Armazens do Chiado

The basics

Despite the grandeur of the building, Armazéns do Chiado’s stores hover at the more affordable end of the spectrum. This is a place for Mango and Starbucks, not Chanel and Rolex, and it’s targeted much more to local shoppers than souvenir hunters.

Travelers from countries where malls come large may well find the selection on offer disappointing, although on a sunny day the views from Hotel do Chiado’s Entretanto Rooftop Bar are quite spectacular.

Things to know before you go

• Armazéns do Chiado will be of interest to architecture fans and anyone who appreciates good views.
• The mall has several cell phone service providers, so it’s a good choice if you’d like to buy a Portuguese SIM card.
• Armazéns do Chiado is wheelchair friendly, with an accessible bathroom, although bathroom lines can be long.

How to get there

Armazéns do Chiado is in the heart of Chiado, less than a 5-minute walk from the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa), and a stone’s throw from Baixa-Chiado metro station, which is served by the blue and green lines.

When to get there

The building looks absolutely lovely during the festive season, when Christmas lights illuminate frontage and street alike. Armazéns do Chiado’s stores are open 10am–10pm daily, while its food and drink venues typically open from 10am–11pm. Entretanto Rooftop Bar in Hotel do Chiado is open 11:30am–11pm daily, and you may need to book ahead.

The best malls in Lisbon

What Lisbon does best is independent heritage stores, like nearby Livraria Bertrand, the planet’s oldest operating bookstore. But if you prefer the convenience of a mall, the Colombo Shopping Center (Centro Colombo) offers more than 340 stores, more than 60 eateries, an IMAX and more. The 1980s Amoreiras Shopping Center is another great choice, with more than 200 stores and spectacular city views. You could also try the Vasco da Gama Shopping Center: Styled like the billowing sail of a ship, it’s home to around 160 shops.