You'll find the international retailers you're familiar with down Rua de Santa Catarina, where you'll also see the Via Catarina shopping mall, which is a convenient shopping mecca. Big labels are also found down Avenida da Boavista, while Rua do Almada is the street for alternative shops.
Design and style-conscious shoppers go down Rua Miguel Bombarda, which is known for its art galleries and CCB-Centro Comercial Bombarda, a not-your-typical-shopping-mall clustering art and design shops.
The following are the most original or outstanding shops in Porto:
www.livrarialello.pt
Rua das Carmelitas, 144
It's considered one of the most beautiful book shops in the world, and you'll confirm that yourself as you go up its beautiful staircase and take a look at the stained glass ceiling. Naturally, most books are in Portuguese, but there is also a selection of publications in English and other languages.
www.avidaportuguesa.com
Rua de Cândido dos Reis, 36
One of Lisbon's most popular shops also has a home in Porto, offering classic Portuguese products to tourists and locals. The main attraction is the retro packaging of each piece, including that of the local Claus Porto soaps, which were made even more famous when Oprah Winfrey said they were one of her favorite things.
Rua de Miguel Bombarda, 285
This is not the regular shopping mall. It's much smaller and with specialty stores related to art and fashion. Look for Portuguese design, organic cosmetics, or contemporary jewelry, and then head to the galleries down the street.
www.luisbuchinho.pt
Rua de Sá da Bandeira, 812
The showroom of one of Portugal's best-known designers is found in downtown Porto. It's where he presents his couture and ready-to-wear collections.
www.nunobaltazar.com
Rua do Bolhão, 37
Fashion designer Nuno Baltazar's elegant ready-to-wear collections are available at this shop downtown.
www.wrongweather.net
Avenida da Boavista, 754
Found on Porto's main avenue, just steps from the landmark Casa da Música, this shop offers international brands such as Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto, as well as its own line of men's fashions and accessories. More than a shop, it's also an exhibition space, showcasing emerging visual artists relating to the fashion world.
www.arcadia.pt
Rua da Almada, 63 and Rua de Santa Catarina, 191
Porto's Arcadia chocolates are classics all over Portugal, and you may get them at one of these shops in the city center. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and flavors, all handmade, using natural products. They come in attractive packages, which also make them wonderful gifts.
Rua Formosa, 279
An historical landmark, this Belle Epoque shop offers all kinds of Portuguese delicacies. It of course includes Port Wine, but also cheeses, bread and other products from the region and all over Portugal, although its original specialty was Asian spices.
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