Lisbon Life #1

10 Fairs and Markets in Lisbon

OPEN-AIR MARKETS

From flea markets to food markets, Lisbon's good weather allows merchants of all kinds to set up their stalls, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike. And if the weather doesn't cooperate, don't worry, we'll go anyway!

Feira da Ladra

How can you not start with the famous Feira da Ladra? This market is the oldest in Lisbon, some say it dates back to medieval times. It is located in the Campo Santa Clara, just behind the church of São Vicente de Fora. If its name means fair of the thief, its origin is perhaps not so simple: Ladra is in fact a contraction of the Latin latera for latera de castelo, next to the castle. That said, Fernando Pessoa already said in 1925 that « strange merchants […] display their wares along the pavements« , « some objects are of obvious use, others sometimes doubtful« !

 

Today, the Feira da Ladra is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning. All kinds of objects and clothes are sold there. In the covered area (Mercado de Santa-Clara) you can find clothes and accessories from Lisbon designers. With a little patience, you will find what you are looking for! The Feira da Ladra is a must-see event during the week. However, beware of Lisboan art objects sold on the sly, such as pieces of azulejos or calçadas, which have often been stolen from facades or pavements… And if, like the scatterbrain writing the post, you want to replace your broken mobile phone with a cheap one, you should know that this is not necessarily the best idea in the world!

Feira da ladra fair of the thief lisbon

LX Market x LX Rural

Have you heard of LX Factory? This former industrial wasteland from the middle of the 19th century has been converted into a creative and relaxing space where Lisbon’s youth likes to meet. Located just below the 25th April Bridge, LX Factory is home to restaurants, bookshops, barbers, bars and two of Lisbon’s trendiest markets. 

 

First of all, LX Market, every Sunday. Here you can find all sorts of vintage items, second-hand clothes or the latest items designed by the rising stars of Lisbon fashion!

 

At the same time its food counterpart, LX Rural, is held. This is the place to stock up on farm fresh produce! Everything comes directly from the countryside around Lisbon, right down to the stalls. You come for the seasonal fruit and vegetables, the quality meat, the honey and the home-made bread… 

Street art in the Alcantara district of Lisbon by Bordalo II

Principe Real Organic Market

Lisbon’s largest organic market is located in the trendy Principe Real district. In addition to fresh fruit and vegetables, you can find good Portuguese organic cheeses and wines. All of this in the open air, in the beautiful Principe Real park. What we like is to be able to chat directly with the producers from the Lisbon region who come to sell their crops. You can visit on Saturday mornings from 9am to 3pm. 

 

This market was born a dozen years ago with the help of the Portuguese Association of Organic Agriculture (Agrobio). For a long time it was the only organic market in the city, but now, under the impulse of Agrobio, three other organic markets have been created in recent years. One on the fringes of the Mercado da Ladra, another in the Lisbon Park of Nations and the last one in Campo Pequeno.

principe real - organic market Lisbon

Book fair in Chiado

A typical Saturday morning in Lisbon? Get up, go to Chiado, walk down Anchieta Street, walk among the bookshops. Historical books, comics, novels… Choose what you like. Take one or two postcards. Go for a bica (strong coffee), why not at the Brasileira. Watch people, read, write. What a good morning in Lisbon! 

Feira do Relógio

In the north of Lisbon, on the Marvila side, a flea market is held on Sundays, which has nothing to envy the Feira da Ladra! Feira do Relógio is located in a very popular neighbourhood and is not very touristy. Here, the gypsy community comes to sell all sorts of objects, clothes and fabrics at unbeatable prices. Fruit and vegetables are also sold here. Be prepared to hear the merchants singing and shouting to each other!

feira do relogio Markets in Lisbon
feira do relogio avocado in lisbon

Santos Collective

Santos Collective is more than just a market: it’s Lisbon’s trendy meeting place! Located in the Nuno Alvarez gardens in the Santos district, this market was recently created to support local producers and artisans in the city. It all started in February 2020. At that time, Tiago Jorge, a local restaurateur/shopkeeper (he runs Mercearia da Mila, check it out!) organised a party in Santos, to promote the connection between its inhabitants. In this party, there was street food, a small market with local producers, fado… The party was so well appreciated that the idea came to organise it more regularly. 

 

The covid came and went, which slowed down the project a bit, but now it’s here, the Santos Collective market has been held on Saturdays since May 2021. Good atmosphere, good products guaranteed. There is good music and many people come to have a picnic. The ambition of Santos Collective? To give other districts of Lisbon the idea of doing the same thing!

santos collective Markets in Lisbon
Credit : Santos Collective

COVERED MARKETS

In Lisbon, covered markets are real places of life, most freguesias (neighbourhoods) have one. So, as we can't be exhaustive, let us introduce you to the most emblematic, the most original, and above all our favourites!

Mercado da Ribeira

The Mercado da Ribeira building, not far from Cais do Sodré, was built in 1884. However, the first references to this market date back to the very beginning of the 12th century! In 2014, this iconic market was completely renovated to become the Time Out Market. The concept is innovative: in addition to the traditional stalls, there are around 30 restaurants. All you have to do is order what you like and sit down at the large tables placed in the centre of the market. A friendly atmosphere is guaranteed! In the evening, you can find exhibitions and events, which make it one of the trendiest places in the capital! 

 

Note: at the Mercado da Ribeira, Saturdays are reserved for handicrafts and Sundays for collectors.

Time Out Market - Mercado da Ribeira - Markets in Lisbon
Credit : Time Out Market

Mercado da Ribeira

In the heart of Arroios, for many, this is the best food market in Lisbon, especially for its fish. Very contemporary in style, it takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Well known for its wide variety and high quality of fish and seafood, most of the city’s chefs come here to buy. This market is a very good stop on your visit to Lisbon, especially if you want to get off the beaten track. What’s the best thing about this market? There is a dedicated area to look after the children while the parents go shopping!

Mercado de Campo de Ourique

To the west of the city, the chic Campo de Ourique district is very popular with French people living in Lisbon. Just look at the number of bakeries! The Mercado de Campo de Ourique is the centre of life in this neighbourhood. Inaugurated in 1934, it has been renovated twice in a row, in 1991 and in 2013. Every day you can find quality cold cuts, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and many other fresh products. Many bars and restaurants surround the market. You can eat everything from tapas to sushi. Restaurants usually buy their fresh produce directly from the market!

plan of the mercado of the campo de Ourique - market in Lisbon
Credit : Mercado de Campo de Ourique

Mercado de Benfica

No, Benfica is not just a football club! It is also a district of Lisbon, on the other side of Monsanto Park. At the heart of this neighbourhood is the Mercado de Benfica. Under its 1970s concrete dome, fresh fish, meat and all sorts of foodstuffs are sold. This is yet another facet of Lisbon to see, one of the city’s oldest residential areas. Every first Saturday of the month there is also the Benfica craft fair, where you can find a lot of handicrafts, clothes, shoes or jewellery… Go and see, you might find something to suit your taste! 

AND in EXTRA...

Anjos 70 (Art & Flea Market)

Located in the Anjos district, Anjos 70 is a popular alternative space. While it is known for its famous dance bar and lively nightlife, Lisboners also flock to it at weekends for its flea market. Until 2017, it was called Feira das Almas, the Fair of Souls. Now, its official name has changed to Art & Flea Market but personally, at VisitmyLisbon, we liked the old name! 

 

You can find everything there! From 11am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays, it’s a real hive of activity. Second-hand items and other second-hand objects are followed by real works of art. It’s the perfect place to find something unique! Anjos 70 also organises Pop Up Markets in other parts of Lisbon, such as Santos, thus moving its concept to other parts of the city.

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