Where to Buy Tiles in Porto: The Best Azulejo Shops and Workshops
Porto is well known for its tiles, which turn even the most ordinary buildings into works of art. The most famous of which are the intricate blue-and-white azulejos that cover churches, stairways, and courtyards all over the city. They’re part of what makes Porto instantly recognizable.
While the traditional blue and white patterns are beautiful, you’ll also find tiles in Porto in a rainbow of colors and patterns, from flat to raised, from single colors to multi-color patterns. Even after living here for a while, we still catch ourselves stopping to admire them.
These tiles are woven into everyday life, from churches to residences. They protect buildings from the damp Atlantic air, while some more painterly times tell Portugal’s history, or illustrate biblical stories.
We are an American family living in Porto, so we experience these tiles every day. One of the first things our visitors often ask us is where to buy souvenir tiles in Porto. This guide will help you find the best spots to shop, from the city’s largest tile store to small ateliers, or consider a hands-on workshop where you can paint your own.
You’ll be able to choose between painted tiles, raised ceramic tiles, traditional patterns, and more modern designs.
We’ll also share how to buy tiles responsibly, how to pack them for travel, and what to look for when choosing a piece of Porto to take home.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.
What are Azulejos?
The word azulejo comes from the Arabic zellige, meaning “polished stone.” The art form arrived in Portugal through Moorish influence and evolved over centuries into something uniquely Portuguese. Here in the north, especially in Porto, tiles tend to be restrained in color but bold in pattern.
You’ll see some of the most stunning examples just walking through downtown Porto. São Bento Train Station tells the stories of kings and battles across 20,000 tiles.
Igreja do Carmo’s exterior façade is covered in traditional blue-and-white tiles that illustrate stories, and the Capela das Almas stops people in their tracks on Rua de Santa Catarina.
After seeing all that artistry on the streets, it’s hard not to want a piece of it for yourself. Luckily, Porto has plenty of shops and studios where you can do just that.
You’ll also find other ceramics in many of these shops, including traditional ceramic swallows and sardines, dishes, patterned coasters, and trivets.
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The Best Shops to Buy Tiles in Porto
Once you start looking for tiles in Porto, you realize just how many options there are, from big, established stores to tiny ateliers tucked down cobblestone streets. Some focus on traditional patterns that are painted by hand, while others experiment with modern designs.
Here are our favorite places to shop, whether you’re hunting for a single tile to tuck into your suitcase, a series to mount together, or coasters or other ceramics inspired by tile patterns.
Gift shopping? Check out our favorite places to holiday shop in Porto.
1. Prometeu Artesanato
If you’re only visiting one tile store in Porto, this chain has the largest selection. Prometeu Artesanato is the city’s largest and best-known tile shop, with several locations across the center.
Each shop is filled with hand-painted azulejos, tile panels, and other locally made pottery and souvenirs, but the selection and size vary slightly from one to another. You’ll find tiles at different price points and different levels of quality, from screen-printed to hand-painted..
The staff will wrap everything securely, and they can ship internationally if your suitcase is already bursting. Prices start at about 3€ a tile and go up from there.
Locations:
Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 136 (largest shop)
Rua Trindade Coelho 40
Rua de São João 19
Rua Alexandre Herculano 355
2. Nativa Portugal na mão
Nativa is a great gift shop that has a nice selection of textured, fired tiles. They also have a large selection of trivets and coasters with cork backs. You’ll also find textiles, food gifts, and other middle to high-end souvenirs here. Individual tiles start at 18€.
Locations:
Rua da Formosa, 291
Praça da Batalha, 135
3. Mercado 48
Mercado 48 is a concept shop dedicated to Portuguese design. Alongside ceramics, you’ll find lots of artists’ prints, textiles, and home décor from local makers.
They offer an “Arts & Crafts Series” based on traditional 19th-century designs. They also have a “XX Century Series” of more modern tile designs.
If you really want something unique, pick one of the limited edition “Artist’s Edition” tiles. Small tiles 15€, large tiles 20€.
Address: Rua de José Falcão 48
4. Criveart
Criveart is a boutique that carries tiles, ceramic plates, embroidered textiles, hand-carved cork items, and other decor. Individual tiles start around 10€, and many designs are exclusive to them. They also offer customizable 12 pc tile panels.
Location: Rua de Miguel Bombarda 648
Need a break from shopping? Grab a coffee at one of our favorite coffee cafes.
5. Fleurdelis Tiles
This artisan shop sells restored old tiles, handmade reproductions of older tiles made by the owner, and a small selection of other ceramics and glassware. This includes port wine goblets produced at a traditional Portuguese glass factory.
Location: Rua das Taipas 63, open everyday 11:00 – 17:00
6. 110 Cores Oficina Cerâmica
Just down the hill from Fleurdelis, you’ll find 110 Cores (110 Colors). This small ceramics shops has mostly tiles, and few wall art pieces as well. All of the tiles are made and painted by hand in the studio. Each tile is signed by the artist.
You’ll find a mix of traditional patterns and contemporary designs, in a range of color palettes. Prices start at 15€ per tile.
Location: Rua das Taipas 58
7. Azulejo.Shop
Right next door, you’ll find another tile shop that features traditional reproductions of azulejos. Browse and join them for a coffee and slice of cake. This shop is associated with the Extendall studios and apartments next door.
Location: Rua das Taipas 44/48, Check instagram for hours.
8. Sol Artesanato
A bright, cheerful shop located right along the Ribeira, Sol Artesanato has all sorts of handicrafts, from tiles to jewelry. You’ll also find coasters, magnets, and other tile-inspired items.
Location: Rua da Assunção 15
9. Zinda Atelier
This artist’s atelier features the work of Zinda, an artist from Gondomar. You’ll find her handmade creations, including creative hand-painted tiles and more traditional raised-style tiles. This is the place to go for a piece of art to take home.
Zinda’s traditional tiles are are one base color with raised ceramic patterns in white. They are stunning. She has two styles of less traditional tiles- one features an ivory background and hand drawn lines and hearts. The second features slightly abstract, geometric sketches of Porto using blues, creams and browns.
If you are looking for a more artistic, handmade version of the famous Barcelos rooster, this is also your shop! Tiles start around 18€.
Location: R. de Ferreira Borges 63, 14:00 – 18:00, closed Wednesday and Sunday
Paint-Your-Own Tile Workshops
An azulejo workshop allows you to try painting a tile yourself. These classes are relaxed and beginner-friendly, making them fun for both adults and kids. You don’t need to be a great artist to make a great tile!
During most workshops, you’ll start with a short introduction to the history of tilework and a look at traditional patterns. Then you’ll get to paint your own tile, either following a stencil of a classic design or sketching something freehand.
The sessions usually last around two hours, and you’ll walk away with a handmade souvenir that’s a lot more meaningful than anything you could buy in a shop.
These workshops are a great activity for a rainy day in Porto!
10. Agostinha
This is the artist’s studio and shop of Agostinha Moreira. She works mostly in ceramics and scented plaster. Handmade and painted tiles start at 17€.
She also offers tile workshops where you will learn about traditional manufacturing techniques, sip port wine, and paint your own textured tile. Each class is two hours long.
Classes are 40€ pp for two people, or 35€ pp for three or more, for ages 7+. Tiles are then fired in the kiln, and will be ready to pick up 2 days after the class. Email [email protected] for reservations.
Locations: Rua Coelho Neto 96, M-F, 9h – 18h
11. Gazete Azulejos
Gazete Azulejos offers one of the most beloved tile workshops in Porto. They are dedicated to promoting and preserving the art of traditional Portuguese tile painting. Their classes support the Os Azulejos do Porto project, a non-profit initiative to catalogue all the Porto facade tiles.
The workshop is two hours long, and each participant will paint two tiles. The tiles will then be kiln-fired and ready for pickup at the end of the day following the workshop.
Approx. 40€ per person, ages 12+. Reserve a space in advance online.
Looking to tile a backsplash or bathroom? Check out their online shop for available tile patterns, or purchase hand-painted tile coasters (minimum 6).
Address: R. do Duque de Palmela 230
12. Boiler Studio
Boiler Studio is a creative space that blends art, design, and sustainability in an industrial-chic setting. Their workshops are a bit more experimental — think modern patterns, bold colors, and an emphasis on personal expression rather than strict tradition.
The studio owner has developed a technique that lets you bring your tile home immediately after class.
The studio is a bright, open and inviting space with a small shop at the front that carries ceramics, jewelry, textiles and more.
We have local friends who took visitors to the Boiler studio workshop, and they highly recommend it. You have two hours to paint, a drink is provided, and the tile will be ready for you to take home. All ages welcome.
Address: Rua de Dom João IV 887
Book Now: Two-Hour Tile Painting Workshop
What to Know Before Buying Tiles
Before you start filling your suitcase with tiles, there are a few things you should know. Porto has a long and proud tile tradition, but not everything you see for sale has been sourced ethically. A little background can help you choose pieces you’ll feel good about bringing home.
Beware Antique Tiles
The most important thing to remember is that many “antique” tiles on the market are actually stolen from old buildings. You’ll see them in flea markets and the occasional shop, often sold as “original 18th-century” azulejos. While they might look tempting, removing tiles from historic facades is illegal and damages the city’s heritage.
It’s best to buy newly made or certified reproductions from reputable artisans and stores. This reduces the market for older tiles, and thereby reduces the incentive to steal original tiles from buildings.
These shops also support living artists, protect cultural heritage, and often produce pieces just as beautiful as the originals.
Spot Authentic Craftsmanship
When you’re shopping, don’t be shy about asking questions. A good seller will know where and how they were made. Unless you are buying the lowest grade tiles, you should see small variations in color and texture. Those imperfections are signs of hand-painting rather than factory printing.
Handcrafted tiles usually have a slightly uneven finish that gives them character. Factory-made versions, on the other hand, tend to look too perfect and uniform.
Know How You’ll Use Them
Think about how you’ll display or use your tiles once you’re home. Most of the tiles you’ll find in these stores are purely decorative. Some can be quite heavy, so think about how you plan to use them and the colors of the room where you plan to place them.
Pack Like a Pro
Most tile shops in Porto will wrap each tile individually in paper or bubble wrap. Still, it’s worth taking a few extra precautions once you’re back at your hotel. Stack tiles flat (never upright) in the center of your suitcase, with soft clothes on all sides for cushioning.
If you’ve picked up multiple tiles, separate them into smaller stacks of four or five so they’re less likely to crack under their own weight.
Consider Shipping
If you’re buying more than a few tiles or a decorative panel, shipping may be the safer and easier choice, as tiles get heavy quickly. Many shops will pack and send your purchases internationally.
Ask for a tracking number and estimated delivery time, and make sure they include insurance in the shipping price.
Shipping can take anywhere from one to four weeks, depending on the method and destination, but you’ll avoid the weight (and the worry) of carrying fragile tiles on your travels.
FAQ
Prices vary widely depending on size, style, and craftsmanship. Small, hand-painted tiles typically start around 5€, ceramic glazed tiles start around 15€, while larger or more intricate panels can cost anywhere from 40€ to several hundred.
A few shops at Porto Airport sell ceramic souvenirs, but the selection and quality can’t compare to what you’ll find in the city. You are much better off shopping in town and choosing something you really love, or making your own!
The most famous landmarks with azulejos in Porto are São Bento Station, Sé Cathedral, Capela das Almas, and Igreja do Carmo. These highlights are part of our list of top things to do in Porto.
All of these feature the blue-and-white illustrated tiles for which Porto has become famous. Wander the streets of downtown Porto, and you will see there are many other styles of tiles in Porto as well!
Yes! Most workshops welcome families, and most importantly, don’t expect a high level of artistic skill. Make sure to check the minimum age for each workshop, as some studios are 7+, and others are 12+.
There You Have It
Porto’s tiles are more than just decoration; they’re part of the city’s heritage. They line stairways, fill church facades, and quietly cling to centuries-old houses. Buying a few to take home feels like keeping a small piece of that magic with you.
Whether you find the perfect tile or paint your own, you’ll be supporting local artists and businesses who are dedicated to keeping this tradition alive.
If you’re planning your visit, don’t miss our guides to 1 day in Porto and 3 days in Porto. We’ve also got travel tips and a guide to using public transportation on your tile hunt!
Love Shopping in Porto? Check out our favorite places to shop for the holidays!
