Given that Faro is less of a tourist destination than the rest of the Algarve, the shopping experience in the city is much more authentic than what you'd find elsewhere. Rather than jostling with other tourists for the nearest tchtochke at the local tourist trap souvenir booth, you can instead shop shoulder to shoulder with real residents where they shop. The main shopping districts are found lining the streets of Rua Santo Antonio and Rua Francisco Gomes. If you're staying for awhile and have access to your kitchen, consider making a meal from fresh produce bought at the local green market located on Large do Mercado.

Traditional handicrafts that make great souvenirs from the area include woven items such as baskets, embroidered textiles, local wines and aperitifs, and hand-painted ceramics.