Feira da Ladra is one of Lisbon’s most famous flea markets which opens every Tuesday and Saturday. The literal translation of its name is the Thieves’ Market, but rest assured this is a safe, regulated and well-regarded flea market in Lisbon. This is one of my favourite Saturday morning activities and I’ve been multiple times. The constant rotation of sellers and items means there’s always something new to find.
What can you buy at Feira da Ladra? It’s a bit of everything, an eclectic mix of vintage items, second hand items, and in some cases eye catching junk. You’ll even find clothing, souvenirs, and artists selling photos and paintings. It truly offers a bit of everything, for people that love to rummage, it’s a great and unique part of local Lisbon life. If you’ve just moved to Lisbon, its a great place to pick up household items and even furniture on the cheap!
When is Feira da Ladra? Every Tuesday and Saturday, officially 9am to 6pm. But it starts as soon as the traders spread their items out, and usually continues well into the afternoon.
Where is Feira da Ladra? Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama
How to get to Feira da Ladra?
It’s around 150m north of the Santa Apolónia Station and Metro. Which means very easy access from anywhere in the city.
Alternatively, if you’re in the baixa area the 28E Tram has a stop – Voz Operário. However, Saturdays are a prime tourist day. You may have to queue for the 28E and it will be packed. Unless you’d like to experience the 28E at the same time as visiting Feira da Ladra then its best to use another method of transport. You can also get there very easily on any of Lisbon’s popular ride sharing apps!
5 Local Tips So You Can Have the Best Experience at Feira da Ladra
1. Cash is King so Bring Cash with You
The old adage of ‘’Cash is King’’ plays a role here. You’ll need cash to purchase anything. There’s several ATMs around (one can be found on the outside of Mercado de Santa Clara). However on busy market days there’s usually a long line of tourists queuing. The locals will bring cash with them and skip this part. If you can get your cash before you arrive!
2. Speak a Little Portuguese to Warm Up
A friendly ‘bom dia’ will always be greeted with a smile or laugh, depending on your accent. But it’s a good way to warm up and open negotiations for an item. Many of the sellers will speak English, but starting the conversation in Portuguese is friendly! If you’re confident with your Portuguese numbers, then don’t be afraid to follow up with ‘’quanto custa’’ – ‘’what is the price?’’.
3. Don’t Be Afraid of Bargaining or Walking Away
Although you won’t often see bargaining or haggling over the price in the day to day lives of the locals, a flea market is one of the places it is accepted. If a price seems too high don’t be afraid to counteroffer, and don’t be afraid to walk away. You might be surprised if they come to you with a lower price. If you’re buying more than one item, or you’re planning to, ask if there’s a discount!
4. Be on the Lookout for Pickpockets
Lisbon has an excellent reputation as a safe city for travellers, but you should always be aware of your surroundings. Especially at a busy market like Feira da Ladra. The crowded spaces, bags of items, and of course the fact that many people are shopping and accessing wallets and purses, means you can easily be a target. Keep an eye out, and don’t leave valuable objects in easily accessible places!
5. Don’t Buy Vintage or Antique Tiles
Multiple stalls and sellers will have eye catching offers on Azulejos, and they can make a tempting souvenir for the unaware visitor. However, these tiles are a completely unregulated market and are often stolen from buildings and ripped off walls. In some cases, its unscrupulous renovators simply destroying properties without permission from the council. Buying vintage tiles fuels this trade and gives the sellers more reason to find more tiles to market. Everyone should work together to protect Portugal’s heritage.
If you do want tiles from Lisbon, either buy new replicas tiles from reputable sellers, or how about the activity of painting your own? This supports local artisans, and gives you a truly unique souvenir to call your own!
After a Busy Morning Shopping at Feira da Ladra what else can I see?
Feira da Ladra is a great spot in a historic area of Lisbon, so there’s lots to see and do within easy walking distance. After taking in the sights and sounds of the market here’s a few of my favourite things to do!
Jardim Botto Machado
This is a delightful small park that makes for a great break from the hectic market stalls. It even has its own café, so you can sit back and observe the market from afar. With tall trees it offers a shady area to cool off and catch a break before continuing up the streets for more shopping.
National Pantheon – Panteão Nacional
As you walked through the market, you probably noticed the large domed pantheon looming over the traders. It was originally conceived as a 17th-century church before being turned into modern-day mausoleum for the tombs of national celebrities. Its terrace offers stunning views of the Tagus river. It costs €4 to enter, with students, and seniors half price. Children under 12 can visit for free.
Church of São Vicente and Mosteiro de São Vicente de Fora
The church and its accompanying monastery is a historic monument filled with art, curiosities and azulejos. If you haven’t had time to appreciate azulejo panels in Lisbon yet, then this is a great place to visit. It’s rooftop terrace also offers some great views of Lisbon and its rooftops. Tickets cost €5, students and seniors are half price, and children under 12 are free.
Should you visit Feira da Ladra?
Visiting feira da Ladra is a great way to jump into some local Lisbon activity on a weekend. With enough to see and do in the historic São Vicente area to cover a morning or afternoon of sightseeing thrown in!
Have you visited Feira da Ladra? What’s your favourite item you’ve bought? Let us know in the comments!
