It’s not just Lisbon as a city that is experiencing some sort of second life. A lot of traditional Portuguese products are being marketed as ‘new’. A Vida Portuguesa is just the place for that: they sell products from the past as if they were invented just yesterday.
If you want to go back to Portugal in the 50s, step inside A Vida Portuguesa.
Retro or new vintage
The design of this store is well thought out. The high wooden cabinets with beautiful products are very attractive to look at, let alone to buy. Everyday products from the 1950s experience a second youth in these stores, with labels on them that the older Portuguese people will surely remember from their youth.
You can buy different products in A Vida Portuguesa (which translates to “A Portuguese Life”). Upon arrival you’ll spot toothpaste, soap, perfume, petroleum jelly and shaving cream. A little further into the store you will also find toys and all kinds of kitchen stuff.
Behind the cash register you see a whole platform of woven rugs in all shapes and sizes. Near the entrance there is a small bookstore with Portuguese books by the most famous writers.
Origineel, maar niet goedkoop
Koop je hier de souvenirs dan ben je niet goedkoop uit maar heb je wel een aantal originele spullen thuis staan of om uit te delen.
I think A Vida Portuguesa is a very nice store and when you’re in the neighbourhood it is definitely worth it to go inside.
Even if you decide to only buy some authentic toothpaste Couto and vaseline from some original brand, make sure you bring cash. Everything under 5 euros has to be paid cash.
Where to find A Vida Portuguesa
A Vida Portuguesa has three stores in Lisbon with different opening times.
Chiado
Address: Rua Anchieta 11
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Mercado da Ribeira
Adres: : Avenida 24 de Julho
Opening hours: daily 10 a.m. – 23 p.m.
Intendente Largo do Intendente – Intendente:
Adres: Pina Manique 23
Opening hours: daily 10:30 a.m. – 19:30 p.m. hrs
All shops are closed on 25 December and 2 January.