Journal
This guide invites you to connect with the people and places that (still) make Lisbon authentic. It’s less about where to shop, but more about the connections you make, and the meaningful things you bring back home.
This is a digital version of the self-published printed guide to Lisbon's independent shops, originally published in August 2023. It indexed 12 unique businesses run by people committed to a more meaningful way of managing a shop in today's Lisbon.
Some of the places it originally featured are not open anymore, and some new ones were added.
Portuguese heritage • Decorative tiles • 20th century products
Cortiço & Netos was born from Mr. Cortiço’s effort and dedication to collecting, preserving, and selling tiles and sanitary ware for nearly 40 years. Since 2014, his grandchildren (in Portuguese, Netos) João, Pedro, Tiago and Ricardo Cortiço are responsible for keeping the business going. Most of the tiles available were produced between 1979 and 2013. These tiles are primarily sourced from discontinued series, including those from Portuguese factories that were shut down, making this store a great place to find unique and rare decorative tiles. Cortiços & Netos plays a very important role in maintaining this cultural architectural tradition, while offering a fresh perspective and meaning to this Portuguese heritage.
Vegan shoes • Sustainable accessories
Since 2018, Vasco Monteiro has been dedicating his time to curate and select the best cruelty-free shoes and accessories in Anjos, one of Lisbon’s trendiest neighborhoods. After moving to a larger space in 2022, Couve offers a great variety of vegan brands and products, both from Portugal and the world, with a particular focus on streetwear. Whether you’re in search of vegan leather boots, a wool-free scarf, or a recycled PET backpack, Vasco has you covered at Couve. Vasco’s shop is pet friendly, so bring your best friend to help you decide.
Ceramic studio • Workshops • Classes
Inaugurated in April 2022, this small ceramics studio has everything you need to dive into the world of pottery. With extensive expertise and professional skills, ceramists Alex and Vincent decided to open their space not only for their own creations and commissions but also to welcome the general public, regardless of their knowledge of ceramics. The studio hosts regular workshops, weekly classes, exhibitions, and provides a collaborative workspace. Equipped with a small yet powerful kiln and all the necessary tools, the studio offers a range of beautiful glazing coatings prepared with care by Alex.
Creative workshops • Woodwork • Silkscreen • Ceramics
Focused on hand made practices, Fica is a creative space that has many uses. The main goal is to provide a space for learning, creating, experimenting, and practicing with techniques that break away from traditional mass production methods. If you’re curious and eager to work with your hands, simply head to Rua de Arroios 154B — you’ll discover Fica’s 300m2 space, which accommodates a variety of activities such as silkscreen printing, woodworking, ceramics, bookbinding, paper marbling, among other techniques. Rita, Gonçalo, and André, not only teach their skills but also invite guest experts to share their knowledge with the creative community.
Portuguese grocery store • Organic products • Local producers
Established in 2010 by Carlos and Rita, Mercearia Criativa is a traditional grocery store that values quality over quantity. Within this charming shop, you will discover a wide range of crafted, organic products, sourced from small scale and specially selected producers across Portugal. Alongside their curation of delicious goods, Mercearia Criativa also offers a great variety of services: you can hire their catering services, take part in one of their workshops, or have a delicious meal, fresh coffee or juice at their store. A visit to Mercearia Criativa will convey to you their motto of selling only what they truly love and believe in.
Concept store • Art exhibitions and events • Independent brands
The couple Jenni and Márcio launched Mini Mall in January 2018 wanting to introduce brands to Lisbon that they loved but so far could not be found anywhere else. Such as Wary Meyers soaps, Boy Smells candles or the amazing line of Mr. Larkin. The quirky space outfitted with bubblegum pink color accents and lots of collectibles has a contemporary vibe that sets the tone for their vision of going beyond the typical concept store experience. With a focus on authenticity and quality, Mini Mall offers a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and decor from small labels, both local and international. Their commitment to uniqueness extends to the art world as well — Mini Mall also supports young artists in Lisbon, hosting events and art exhibitions.
Sustainable fashion • Curated second–hand
With 20 years of experience as a stylist and buyer in New York, António Branco launched Pop Closet in 2017. Located in Lisbon’s charming Chiado neighborhood, close to the picturesque Largo do Carmo, it is a carefully curated second-hand shop for fashion enthusiasts. Pop Closet offers a diverse selection of consigned accessories and apparel where you can buy, sell or trade new or used items, designer pieces and self- -costumized creations.
Art objects • Cabinet of curiosities • Exhibitions
Situated in the heart of Bairro Alto, you’ll find this extraordinary place where Gezo and José work and showcase their art objects. This hybrid space encompasses a gallery, a shoppable cabinet of curiosities, full of stories and remarkable objects on display, and, most important, the workshop where all the magic happens. Collaborating since 2018, their pieces are developed under the motto Tusa de Viver (Urge to Live), encapsulating their desire to celebrate Life and Art. Step into this charming space and marvel at their meticulously crafted handmade creations, ranging from wood sculptures to ceramics and decorative objects, all made or reassembled in their workshop. There’s also a good chance you stumble upon one of their pieces adorning the walls of a restaurant or hotel in Lisbon.
Portuguese designers • Homeware • Interior design studio
In 2021, siblings Paz and Gonçalo Braga launched Santo Infante, a unique space that serves as both a shop and a showcase for the finest Portuguese interior design. From textiles and ceramics to tapestry and furniture, Santo Infante offers a curated selection that represents the best of Portugal’s design scene. In addition to their curated offerings, they collaborate with other architects, including Paz, who is an architect herself, for private commissions. Santo Infante is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for design enthusiasts.
Jewelry • Fine accessories • Atelier
Founded in 2009 by Tânia Gil, a graduate both in industrial design and in jewelry by Contacto Directo School, this jewelry brand brings her childhood dream to life. Inspired by the seascapes and natural elements of her native Alentejo coast and landscape, she crafts delicate and one-of-a-kind pieces, that she affectionately refers to as ‘usable objects’. Her shop and atelier is located on Travessa dos Mastros, also known as the Green Street — a quaint little street that seems to exist in a world of its own, adorned with plants nurtured by caring neighbors, a small oasis amid the city hustle.
Slow fashion • Clothing and accessories • Social and environmental sustainability
Established in 2010, this Lisbon-based brand began as an upcycling project by Filipe and Sérgio. Their flagship store opened in 2021 in the historical neighborhood of Alfama. With a small yet dedicated team, they place value on the expertise of their manufacturers and the premium quality of the materials selected for their products. Minimalistic clothing and accessories that share a common thread — quality over quantity. Beyond the environmental challenges that fashion faces today, wetheknot takes great responsibility for their partnerships and employees, ensuring fairness and ethical practices throughout their supply chain. Their shop is pet-friendly.