SHOPPING IN PORTO

Porto has a broad choice of independent shops selling traditional local produce, often faced with frontages in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The finest example of which is the Perola do Bolhão grocery store which sells a selection of local fare (279 Rua Formosa). You'll discover many independent shops in the streets emanating away from São Bento station. The charming pedestrianised Rua das Flores dates back to the 16th century. Whereas traditionally, Rua das Flores was the street for goldsmiths and jewellers. The street has recently become one of the trendiest locations for restaurants and nights out. Here too are haberdasheries, wine shops, and gift shops. Look out for the Mercearia das Flores, a delicatessen that prides itself on its range of traditional Portuguese products. In the same street, you'll also find 43 Branco that sells an assemblage of Portuguese goods and handicrafts from clothes, accessories and shoes to pottery, notebooks and giftware.

Another street spouting off from the São Bento station is the Rua Mouzinho da Silveira. It is here you can find some interesting eco-fashion shops such as the Cultura Portuguesa. Here you can find a dashing pair of cork shoes and the Loja da Burel and Ecolã specialist wooden clothes shops. Another curious shop in this street is the Loja das Conservas dedicated to artisan canned fish from around Portugal. They also serve a repertoire of petiscos. If you're after a souvenir, head for Prometeu Artesanato. They are long-established purveyors of hand-painted tiles, cork wares & other traditional souvenirs.

Bolhão Market

If you find yourself in the area, it's well worth visiting this exciting and vibrant market. As soon as you enter, your senses are bombarded by the wide gamut of colours, sounds and aromas. Established way back in 1850 the market stands on two levels where fishmongers, butchers, greengrocers, florists and many others display their wares.

University Area

In a street opposite the Clérigos church, you'll find the A Vida Portuguesa . Within this beautiful retail space is a treasure-trove of old Portuguese brands, including toiletries, stationery, costume jewellery, handicrafts and period toys, created years ago preserved in their original packaging (20 Rua da Galeria de Paris).

The beautiful 19th century Livraria Lello e Irmão bookshop has become a popular visitor attraction in its own right. Inside the neo-Gothic facade, the ornate interior is famed for a double-helix staircase, stained glass ceiling and a fantasy-like appearance that is said to be an inspiration for JK Rowling.
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Between the Praça da Batalha and the Praça do Marquês de Pombal, is the Rua de Santa Catarina. Here amongst the great patisseries and coffee shops (including the Café Majestic), you'll find the top street brands, designer boutiques, shoe shops, jewellery shops, electrical and shopping centres. Much of this long street is pedestrianised and is easily accessed by metro and old tram or a short stroll from São Bento station. International chains include Calzedonia, Zara, H&M, Adidas, United Colors of Benetton, as well as some great home-grown shops.

One of Porto's best shopping centre Via Catarina Shopping can be found on the northern end of the Rua de Santa Catarina. Inside there's a varied selection of both well-known and independent shops with an interesting food hall on the top floor where the restaurants façades resemble typical Portuguese medieval architecture – (www.viacatarina.pt).