You may not think of Portugal as a place known for its high-quality hats, but that’s where you would be wrong. In fact, Portugal has crafted so many hats for the rich and famous, from the Vatican to Hollywood, that it even has a Hat Museum dedicated to the craft (more on that later).
So, while Portugal is widely celebrated for its shoes, wine, and tiles, fewer visitors realize that the country also boasts a small but proud tradition of hat-making and stylish headwear. Classic fedoras, handmade berets, or high-quality contemporary designs can all be found across the country using techniques passed down through the generations.
In fact, millinery in Portugal has long been tied to several family-run hat shops dating back generations. Though trends have come and gone, these shops have remained timeless and combine old-world craftsmanship with modern flair. These shops offer unique pieces that make perfect souvenirs and will never let you forget the perfect trip to Portugal.
We’ve rounded up six of our favorite hat shops across Lisbon and Porto, each with a story, a style, and a sense of Portuguese personality.
1. Chapelarias Azevedo Rua, Lda.
Standing proudly on Rossio Square since 1886, Chapelarias Azevedo Rua is a piece of Lisbon’s living history. This family-owned business has been lovingly run by generations of women who work to preserve traditional Portuguese millinery techniques.
The boutique’s collection is nothing short of exceptional, and the hats are all crafted with impeccable attention to detail and a focus on quality that ensures longevity. Some customers even proudly wear pieces they purchased decades ago.
Despite its prime location in a popular tourist area, the shop maintains a wonderfully authentic and welcoming atmosphere. Inside, the dark wood interior and antique charm offer a step back in time. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind hat that feels truly Portuguese.
Lisbon – Praça Dom Pedro IV 69/72 73
2. A Fábrica dos Chapéus
Tucked into the heart of Lisbon’s bohemian Bairro Alto, A Fábrica dos Chapéus (The Hat Factory) offers an impressive selection of high-quality headwear ranging from classic fedoras to caps and berets. What sets this shop apart is its ability to help every customer find the perfect fit. The staff are very knowledgeable and try their best to help each customer leave with a piece that feels like it was made just for them.
Nearly all the hats are made in Portugal (many on-site) and the quality is evident in every stitch. You’ll find handcrafted wool hats that are waterproof, foldable, and built to last, all at surprisingly accessible prices. The shop even offers custom designs and will craft a hat using fabric you bring yourself.
Lisbon – Rua da Rosa 118
3. Chapéus Lisboetas
If you’re strolling through downtown Lisbon and find yourself hankering for a hat, Chapéus Lisboetas is your place. This centrally located boutique has an impressive and eclectic variety of hats and even designs you didn’t know existed – until you try one on.
The shop prides itself on its wide selection and excellent craftsmanship and the experience is made even better by the staff, who are welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping you find the right piece.
Beyond hats, the boutique also features beautifully crafted cork accessories, which gives your visit a Portuguese flair. With its excellent service, quality materials, and variety of styles, we tip our hat to Chapéus Lisboetas as a good option for finding your next headpiece.
Lisbon – Rua 1º de Dezembro 85
4. Chess & Hats
Located inside a vintage Art Deco barbershop in the heart of Porto, Chess & Hats is anything but ordinary. This one-of-a-kind boutique is the creative kingdom of Sven, a master artisan whose handcrafted hats are as bold and soulful as the space itself. Each piece is meticulously designed, shaped, and styled for both comfort and distinction. Some customers leave with one hat, others with three, and many with a memory that lingers long after they’ve returned home.
The shop is set within a working barbershop where the barbers wear Sven’s hats as part of their uniform. Sven himself is a big part of the magic: funny, thoughtful, generous with his time, and always up for a good conversation or even a spontaneous game of chess.
If you want to leave Porto with something truly special, this is the place to find it.
Porto – R. de Sá da Bandeira 13
5. Chapelaria Centro da Moda
For those in search of the perfect fit and genuine Portuguese hospitality, Chapelaria Centro da Moda on Rua Nova de São Crispim is widely regarded as one of the finest in the city.
Now run by the third generation of the same family, the shop is overseen by José, a master of his craft who brings warmth, expertise, and a keen eye for detail to every customer interaction. José has a rare talent for guiding you toward a hat that elevates your style and fits like it was made just for you.
The selection here is exceptional and features high-quality hats for all seasons and occasions with a level of sophistication and class that reflects the store’s proud legacy. The shop’s refined atmosphere and first-class service turn a simple shopping trip into a memorable experience, the kind of place you return to again and again for both the quality and the connection.
Lisbon – R. Nova de São Crispim 237
6. Fepsa
Just a short drive from the celebrated Hat Museum in São João da Madeira (mentioned at the beginning of our article) lies one of Portugal’s best-kept fashion secrets – Fepsa, a fully operational hat factory and one of the most important players in the global millinery industry. This extraordinary site is where the felt used in some of the world’s most iconic hats is born.
Fepsa is responsible for producing nearly one-third of all the fur felt used in hat-making worldwide. That buttery-soft felt on a Chanel wide-brim? The sleek structure beneath a Prada bucket hat? Most likely, it started here. Fepsa supplies felt to haute couture giants like Hermès, Chanel, Borsalino, and countless others, while also creating materials for traditional ceremonial hats across the globe.
Only six minutes from the Hat Museum, Fepsa is a masterclass in Portuguese excellence and a proud symbol of the country’s global impact on style and design.
São João da Madeira – R. de Cucujães 192
