Markets and Fairs

Part of a city’s lifestyle is observing what people sell and how others buy it. With the development of cities, market-life disappeared. Big department stores appeared, which changed many shopping habits. Even the quality of the products has changed. For a more authentic shopping experience, some of these relics still exist around Lisbon.

The environment felt in each market or fair is different. It will be common to hear fishwives’ loud voices around the fish market. It will be easier to bargain at the Feira da Ladra, where second-hand goods are sold. Some markets are held within old romantic-style buildings, which give them a special character.

Here is a list of the most peculiar and special markets in Lisbon:

Jardim da Estrela

Crafts and Design

One of the cities greenest areas, the Jardim da Estrela, receives the Crafts and Design fair every first weekend of the month. Stalls here present traditional arts and crafts and many young and upcoming designers present their handicraft works. In autumn the garden fills with fallen leaves that bed the ground you walk and transform this shopping adventure into a day in the park, with the sound of the bustling twigs and the crunchy leaves beneath your feet. The motto here seems to be “enjoy a day out”. In between the green trees that decorate the Estrela with a natural beauty and the arts of some innovative designers, there are musicians and other animators performing all around the garden. And if you get a chance to peep over the high trees and the stalls, you may get a glimpse of one of the most beautiful Basilicas in Portugal, the impressive Estrela Basilica.

Avenida 24 de Julho

Ribeira Market

Apart from being one of the oldest markets in Lisbon (built in 1885), it is also one of the most exciting. Famous for being a gross market until 2000, where you could find flowers, fruit, fish, meat, bread and other foods, it soon became a retail market. After a few years of absence, the flower market has recently reopened, being a case of national news due to its uniqueness and huge quality. Portugal is a country rich in flower production, but some rare species are imported from other countries. The most important factor of this flower market, apart from the colours and smells that fill this bustling place, is the quality-price relationship, being that the prices are very low. The first floor of the market was renewed and opened with a restaurant, a handicraft shop, a wine and promotion book store, and an area with a bar and music performances where other activities, such as dance classes and collection fairs, are organised.

Príncipe Real

Biological Market

Biological products are in fashion. More and more people are concerned with their health and have an increasing care for the environment, opting to buy food that is produced through natural processes instead of being treated with chemical fertilisers and insecticides. Moreover, the true flavour and great quality taste of food has been lost. Therefore there is huge demand for biological products, with a great taste and that don’t damage the environment. In an attempt to satisfy this growing need, many producers from around the country come to sell their produce in the Biological Market in the Príncipe Real gardens every Saturday. Horticultural products, products derived from aloe vera, fruits, a whole range of cereals, dry fruits, eggs, milk, wine, aromatic herbs, traditional Portuguese cakes... you have a wide range of biological delicacies to choose from.

Santa Apolónia

Feira da Ladra

Literally meaning, the “thieves fair”, in Feira da Ladra you will find all kinds of goods. Nothing on sale are actually stolen goods. This fair began in the middle ages, in the XIIIth century, and it’s the oldest functioning fair in Lisbon. You may find all kinds of things at very low prices (arrive as soon as you can, there are always better bargains in the morning). Antiques and second hand items are the main products on sale, including books, ceramics, glass, old coins, photographs, footwear, vinyl’s, furniture... you name it, the Feira da Ladra probably has it.

Belém

Feira de Antiguidades, Velharias e Artesanato (Antiques and Crafts Market)

In the fascinating area of Belém, this market has one of the most beautiful surroundings in Lisbon. Right in the centre of the Jardim Vasco da Gama in a large green space, it’s surrounded by XVIth and XVIIth century buildings with great arcades that are the arches to several restaurants and very pleasant terraces. Here is held the Antiques and Crafts market, which offers a bit of everything including books, watches, postal cards, old coins, or stamps.

Cascais

Cascais Market

Cascais, set on the northern sea-coast of Lisbon, was a fishermen’s village until it became one of the most popular spots for the Portuguese high-class to live. A huge development occurred, however, the fishing traditions were maintained. At the Cascais market, the best goods to purchase are the fresh fish that come straight in from the sea. However, here you may also choose fruit and other foods at very low prices.

Visiting Lisbon? Click here to find the best hotels at the best rates.