Portugal

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EXPLORING LISBON
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LISBON SHOPPING: FROM ANTIQUES TO WINE
The best-known team is Benfica, which holds matches in northwest Lisbon at the new
and gigantic Estádio da Luz, Avenida General Norton Matos (& 21/721-95-00; Metro:
Colégio Militar/Luz or Alto dos Moinhos). One of the largest sports stadiums in Europe,
it evokes memories of the legendary Eusébio, who led his team to five European championship
finals in the 1960s. All young soccer players in Lisbon grow up with dreams of
becoming the next Eusébio.
The Sporting Clube de Portugal plays at the Estádio do José Alvalade (& 707/20-
44-44), in the north of the city, near Campo Grande. The third team is Belém’s Belenenses,
which plays at the Estádio do Restelo (& 21/301-04-61). The team might not
be as good or nearly as famous as Benfica, but don’t tell that to a loyal fan during the heat
of the game.
Tickets vary in price depending on the event but average 25€ to 80€. You can buy
them on the day of the game at all three stadiums. However, when Benfica plays Sporting,
tickets usually sell out; buy them in advance at the booth in Praça dos Restauradores.
Tickets also go fast when FC Porto, from the northern city of Porto, Lisbon’s main rival,
is in town to play Benfica or Sporting.
9 LISBON SHOPPING: FROM ANTIQUES
TO WINE
Portuguese handicrafts often exhibit exotic influences, in large part because of the artisans’
versatility and their skill in absorbing other styles. Portugal’s vast history as a seafaring
nation also surely has something to do with it. The best place to see their work is in
Lisbon, where shopkeepers and their buyers hunt out unusual items from all over Portugal,
including the Madeira Islands and the Azores.
SHOPPING AREAS Shops operate all over the city, but Baixa, in downtown Lisbon,
is the major area for browsing. Rua Áurea (Street of Gold, the location of the major
jewelry shops), Rua da Prata (Street of Silver), and Rua Augusta are Lisbon’s three
principal shopping streets. The Baixa shopping district lies between the Rossio and the
river Tagus.
Rua Garrett, in the Chiado, is where you’ll find many of the more upmarket shops.
A major fire in 1988 destroyed many shops, but new ones have arisen.
Antiques lovers gravitate to Rua Dom Pedro V in the Bairro Alto. Other streets with
antiques stores include Rua da Misericórdia, Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara, Rua da
Escola Politécnica, and Rua do Alecrim.
SHOPPING A TO Z
Shops are open, in general, Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm and from 3 to
7pm, and Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
Antiques
Along both sides of the narrow Rua de São José in the Graça District are treasure-troves
of shops packed with antiques from all over the world. Antiques dealers from the United
States come here to survey the wares. You’ll find ornate spool and carved beds, high-back
chairs, tables, wardrobes with ornate carvings, brass plaques, copper pans, silver candelabra,
crystal sconces, chandeliers, and a wide selection of wooden figures, silver boxes,
porcelain plates, and bowls. But don’t count on getting spectacular bargains.