The Mediterranean Insider

Porto, Portugal

Shop local, shop unique: Porto’s one-of-a-kind retail spots

The Mediterranean • Shop • Shop local, shop unique: Porto’s one-of-a-kind retail spots

Shop till you drop at these unique Porto retail spots

Porto is a city bursting with character and creativity and shopping in Porto is anything but average, it’s a journey into centuries-old traditions, innovative interiors and bold creative visions. As the second largest city in Portugal, it’s a given that this city is home to a variety of retail spots, but we like to shed some light on the most unique one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques. In this guide, we take you on a journey through some of the city’s most unforgettable retail spots, where every detail – from interior materials to designer collaborations – tells an inspiring story of Porto.

Top photography courtesy of Costa Nova

Mercado Loft Store

Mercado Loft Store operates both as a store and an in-house design atelier dedicated to interior décor. The store specialises in producing bespoke furniture designed for each project while also offering a carefully selected range of new and vintage pieces acquired from Portugal, Africa and Asia. Working closely with an in-house design team and collaborating with architects, the store ensures every detail – from material selection to spatial planning – is meticulously curated for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The store’s interior is designed with a minimalist yet industrial aesthetic, featuring raw wood accents, subtle metal fixtures and open-plan displays that invite you to appreciate the texture and quality of each product.

Mercado Loft Store
R. Guedes de Azevedo 125
Porto
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Mercado Loft Store

Claus Porto

Rooted in a history dating back to 1887, Claus Porto’s flagship store on Rua das Flores is a shop-museum that chronicles 130 years of Portuguese artisanal excellence. On the ground floor, modular display systems like the table-suitcase and an imposing polished brass counter organise an array of hand-wrapped soaps, colognes and bath accessories. Handcrafted hydraulic tiles and elegant brass inlays evoke the bygone era of traditional craftsmanship, while a monolithic washbasin – carved from a single block of Estremoz marble – serves as both functional art and homage to the brand’s heritage. Designed by João Mendes Ribeiro and his team, the space is divided into distinct zones: a retail area, a museological section with archival artefacts and original documents and even a private barber-shop area serving the Musgo Real line.

Claus Porto
R. das Flores 22
Porto
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Claus Porto

Costa Nova

Costa Nova is renowned for its fine stoneware, a range of tableware and accessories celebrated for durability and timeless style. The store offers a comprehensive display of its collections, which have been recognised by both Portuguese chef José Avillez and international design figures such as Martha Stewart. In its Porto showroom, the brand’s products are presented in a minimalist, elegant space designed to let the natural beauty of the stoneware speak for itself. The interior features a neutral palette with soft lighting that highlights the fine-grained clay’s ability to absorb rich, lasting colours.

Costa Nova
R. de Sá da Bandeira 650 Edifício Emporium
Porto
Portugal

Photography courtesy of Costa Nova

The Feeting Room

The Feeting Room is a trendy two-storey concept store that serves as a hub for independent fashion and lifestyle brands. This store specialises in high-quality footwear, clothing and accessories from independent and emerging brands, blending fashion, design and lifestyle in a carefully curated space. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind fashion pieces by notable brands like Thinking Mu, Dito Collective and Loreak Mendian. The design strategy here is all about simplicity and clarity – clean, open layouts punctuated by industrial finishes and soft lighting that highlights the fashion pieces. Every shelf and display has been carefully selected to tell a story of creative independence, products are arranged to invite exploration while local artworks and designer details create a uniquely Porto ambience.

The Feeting Room
Largo dos Lóios 86
Porto
Portugal

Photography courtesy of The Feeting Room

A Vida Portuguesa

Since its opening in 2009, A Vida Portuguesa has become synonymous with genuine Portuguese heritage. This unique store curates a collection of genuine, nostalgic items that have been cherished by generations. Their mission is to revive beloved, time-honoured products that have defined Portuguese culture for generations. You can browse an eclectic range of products, including Ach. Brito soaps, Bordalo Pinheiro-inspired designs and traditional food preserves – all crafted by local artisans using methods passed down through the ages. The Porto store is housed on the first floor of an 1886 fabric shop, with large, vintage windows framing picturesque views of Clérigos Tower, inviting natural light to bathe the space in a warm glow. Inside, antique furnishings including weathered wooden shelves and classic display cases, showcase an eclectic range of products.