Seven Hills: Not Your Average Souvenir Store

 
It’s not difficult to inadvertently fall into tourist traps when you’re visiting the touristy parts of Lisbon. Sadly, there are more tasteless shops with their tacky, made in China products than I care to acknowledge… but that shouldn’t dissuade you from trying to find some lovely things that accurately represent Portugal to take home for yourself or loved ones. One shop in downtown Lisbon that offers high quality items is Seven Hills. Here’s why I believe this boutique souvenir shop is precisely the kind of place you should be buying your souvenirs from.

 
Named after the seven hills on which Lisbon is supposedly built, Seven Hills may be small, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quality gifts and foods. You may find brands here that you won’t find in other places, such as Da Silva Gaspar salt, which come in a variety of flavors and in gorgeous packaging – perfect for a gift!

 
Aside from more unusual brands, you’ll find some classic Portuguese brand names such as Bordallo Pinheiro ceramics and Vista Alegre china. Seven Hills offers beautiful homeware, such as trays and boards made of Portuguese olive tree wood, carefully-crafted napkin rings, and towels and travel bags manufactured using traditional materials and techniques… amongst other little ornaments scattered throughout the displays.

 
If you’re looking for edible gifts, the store stocks fine olive oils, teas, and wines.

 
One aspect of this store you simply can’t ignore – and which makes it stand out from other shops – is the stylish decor. The floors are entirely made of calçada portuguesa, Portuguese pavement, which could not be more appropriate (or beautiful) for downtown Lisbon. You’ll find ornate azulejo tiles and modern wine box displays on the walls, which evoke popular Portuguese arts and food. Seven Hills manages to achieve a tasteful combination of traditional elements and modern decor.

 
If you’re on the prowl for classy gifts to remembers your Portugal trip by, I recommend you stop by Seven Hills in downtown Lisbon. You’ll be so glad you ended up here and not a place full of trashy gifts that you’ll regret buying.

 
Location: Rua Aurea 199-201, Lisboa.