Know exactly what to bring home from Porto with our tried and tested Porto souvenir guide.
The Best Souvenirs from Porto
I always love exploring authentic, local souvenirs. The stories behind the products can show you so much about a place and its people.
This guide to the best souvenirs from Porto is based on plenty of journeys there as a professional travel writer and content creator.
Most recently, I travelled with Avalon Waterways on a several day trip from Porto along the Duoro Valley, which meant I got the chance to visit some of the quintas and chat with many of the artisans who make these goods.
If you’re looking to take the same journey and glide along the green, then you can use the code INSIDETRAVELLAB over here for $100 off per person for any European cruise with Avalon in 2024 or 2025.
In the meantime, enough chatter. Let’s talk about some of the best souvenirs you can bring back from Porto.
Disclosure – if you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, the last time I was in Porto was as a guest of Avalon Waterways. However, I’ve been there many times before and I always keep the right to write what I like. Otherwise what’s the point?
Azulejos
These colourful ceramic tiles are more than just decorations—they’re pieces of history you can take home.
Start your hunt for the perfect tiles in Porto’s Ribeira district, where shops like Azulejos do Porto showcase a variety of designs inspired by the city’s architecture.
Another spot worth checking out is A Vida Portuguesa downtown. This cozy store includes classic designs and more modern interpretations, all sourced from local artisans.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head over to Cerâmica Artesanal in Boavista. Here, you can watch skilled craftsmen at work, shaping and painting tiles by hand. They even offer workshops where you can try your hand at painting your own Azulejos—a fun and unique souvenir to take home.
Port
We have to mention port in an article about Porto, don’t we?
Start your quest for the perfect bottle at one of Porto’s iconic wine lodges, like Taylor’s or Graham’s, along the Douro River.
Not only can you sample a variety of ports but you’ll also learn about the winemaking process and the history behind this beloved beverage. (Spoiler alert – it’s a bit grisly. Plenty of workers perished on the journey along the river in the past.)
For a more low-key experience, head to one of Porto’s local wine shops or markets, where you’ll find a curated selection of Ports from smaller producers. Places like Mercearia do Bolhão or Garrafeira do Carmo offer a diverse range of options, from vintage ports to aged tawnies, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate and budget.
Of course, for the full experience, you need to travel along the Douro river and visit the quintas themselves.
I’d recommend taking your time with a proper Douro River Cruise with Avalon but you can also find tour companies in porto which offer simple day trips along the river.
Rooster Designs
Rooster designs, known as “Galo de Barcelos”, are iconic symbols of Portuguese culture and are widely popular as souvenirs in Porto. These colorful and intricate rooster figurines are believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity to their owners, making them highly sought-after keepsakes.
One of the best places to explore is the Mercado do Bolhão, a historic market in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll discover stalls selling everything from hand-painted ceramics to embroidered textiles adorned with the famous rooster motif.
For a more curated selection of rooster-themed souvenirs, consider visiting A Vida Portuguesa, a charming concept store dedicated to celebrating Portuguese craftsmanship and heritage. With multiple locations across Porto, including one in the iconic Lello Bookstore, A Vida Portuguesa offers a diverse range of rooster-inspired products, from kitchenware and home decor to stationery and accessories.
Additionally, many souvenir shops and boutiques scattered throughout Porto’s historic neighbourhoods and along the Douro Valley.
In fact, you’ll actually find it a challenge to escape from them.
Cork Products
Cork oak trees blanket Portugal’s landscape, and the cork industry has played a significant role in the country’s economy for centuries. Not only is cork sustainable and eco-friendly, but it’s also incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a wide range of products, from fashion accessories to home decor.
But cork is now under threat in Portugal, making any purchase of a cork souvenir a sustainable travel act in itself.
To get your hands on some top-notch cork souvenirs, head to Porto’s bustling markets and artisanal boutiques. Places like Mercado do Bolhão and Mercado Beira-Rio are treasure troves of handmade cork goods, where local artisans showcase their craftsmanship.
Alternatively, explore the quaint streets of Porto’s historic neighborhoods, where boutique shops offer a curated selection of cork products, each with its own unique flair.
Whether you’re looking for a chic cork handbag, a stylish wallet, or even a set of coasters to jazz up your coffee table, Portugal will serve you well with cork. Plus, by purchasing cork souvenirs, not only are you acquiring a piece of Portugal’s cultural heritage, but you’re also supporting local artisans and sustainable practices to boot.
In fact, if you only bring home one thing from this list, make it a cork souvenir from Porto.
Read Cork trees in Portugal. What’s all the fuss?
Olive Oil
While Porto isn’t known as a major olive oil producer, it’s closer to the olive groves than Cardiff and so I always try to seek out some proper, extra virgin olive oil when I’m there.
Within the city, you’ll find several specialty shops and markets offering a curated selection of high-quality olive oils sourced from various regions across the country.
One standout destination for olive oil enthusiasts is Mercearia do Bolhão, a historic market located in the heart of Porto. Yes, we keep mentioning it.
Here, you can browse through a diverse array of Portuguese olive oils, each with its own unique flavour profile and regional characteristics.
Whether you prefer a robust and peppery oil from the Alentejo region or a fruity and aromatic oil from the Douro Valley, Mercearia do Bolhão can help.
For a more immersive olive oil experience, consider embarking on a day trip from Porto to the Douro Valley, where you can visit local olive oil producers and olive groves. Many of these producers offer guided tours and tastings, allowing you to learn about the olive oil production process firsthand and sample some of the finest oils the region has to offer.
Back in Porto, be sure to visit Casa da Oliveira, a charming specialty store located in the city’s historic center. Here, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of premium olive oils sourced from small-scale producers throughout Portugal.
Lazarim Masks
Lazarim masks, crafted in the small village of Lazarim in northern Portugal, look freakish and frightening when you first see them. These intricately carved wooden masks are traditionally worn during the Lazarim Carnival, where villagers don the masks to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the arrival of spring.
Or, as we were told on one of our Avalon excursions, little boys are allowed to wear them to frighten the girls at Easter. The girls are given a heads up, though. The costumes come with bells so you can hear them coming.
While Lazarim itself is a bit off the beaten path from Porto, visitors to the city can still discover and purchase these unique masks as souvenirs. One option is to visit local artisan markets and craft fairs, where vendors often showcase handmade products from across Portugal, including Lazarim masks. Keep an eye out for events like the Porto Crafts Week or the Porto Street Market, where you may find artisans selling their wares, including these traditional masks.
Alternatively, specialty shops in Porto’s historic neighbourhoods sometimes stock Lazarim masks, offering visitors the chance to bring home a piece of this cherished Portuguese tradition. Stores like Casa Almada or A Vida Portuguesa may occasionally feature these masks among their curated selection of artisanal products, providing an opportunity to acquire a unique and culturally significant souvenir.
For those interested in a more immersive experience, consider taking a day trip from Porto to Lazarim itself. The village’s annual Carnival festivities are a sight to behold, with locals parading through the streets wearing their elaborately carved masks. While there, you can also visit local artisans’ workshops to learn about the mask-making process firsthand and perhaps even purchase a mask directly from the source.
On our Avalon Cruise, we found them at the outstanding Museo do Douro in Regua on one of their shore excursions.
Canned Fish
Canned fish, or conservas, are a beloved culinary tradition in Porto, offering a taste of the sea in convenient, portable packages. While the city itself may not be a major hub for canned fish production, it serves as an excellent starting point to explore Portugal’s rich conservas culture.
There’s even a place called the fantastic world of the PORTUGUESE SARDINE on the banks of the river in Porto.
One of the best places to discover a wide selection of canned fish in Porto is at Mercearia das Flores, a quaint gourmet grocery store located in the historic city center. Here, you’ll find shelves stocked with an enticing array of conservas, ranging from traditional sardines and mackerel to more exotic offerings like octopus and squid. Mercearia das Flores prides itself on sourcing products from small-scale producers known for their commitment to quality and sustainability.
For an even deeper dive into the world of conservas, consider visiting Conserveira de Lisboa, a legendary canned fish shop with a branch in Porto. Founded in Lisbon in 1930, Conserveira de Lisboa has earned a reputation for its impeccable selection of canned seafood, all packed by hand using time-honored techniques. From classic sardines to gourmet specialties like tuna belly and smoked eel, the shop offers a taste of Portugal’s maritime heritage in every tin.
In addition to these specialty stores, Porto’s bustling markets and gourmet food shops are also excellent places to discover a variety of canned fish products.
Traditional Pastries
Everyone’s heard of the pastel de nata in recent years and while it may have been invented in Belem, Lisbon, that hasn’t stopped Porto from getting in on the action.
To ensure your pastries remain fresh during your journey home, consider visiting local bakeries that specialize in packaging their treats for travel. One such establishment is Manteigaria, a beloved pastry shop known for its delicious pastéis de nata. Located in Porto’s historic center, Manteigaria offers beautifully packaged boxes of these creamy custard tarts, perfect for sharing with friends and family back home.
For a wider selection of traditional pastries, head to Confeitaria do Bolhão, a charming bakery located near Porto’s iconic Bolhão Market. Here, you’ll find an array of classic Portuguese treats, including travesseiros (almond-filled pastries), bolas de Berlim (custard-filled donuts), and pão de ló (sponge cake). The bakery’s convenient location makes it an ideal spot to stock up on pastries before heading home.
Finally, to really show the pastel de nata you’re love, consider joining a pastry-making workshop. Many local cooking schools and culinary centres offer hands-on classes led by expert pastry chefs, allowing you to learn the secrets behind these beloved delicacies while enjoying a fun and interactive culinary experience.
Find the right cooking class for you in Porto through Get Your Guide here. They offer online booking and free cancellation until 24 hours before your class.
Quirky Souvenirs
Of course, no guide to the best souvenirs in Porto, or indeed Portugal at large could miss those time honoured souvenirs like snow globes, tea towels and fridge magnets.
If collecting souvenirs forms part of your life, then check out this article on the best souvenir ideas for your next trip.
Don’t worry about finding specialist shops for these souvenirs. They will find you…
A Fado Soundtrack or Guitar
While Porto may not be as closely associated with fado as Lisbon, it still offers ample opportunities to explore and appreciate this deeply emotive musical tradition. For those seeking to bring home a piece of fado culture, a fado guitar or a cherished fado soundtrack can serve as a beautiful reminder of your time in Porto.
One of the best places to find a fado guitar in Porto is at Casa da Guitarra, a renowned music shop located in the heart of the city’s historic Ribeira district. Here, you’ll discover a curated selection of high-quality Portuguese guitars, including those specifically crafted for fado music. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a novice looking to learn, Casa da Guitarra’s knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect instrument to suit your needs.
Porto’s music shops and record stores often stock a wide range of fado albums, featuring both classic recordings by legendary artists and contemporary interpretations of this timeless genre. For a truly authentic experience, seek out albums by iconic fado singers such as Amália Rodrigues, Carlos do Carmo, and Mariza, whose emotive voices capture the soulful essence of fado.
Linen
Renowned for its quality and durability, Portuguese linen is a sought-after textile worldwide.
Head to Casa Almada in the heart of Porto’s historic Ribeira district for locally made linen products including bedding sets, tablecloths, and napkins, all crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. Casa Almada’s elegant designs and high-quality fabrics make it a favourite among both locals and visitors alike.
If you’re looking for bespoke linen garments and accessories, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Linha d’Água, a boutique studio specializing in handcrafted linen clothing and textiles. Located in Porto’s trendy Cedofeita neighborhood, Linha d’Água combines contemporary design with traditional Portuguese craftsmanship.
Almonds
Start your almond adventure at one of Porto’s bustling markets, like Mercado do Bolhão or Mercado Beira-Rio, where local vendors offer a variety of fresh nuts and snacks. Here, you can sample different types of almonds, from traditional salted varieties to more exotic flavors like smoked or caramelized.
For a wider selection of almonds and other Portuguese delicacies, head to one of Porto’s gourmet food shops, like Manteigaria Silva or Casa Chineza. These cozy stores stock a range of high-quality almonds, as well as other artisanal products like olive oil, cheese, and wine, making them perfect for picking up a few souvenirs to take home with you.
Soap
Soap is a safe souvenir to buy for anyone, right?
Start your soap-seeking adventure at one of Porto’s charming local shops, such as Claus Porto or Ach Brito. These iconic brands have been crafting exquisite soaps since the 19th century, using time-honoured methods and natural ingredients.
Companies like Saboaria e Perfumaria Confiança offer guided tours of their facilities, providing insight into the artistry and craftsmanship behind their products. Sometimes, you can even create your own custom soap blend.
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- Why you should visit the Costa Vicentina in the Alentejo, Portugal
- Your guide to the best neighbourhoods to stay in Lisbon
- Avalon Alegria Review: Is a Portugal Douro River Cruise for You?
- Find unusual things to do in Portugal here.
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