If you’re looking for an original souvenir in Lisbon, don’t even think of leaving the city without picking up some colorful tins of fish.

It’s not about the taste or the quality of the fish, it’s about the symbolism: colorful cans represent the “canned” spirit of the city that you can take with you, and sardines, tuna, anchovies, octopus or eels will stay edible for a long time.

Some stores sell nothing but canned fish, and you can find restaurants that will bring canned fish to your table. It has been part of Portugal’s culinary heritage since the late 19th century, when a national canning industry emerged that was especially popular during times of economic turbulence and food shortages.

One of the most popular shops attracting attention with colorful cans is located in the historic Baixa district of Lisbon – the storefront of Conserveira de Lisboa has become a landmark in Lisbon.