa Nova.
Modern Ceramic Shops
Many ceramic shops have popped up in Lisbon in the last few years that have a more modern vibe. Here are some of my favorite ones:
- Caulino Ceramics: Cátia Pessoa is the founder of Caulino Ceramics, a studio and ceramic shop in Lisbon. Besides selling unique pottery, Caulino also hosts pottery classes. They have offers for one day, a week, or even a whole month.
- Together: After sharing her work in concept stores around the city, Anna Westerlund got her own place in 2012. The shop located in the heart of Chiado is called Together and combines her work with illustrations, linen towels, and handmade candles from fellow creatives.
- A Loja da Cerâmica: Located in Mouraria, this shop showcases colorful ceramics made exclusively in Portugal. Inside, you’ll find a variety of tableware and quirky plant pots with faces.
- Cerâmica Bairro Alto: Cerâmica Bairro Alto is both a gallery and a shop. It features innovative handmade pieces like ceramic cupcakes and pastéis de nata. Maria João Ribeiro runs the atelier and also hosts ceramic workshops here.
- Surrealejos: The first time I saw a fox made of tiles, I thought it was just another element of Lisbon’s street art. Later I realized it came from this small atelier in Alfama, specialized in surrealist tiles. If you’re looking for alternative tiles to hang on your wall, this place has got you covered. At the moment you can visit them by appointment only.
Souvenirs and Traditional Crafts
A Vida Portuguesa
There are endless shops in the city center offering souvenirs, most of which are not even owned by Portuguese people. If you want a truly local memento look for A Vida Portuguesa, which literally means the Portuguese life. They have several shops, but my favorite is the one in Intendente because of its impressive tile facade. Hand soaps, sardines in a can, and notebooks are all wrapped in a vintage-looking package that you’ll want to keep.
Santos Ofícios
Set in Rua da Madalena, Santos Offícios has been selling traditional Portuguese crafts since 1995. Masks, tiles, embroidery, and linens, this shop brings you the best pieces made by artisans across the country.
Best Art Supply Shops in Lisbon
- Ponto das Artes: What started as an online shop soon became the popular store chain Ponto das Artes. Today this is the go-to place to buy art supplies in Lisbon. From painting brushes to watercolor paper and linocut tools, you’ll find it all in here. Not sure what brand to get? Ask the staff for a recommendation!
- Casa Ferreira: Casa Ferreira (Rua Nova da Trindade 1C) was first established in Bairro Alto in 1925. While the original shop closed down, you can still find them in the heart of Chiado selling all kinds of art materials.
- Papelaria Fernandes: Papelaria Fernandes has been supplying locals with stationery and art supplies since 1891. They have shops all over Lisbon, but my favorite one is in Chiado, right opposite the Metro exit. Whether you’re looking for a new pen or a special kind of envelope, pop by here, and you’re bound to get something!
These are the top art supply shops in the center of Lisbon, but there are many more scattered around the city. From embroidery to painting, below is a map with the best spots to buy your art supplies.
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