In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world’s best cities. From food markets to vintage and homespun designs, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.

Many visitors to Porto are drawn by the city’s food and wine, perhaps by a sense of tradition. The city’s shops reflect these while also pulling shoppers in unexpected, quirky directions. Here are five of our favorite places to shop in northern Portugal’s charming cultural capital.

Best for something quirky
Banco de Materiais

Banco de Materiais is not a shop in the conventional sense; however, it’s a treasure trove for those owning an old, crumbling building in Porto. If your tiles are falling off the wall, you can file a request with this archive of architectural elements, and if they have the same pattern, you can get the tiles free of charge.

In addition to dozens of types of beautiful, hand-painted tiles, the “stock” here includes old street signs, advertisements, hand-shaped door knockers, plaster fixtures, and metalwork. It’s open to the public, browser-friendly, and free; think of it as free exterior/interior design inspiration or a tile museum.

Best for local design
GUR

GUR (rug spelled backwards – get it?) might just change your perception of Portugal’s design scene. Essentially a collaboration between the owner, Célia Esteves, artists from around the world, and weavers in Viana do Castelo, GUR’s rugs are playful, bright, and chunky, practically 3D in some cases. Moreover, they are sustainable, woven by hand from leftover cotton cloth from the clothing industry.

Located in Porto’s stately Bonfim neighborhood, GUR’s showroom is a bright, airy space that lets those bold colors shine. Visitors can find a loom and atelier in the back, and GUR shares space with an art gallery that hosts changing exhibitions.

Best for souvenirs
Ferragens Fermoura

Ferragens Fermoura started out selling tools in 1957, but it’s now a delightful hardware store filled with quirky, domestically made items that appeal to many. The fourth-generation owners recognized the need for unique offerings as other shops closed their doors.

Today, the stock includes everything from deadstock toys to rustic clay dishes. This shop is popular among locals seeking practical items and tourists in search of unique souvenirs. “We sell a little bit of everything to everyone,” says Carlos, the friendly owner.

Best for food
Casa Lourenço

Unlike Lisbon, Porto is home to several family-owned food shops, and one of the best is Casa Lourenço. Dating back an estimated 120 years, this shop began selling fruit and cheese from Serra de Estrela.

Today, its extensive offerings include cheeses from across Portugal, vintage Port wine, cured hams, tins of seafood, and rare olive oils. Owner João Cunha sources from small, artisanal producers, ensuring an authentic culinary experience. Be sure to ask for local recommendations during your visit!

Best for unique finds
Térmita

Térmita (Portuguese for termite) offers a vibrant collection of ‘zines, self-published works, and an eclectic mix of used titles that feel reminiscent of a cool bookstore from the ‘90s. The stock is mostly in Portuguese, featuring topics like history, colonial Portugal, and art, but there are also titles in English, French, and Spanish.

This charming shop shares space with Café Candelabro, one of Porto’s coolest wine bars, making it a perfect stop to relax and unwind with a good reading material.