Lisbon Food Markets: Time Out Market, Campo de Ourique and More

Lisbon’s markets are some of the best places to eat in the city, and they’re where locals still shop for fish, fruit and bread. Some are traditional morning markets, others have been turned into food halls with great chefs. And then there’s the famous flea market. Here’s where to go, and when.

Quick answer: for a big choice of good food in one place, go to the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré (go early to beat the crowds). For a more local feel, try Mercado de Campo de Ourique. For fresh produce, visit a market in the morning, as most stalls close by early afternoon. And for bargains and curiosities, there’s the Feira da Ladra flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Food halls

Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira)

Lisbon’s most famous food hall, in the old Ribeira market by Cais do Sodré station. Dozens of stalls from well-known Lisbon chefs and restaurants serve everything from steak sandwiches and seafood to pastries from Manteigaria, all around long shared tables, open daily from 10am until midnight (later Thursday to Saturday). It’s brilliant but busy, so go before 12:30 or after 2:30pm at lunch, and early in the evening for dinner. The traditional fresh market still runs in the other half of the building in the mornings.

Mercado de Campo de Ourique

A smaller, more local version in a lovely residential neighbourhood. Traditional fish, fruit and veg stalls sit alongside food counters selling oysters, petiscos, burgers and wine. Lively in the evenings with locals. Tram 28 ends nearby, and it’s a short walk from Aloma, winner of the city’s best pastel de nata contest.

Traditional markets

For the real thing, go in the morning (they mostly open from around 7am to 2pm, closed Sundays) and see fish laid out on ice, piles of seasonal fruit and lots of local banter.

• Mercado de Arroios: a striking 1940s market in a multicultural neighbourhood, with some good little food spots around it.
• Mercado 31 de Janeiro: near Saldanha, known for its fish and its sushi counter, which is popular for lunch.
• Mercado de Alvalade Norte: a big, local neighbourhood market, well off the tourist trail.

Flea markets and weekend markets

Feira da Ladra

Lisbon’s famous flea market, behind the São Vicente de Fora monastery and next to the National Pantheon, every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Old tiles, vinyl records, military medals, antique postcards and a lot of junk. Haggle politely, go early for the best finds and watch your bag.

LX Factory

An old industrial complex under the 25 de Abril bridge, turned into shops, restaurants, bars and the beautiful Ler Devagar bookshop. Every Sunday from 11am, the LX Market fills the streets with crafts, vintage clothes, records and food. Combine it with Belém.

Tips

• Go hungry and share plates, so you can try more.
• Cash helps at traditional stalls, though most take cards now.
• Don’t touch the fruit and fish. Point and ask.
• Bring a bag for shopping.
• Self-catering? The traditional markets are the best place to buy fish to cook, and the stallholders will clean it for you.

See it with a guide

Food tours often start at a market, with tastings of cheese, charcuterie, ginjinha and pastries, and they’re a great way to learn what to order for the rest of your trip. See Lisbon food and market tours.

More Lisbon food

Read what to eat in Portugal, find the best pastel de nata in Lisbon, and see our Lisbon nightlife guide.

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