Last Updated on March 21, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 15, 2018
Souvenir shopping is part of every traveler’s routine, but why take home a snow globe or a fridge magnet when you can buy authentic and original Lisbon souvenirs? Honestly, anything can be a souvenir as long as it reminds you of the destination you visited, but we at Devour narrowed down the list to the 4 best souvenirs from Lisbon that we believe represent the essence of the city.
Table of Contents
1. Canned Fish
A product of the early 20th-century industrial era, canned fish still is today one of the most affordable foods. Canned tuna, for example, goes great with a salad in the summer and students use it for their budget-friendly signature dish massa de atum (tuna and pasta). Mackerel, tuna, and sardines are the most common fish preserved in a variety of sauces.
The colorful cans and the varieties of fish inside them are one of the most authentic Lisbon souvenirs you can buy. They’ve become so popular as a souvenir that stores are selling only canned fish in the city center!
Here’s where to buy canned fish to take home:
- Supermarkets: Any supermarket or grocery store has a canned fish section. It’s the most affordable option, but the range of sauces will be smaller.
- Conserveira de Lisboa: Founded in 1930, it’s one of the historic shops of Lisbon, specialized since then in selling canned fish.
Want to learn more about Lisbon’s canned food? Don’t miss our ultimate guide to sardines and our love letter to conservas, Lisbon’s canned fish.
With a café around every corner in Lisbon, it’s a fact coffee is the locals’ favorite hot drink. But the tea tradition in Portugal is much older than coffee! The Portuguese brought the Chinese culture of tea making and drinking in the 16th century. Queen Catarina de Braganza, the wife of King Charles II, later took that habit to London after her marriage.
There are now two custom-made blends of tea that summarize the city’s energy. The founder and owner of Companhia Portugueza do Chá created Lisbon Breakfast and Lisbon Afternoon. At Devour Lisbon we think it’s a perfect and unexpected souvenir!
Where to buy local Lisbon tea:
- Companhia Portugueza do Chá: This is the original spot to buy tea in Lisbon! You can buy as much tea as you want, packed and sealed on the spot.
- Dear Breakfast: Although you can’t buy it here, you can taste Lisbon Breakfast. They buy it straight from the source, right around the corner. It’s also a cool spot for brunch on a Sunday in Lisbon.
3. Art and Design Pieces
Buying a piece of Portuguese design as a souvenir from Lisbon is also a great option. It’s one way to support local artists and businesses, it’s a unique home décor piece, and it’s a fond memory of your travels.
At Devour Lisbon we suggest you avoid the typical souvenir shops in the city center. Most will wrongfully advertise authentic pieces made in Portugal. Look for design stores instead or browse the museum’s shops.
Here’s where to buy authentic local art and design pieces…
- Apaixonarte: This design store also doubles as an art gallery. They have a strict requirement for all the pieces sold here: they must be produced in Portugal, no exceptions.
- A Vida Portuguesa: One of the most well-known shops to buy local products. You’ll find three shops in Lisbon at Time Out Market, in Chiado, and in Intendente.
- Portugal Gifts: A project built by a Portuguese group of designers and artisans, they give a contemporary twist to traditional handicrafts.
- Loja dos Museus: A bit more central than browsing each museum shop separately, this store at Palácio Foz in Restauradores sells replicas from some of the pieces at Lisbon museums.
4. Portuguese Tiles
The one Lisbon souvenir everyone will tell you to get is Portuguese tile (azulejo). Some will even tell you to browse the flea market on Saturday morning to find great deals on old tiles, but there’s a catch. Either they’re not as historical as the vendor claims, or they are but were unlawfully ripped off a protected building.
Tiles are, literally, a piece of Portuguese culture and you find it everywhere in Lisbon from building façades to decorating Baroque churches or the subway stations. Fortunately, the tradition continues and you’ll able to find what you’re looking for sustainably and responsibly.
Here’s where to find authentic, ethically sourced Portuguese tile:
- Museu Nacional do Azulejo: The National Tile Museum is the perfect place to combine learning everything about the art form in Portugal and buy some tiles to bring home.
- Cortiço e Netos: This shop is a treasure trove of mismatched tiles and a wonderful place to discover industrial azulejo. They specialize in discontinued collections from the 1960s and beyond.
- Fábrica de Sant’Anna: Founded in 1741, it’s the last working factory of artisanal tiles in Europe. You can buy tiles and see them in the making.
Bonus: An Authentic Lisbon Food & Experience
Some of the best Lisbon souvenirs aren’t things you’ll find at a shop. Case in point: a Devour food tour, which you can purchase in seconds from any computer or mobile device. Whether it’s for your Europe-bound best friend or just for yourself on a future trip, we guarantee it’ll be worth it.
Or buy a tour for yourself! We highly recommend our Best of Bairro Alto: Lisbon Food & Wine Tour! One of our expert local guides will take you away from the tourist traps so you can eat and drink your way across the best bars, tascas, and pastry shops in the neighborhood. Discover the most incredible wines, cocktails, and petiscos, and even make some new friends along the way.
Featured Review: Best of Bairro Alto Food & Wine Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had such an amazing time on this food and wine tour with Eva! She was incredibly energetic, informative, and genuinely funny. She made the entire experience feel personal and engaging from start to finish…We learned so much about Portuguese food and wine while tasting some absolutely delicious selections. It never felt rushed, and every stop felt thoughtfully chosen…We enjoyed it so much and would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Portugal!”
– Cruiser64405541452 on Tripadvisor
Best Lisbon Souvenirs FAQs
What are the most authentic souvenirs to buy in Lisbon?
Some of the most authentic souvenirs from Lisbon include cork products, traditional ceramics, canned sardines, and ginjinha (cherry liqueur). These items are great representations of Portuguese culture and craftsmanship!
What is Lisbon known for souvenirs?
Lisbon is especially known for azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles), cork goods, and gourmet food products like sardines and pastries. Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork, making cork accessories a uniquely local and sustainable souvenir option.
Can you bring food souvenirs home from Lisbon?
Yes, many popular Lisbon souvenirs are food-based and travel well. Items like canned sardines, packaged pastries, and bottles of ginjinha are easy to pack and widely available in shops and markets. Just be sure to check customs regulations for your home country before traveling!
Where can you buy authentic souvenirs in Lisbon?
For authentic souvenirs, explore local markets, artisan shops, and historic fairs like the Feira da Ladra. These places often offer handmade goods, antiques, and traditional products that reflect Lisbon’s heritage more than generic tourist shops.
What souvenirs should you avoid buying in Lisbon?
It’s best to avoid mass-produced items or generic souvenirs that aren’t made in Portugal, as they often lack authenticity. Instead, look for locally made goods, check labels for origin, and prioritize artisan products to ensure you’re supporting traditional craftsmanship and bringing home something meaningful.
