During my last visit to Lisbon in June, I stumbled upon the incredible Alfama market, Feira da Ladra.
This market was a treasure trove, with vendors selling fresh produce, collectibles, clothing, and jewelry.
The bargain prices and the vibrant atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience.
I felt compelled to share about this iconic Lisbon flea market so that you can enjoy it when planning your trip.
More About Feira da Ladra Market
Feira da Ladra is the most iconic Lisbon flea market and a must-visit. It is set in a beautiful square on Campo de Santa Clara in the Alfama district.
Cafes and restaurants surround the markets and spill out onto the streets. Hence, you can explore both indoor and outdoor markets.
One thing is sure: you will not go home empty-handed when you visit. The translation for Feira da Ladra is thieves market.
Feira da Ladra’s history dates back to the 13th century when you could buy unwanted items as bric-a-brac.
The Alfama market overlooks the National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional). In the center, you find the Mercado de Santa Clara building, which hosts many vendors.
No matter what you enjoy, you can find it here: vintage clothing, Portuguese tiles, vintage lamps made of funky glass, original artwork, boxes of plates, and more.
As it is a lively flea market popular with tourists, the prices may be higher, but you can still hunt for bargains here.
Feira da Ladra Lisbon Visiting Information
Feira da Ladra is located on a steep hill on Campo de Santa Clara, which helps when planning a visit to this market.
Days and Time
The Lisbon flea market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 2:00 PM.
While many people advised me to arrive early for bargain hunting, as they said, around 11:00 AM onwards to late afternoon, you cannot find anything, and I beg to differ.
I arrived later and could still find bargains; you need to look harder.
Hot Tip🔥: I recommend visiting the market on a Saturday, as Tuesday is busier, and you will only find an occasional bargain.
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How to Get to Feira da Ladra Market
The market is conveniently located in Alfama in the heart of Lisbon. Hence, it is easy to reach using public transport:
Via Metro: The closest station to the Feira da Ladra flea market is Santa Apolonia. From the station, follow the signs towards the river. Continue walking along the riverfront to reach Alfama, which is a short walk from there.
Via Tram: The recommended lines are Tram 28 and 12. These historic trams take you on a scenic route through the city. Look for stops close to the Alfama district. Still, a note of warning is that Tram 28 can get crowded during peak tourist seasons.
By Bus: Several bus lines, including the 734, 735, and 712, stop near Feira da Ladra. I recommend checking the Carris website for exact times.
Hot Tip🔥: If you plan to use public transportation extensively, consider purchasing a Lisboa Card. This card offers unlimited travel on the metro, trams, and buses and discounts on various attractions.
What to Buy at Feira da Ladra
When you visit Feira da Ladra, you will see a typical flea market with a lovely atmosphere. It is a fun place to walk around with a mix of items.
Antiques
If you love antique furniture and collectibles, come early to this market for treasure hunting. You can find occasional bargains, but a note is that from the early afternoon, it can get busy, and those hidden gems might be gone.
You can find small furniture, coins, military objects, and other old treasures at this bustling market. Still, a note of warning is to be careful when buying antique tiles, as they are part of the cultural heritage and often stolen.
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Art and Crafts
At the Thieves Market, you can find everything from artwork to posters. Alternatively, you can head to the ceramic store Campo Sta Clara.
Many traders are located along the Mercado de Santa Clara hall. Stalls sell souvenirs, incense sticks, and hand-made artisan goods.
Fashion
Another fantastic thing about this iconic flea market is that it sells new items. At Feira da Ladra, you can find fashionable clothes and jewelry.
You can hunt for vintage clothing, second-hand items, or high-end designer pieces. You can add bling to your outfit with bags, sunglasses, jewelry, and more.
Where to Eat
The Feira da Ladra flea market is massive, and after your morning of bargaining, you might want to enjoy a light meal with coffee.
I tried a Pão com Chouriço from the bakery inside, and it was delicious. It is a traditional bread dish. Chourico is a pork sausage served on a sandwich to enjoy hot. Come on an empty stomach to try a lot of delicacies.
You can also go to Copenhagen Coffee Lab on the square for specialty coffee. Alternatively, you can wander to Jardim Machado to enjoy an espresso at the Clara Cafe kiosk.
If you want some lunch, a Tasca is at the edge of the permanent market hall called Tabernita. The place is cheerful and affordable, and you can enjoy Portuguese food there.
For a Saturday lunch, visit Santa Clara dos Cogumelos or head to Tazza in Giro. Here, you can enjoy a bowl of pasta while bathing in the sunshine. You can also visit any of these restaurants in the area.
What to Do After Exploring The Lisbon Market
Shop at Feira da Ladra in the morning, as many stalls close at 2:00 PM. Once you’ve explored the legendary flea market, you can visit nearby attractions.
There is the National Pantheon dome, and you can explore the 17th-century church with a mausoleum.
Stand on the terrace for some fantastic views. Then head to the historic monument with azulejo tiles and rooftop terrace at Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora.
From here, you can walk the streets and climb up to Graca, which offers spectacular views over the city. Here, you can find restaurants and wine bars.
Stop at Miradouro da Graça to return to Baixa and visit the beautiful Jardim da Cerca da Graca park. For places to visit, check out my Alfama walking guide.
Where to Stay
There are many places to stay in Alfama, which is close to the renowned flea market. One is The Editory Riverside Hotel, near the train station.
You can also stay at Memmo Alfama, close to many of Lisbon’s top sights, or at the Sao Vicente Alfama Hotel, which has a restaurant and terrace.
Hot Tip🔥: Explore some of these great hotels in the Alfama district.
Tips Visiting the Feira da Ladra Market
Here are some helpful tips for visiting the famous market:
- Arrive Early: Get first dibs on distinctive items and beat the crowds to get the best finds. You can browse comfortably to find hidden treasures early in the morning.
- Bring Cash: While some vendors accept card payments, it is best to bring cash. Many vendors prefer cash transactions. Also, bring your money along as the cash machine in the market gets busy.
- Bargain: Negotiate on pricier items, as it is part of the charm at the Thieves’ Market. With some polite bargaining, you can get better deals.
- Keep Yourself Hydrated: Bring a water bottle, as this market is extensive and has various items available. Also, try the food at the local street vendors.
- Learn Some Portuguese Phrases: Learn how to ask for quanto custa (the price of items).
- Avoid buying antique tiles, even cool ones, as they are likely ripped off a building. Instead, buy glazed tile panels from reputable places.
Wrap-Up: Feira da Ladra Market Lisbon
My visit to the Feira da Ladra market in Lisbon was unforgettable.
The lively atmosphere, diverse range of items, and historical significance of the market make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.
From the vibrant outdoor stalls to the charming indoor market, Feira da Ladra offers a unique and enriching experience you should not miss.
I highly recommend prioritizing visiting this iconic flea market during your trip to Lisbon, as it will undoubtedly add a memorable and enjoyable dimension to your travel experience.
