11/10/2024
Feira da Ladra
This is considered one of the best outdoor activities for Lisbon visitors and has become a street market full of character, diversity and a feel good environment, especially on sunny days.
With old origins (Sec. XIII) and radicated on several places (from Rossio to the Castle), has been settled on Campo de Santa Clara (Above Alfama East, below Graça and closeby to out National Parthenon) since 1903.
Ladra, means burgler (Ladrão), as the tradition refers it was the preferable place for selling those goods taken involuntarily (Stolen). Nowadays a licence is needed to sell but a part of it is still devoted to private individuals selling second hand and not used anymore items (specially students. Clothes/old tech/decor/vintage).
Also has a strong presence of collectors and collections traders, self selling artists (painters, posters and clothes) and Asian cheap products (toys, glasses, memorabilia). Surrounded by a set of nice cafés, esplanades and eateries has a cosy adjacent garden with fab river views.
The core day is always on Saturday (up to 2pm) but also Tuesday is another market day, beside the central arcades that open on a daily base. Simply the best program you can plan for Saturday morning, either for a shopping-spree stroll as well as for a nice brunch or typical Portuguese breakfast with vibrant market buzz and diverse faces.
To go to the market from the house (Lx Townhouse) there's two paths, or to cross Alfama (Caldas Sq., Sé Cathedral (Rua Barão and Rua S. Pedro), Fado Museum Sq and Rua Remédios towards Panteão Nacional, or another way is go up behind the Castle on Rua Costa do Castelo (Leftwards), Açougue Sq., Rua Sta. Marinha, Rua S. Vicente (Go up but closer).
Another Markets worth to mention:
Relogio Market (Commonly called the Gypsies' Market) leave on Bela Vista Metro Station(Red line) and walk right/up 5 Minutes on a closed avenue called Antonio Spínola. Every Sunday morning.
A gem for those who love to buy really cheap, some counterfaction items, and loads of affordable groceries (specially fruits and vegs., sold by producers). A crazy loud, crowded and lively, multicultural market. Incredible prices and astonishing selling Gipsy performances (Their main professional activity is to sell on markets).
Also Cascais (Adroana on Alcabideche) 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month.
Carcavelos (Cascais train line) on Thursdays & 2nd Sunday of each month.
Praça da Figueira (Close to the house) during Weekends and focused on touristic clientele.
enjoy the acute Portuguese love for outdoor markets (every town has one, usually called Municipal).
