When visiting Lisbon, you won’t be short of finding things to do and see, from exploring its chic boulevards to the quaint back streets and squares, traditional tavernas or restaurants with romantic views over the river: Lisbon is the type of city that is quick to captivate with its quirky and charming personality.
But to really get under the skin of the city and immerse yourself in the Lisbon’s everyday life I can’t think of a better experience than to explore one of its many local markets, from sampling traditional delicacies in a small food market to picking up a bargain or two in a flea-market. Keep reading to find out what’s happening when, to see what you can visit during your holiday.
Ad hoc markets
Anjos 70
When: Check Instagram for dates
Where: different locations, check website or Instagram
What to expect: Alternative market with independent artists and designers, vintage clothing, and a brilliant to experience the most creative side of the city.
Sundays
Antique fair in Alges
When: The fourth Sunday of the month
Where: Jardim Municipal de Algés
What to expect: Out of the tourism trail, this one is for those wanting to experience proper local life. Alges is home to Lisbon’s old Aquarium which is well worth a visit. Of if you have some time, you can catch the train to Cascais from here too.
Craft & Design Fair
When: Saturdays & Sundays at 10am
Where: Jardim da Estrela
What to expect: Experience independent brands showcasing the best in modern crafts and design in the wonderfully charming Jardim da Estrela. It has 2 cafés, duck pond, exotic trees and is a welcome shaded retreat during the summer months.
LX Market at LX Factory
When: Sundays (winter months between 10am-6pm, and Summer 11am-8pm
What to expect: A cool selection of clothing and vintage items, organic food, and handmade items. A great spot to spend the morning, I recommend going early and sneaking in brunch or lunch at LX Factory.
Mondays
Antique market at Principe Real
When: Last Monday of the month, morning
Where: Principe Real park
What to expect: A small market with a variety of local crafts, antiques and knick-knacks held in the beautiful park at Principe Real.
Tuesdays
Feira da Ladra (Flea market)
When: Tuesdays & Saturdays 8am-6pm
What to expect: A true Lisbon classic, I remember many Saturday mornings spent taking the bus to the hills of Graça to find a plethora of knick-knacks, antiques, stamp and coin collections, vintage clothing and pretty much anything you could think of, including the odd scary broken doll. Go very early for the best chance of picking up a treasure of two.
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
Portugal Real (Principe Real)
When: Second Friday of the month
Saturdays
Organic market at Principe Real
When: Saturdays morning. Note that on the last Saturday of the month, the market becomes an antique market.
What to expect:
A great organic market with local produce, it’s perfect for those renting an apartment to get some super fresh and delicious food, or a good chance to pick up a few local treats for yourself or to take home.
Feira da Ladra (Flea market)
When: Tuesdays & Saturdays 8am-6pm
What to expect:
A true Lisbon classic, I remember many Saturday mornings spent taking the bus to the hills of Graça to find a plethora of knick-knacks, antiques, stamp and coin collections, vintage clothing and pretty much anything you could think of, including the odd scary broken doll.
Craft & Design Fair
When: Saturdays & Sundays at 10am
Where: Jardim da Estrela
What to expect: Experience independent brands showcasing the best in modern crafts and design in the wonderfully charming Jardim da Estrela. It has 2 cafés, duck pond, exotic trees and is a welcome shaded retreat during the summer months.
Hype Market
When: Saturdays, do check their Instagram to confirm
Where: Av. da Igreja, 37 E, in front of Alvalade Shopping Centre
What to expect: Escape the tourist crowds and discovendependent Portuguese interior design, jewellery and fashion brands in Alvalade.
