The best food markets in Lisbon
- Feb 9, 2025
- 4 min read
Markets have been held in Lisbon for centuries and are still part of city life. Locals and tourists mingle with top chefs at local markets in search of the freshest ingredients and aromas that are part of Portuguese culture.
For food lovers who enjoy immersing themselves in the city's traditions and are looking for a more immersive experience, there's nothing better than visiting some of the city's most iconic markets.
In these places, there is almost always a good variety of lunch stops, with tasty traditional street snacks and cold drinks at affordable prices.
Here is the best food markets in Lisbon that you can't miss:
1. Mercado da Ribeira & Time Out Market
A large chunk of this sprawling domed 19th-century market hall was given a radical makeover in 2014, emerging as the Time Out Market. But the other half of the property continues to operate as a traditional fish and produce market until 2pm each day, with vendors selling super-fresh wares for much less than at nearby grocery stores and supermarkets.
The Time Out Market is the food court at Mercado da Ribeira. A unique and cool space where you can easily spend an entire day just trying the food of some of the best Portuguese chefs, from traditional croquettes, cod and the famous Pastéis de Nata, to more modern delicacies.
2. Mercado 31 de Janeiro
Known as the fish market, it is a popular place for chefs to buy the freshest fish and seafood in the city for their restaurants.
Here you will also find a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits, some shops with local delicacies and gourmet products and even a spice shop that is very popular with locals.
Visit on Tuesdays, the day with the freshest fish!
3. Mercado de Alvalade
The Alvalade market is a little further away from the city center, but it is worth visiting and you can get there by metro, on the green line.
It is a market full of life and where you will only find places full of very Portuguese traditions.
It is located in the Alvalade neighborhood, a neighborhood full of local shops and good restaurants. It is worth taking a walk to explore the neighborhood's options.
4. LX Factory Sunday Market
The Sunday market at hipster hotspot LX Factory attracts on-trend shoppers like well-dressed bees to an organic honeypot. The location is a large part of the attraction – the premises of a former fabric company converted into funky bars, hip places to eat and trendy shops, right underneath the city’s landmark 25th of April Bridge. You can celebrate your latest purchases – vintage designer garb, handmade jewellery, rare vinyl – with a cocktail or two on the terrace at Rio Maravilha. With terrific views over the River Tagus, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely Lisbon sundowner.
5. Mercado de Santa Clara
Adjoining the sprawling Feira da Ladra flea market in the steep streets of the historic Alfama neighbourhood, the Mercado de Santa Clara began by vending food. It has since been joined by a Centre for Culinary Arts and adjacent stores peddling crafts and antiques. You’re bound to find goodies for an alfresco lunch. When you have – and after nipping into the Sao Vicente de Fora Church for the exceptional tiled interior – set out your picnic in the small park in front of the Santa Engrácia Church (aka the National Pantheon), admiring the bone-white facade.
t’s impossible to discuss Lisbon shopping without mentioning the Feira da Ladra, or “thieves’ market” – not a hotbed of crime and stolen goods, but a giant twice-weekly flea market spanning several hilly streets on the edge of Alfama. Operating in one form or another since the 13th century, it has occupied this location since the late 1800s. Expect to find the lot: arts and antiques, handmade jewellery and vintage vinyl, but watch out for bumped up “tourist prices”.
Visit on Saturday, the best day to enjoy the Feira da Ladra and the local market.
6. Mercado de Benfica
Perhaps the balls kicked around at the famous football stadium minutes away inspired the domed appearance of this slightly brutalist 1970s-built market, situated in one of Lisbon’s oldest residential neighbourhoods to the north of the city. Even if you don’t want to shop, it’s a fab snap of city life: one of the largest and cheapest markets in Lisbon. But given the abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood, with the added attraction of delicious baked goods and freshly cut flowers, you probably will end up buying something tasty.
7. Mercado de Campo de Ourique
Mercado Campo de Ourique is essentially a smaller version of Mercado da Ribeira less touristy and perhaps more popular among the locals. Opened in 1934, it’s been renovated a couple of times and continues to sell a variety of traditional produce, as well as artisanal Portuguese recipes and exotic cuisines. Designed similarly to the Time Out Market, the space is filled with long communal tables and surrounded with a multitude of food stalls selling anything from sushi to steak to fish, seafood and desserts.
If you would like a guided experience of a local market, with our chef, book onto our Market Experience Cooking Class.
We begin this true gastronomic experience with a visit to the local market of Algés, to explore the aromas and vibrant colors of seasonal products. Back in our kitchen, we gathered for a Portuguese Cooking Class, exploring traditional techniques and culinary secrets passed down from generation to generation. We will prepare: Starter, Main Course and Dessert.
Each dish we prepare is a tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Portugal, a sensorial experience that transports us to the heart of local culture.
Bookings here:
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