2 Best Places to Shop in Northern Portugal, Portugal

This cultural center serves as a showroom for the best designs produced by an embroidery cooperative that's run by a group of local artisans.

This hulking remnant of the 15th-century town wall how houses a municipal store selling local handicrafts that is also usually staffed by someone from the tourist office. Colorful ceramic figurines, dishes, and bowls, often signed by the artist, are generally a good buy. The second and third floors host changing exhibitions, with various crafts represented, as well as pottery and other workshops (for which you must book well ahead). For panoramic views, climb yet more stairs to the roof; there is an elevator from ground level for those with mobility problems, but you still need to climb 30 steps after that.