Lisbon
Markets and Shopping!
Travel Tip:
Prices are fixed in shops everywhere, though you might be able to negotiate small discounts when buying large souvenirs (or buying in bulk). Open-air markets are a bit more flexible, though don’t try haggling for food, drink, clothes or anything that has obviously got a price attached to it – for everything else you can try asking for the best price, and you may get a discount.
Today’s Itinerary
Travel Talk:
The way to say “thank you” in Portuguese changes depending on your gender. If you’re female, say “obrigada”. If you’re male, say “obrigado”. You can also shorten it to “brigada” or “brigado”.
You can also say “de nada” (you’re welcome) after some thanks you.
Markets & Shopping
Mercado Praça da Figueira
Mercado Praça da Figueira is a historic market offering all the charm of the past and the best modern produce, fresh and prepared foods from meats and cheese to coffee. The market originated in 1755 in an abandoned hospital building and quickly became the central market of Lisbon, focused on farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. It was rebuilt in 2013 by a national company and had a rebirth that maintained all the charm of its historic roots with a distinctly modern presentation and product offerings.
Today, it offers a butcher, deli, fish, fruits and vegetables, a wine cellar and even a coffee shop. It’s also in the heart of the city centre.
Location: Praça da Figueira 10, 1100-240 Lisboa, Portugal
Open: Monday–Saturday from 8.30 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays)
Time Out Market Lisbon
Time Out Market Lisbon is the place to go for locals to find fresh fish and meat inside another, larger market dating to the 1930s, with a carefully curated selection. This place is unique and interesting in that every item on offer here has been selected and tested by an expert team from Time Out Lisbon, a local city-listings resource. It’s easy to spend an entire day here exploring food offerings from top chefs in the city ranging from traditional dishes to outlandish fusion food, bakery items, and delicacies.
When you’re done, you can shop the stalls in the larger market for even more selection. It’s all just 18 minutes south of the city centre.
Location: Av. 24 de Julho 49, 1200-479 Lisboa, Portugal
Open: Daily from 10 am to midnight
Mercado da Baixa
Mercado da Baixa is a large food market in a gigantic tent in the heart of Lisbon offering oven-baked bread, fruit liquors, honey, jelly, cured meats, cheese and fresh produce. This vibrant market draws foodies from all over for fresh and prepared foods to enjoy. Some highlights include the queijo da Serra sandwich on fresh-baked bread and enchidos sausages.
The market is located in a scenic square in the city centre, offering astounding views of the castle and dotted with historic statuary. Mercado da Baixa provides plenty of seating for visitors both indoor and outside so you can grab a meal and just sit among people to take in the local culture.
Location: Praça da Figueira 6D, 1100-241 Lisboa, Portugal
Open: Monday–Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm (closed Tuesday–Wednesday and Sunday)
Avenida da Liberdade Flea Market
Avenida da Liberdade Flea Market is the place to come to find bargains and deals on hidden secondhand treasures along a breezy, shaded, tree-lined avenue. The street on which the market is held is a destination for the upscale shopping set, featuring such boutiques as Armani and Prada. Still, the flea market is a hidden gem where you’ll find secondhand books, ancient vinyl albums, and stacks of collectables, all hidden among the polished antiques and vendor tables here.
The Avenida da Liberdade Flea Market is only 8 minutes south of the city centre. When you visit here, don’t be afraid to haggle. Not only is it allowed, but it’s expected as part of the tradition.
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Get Some Sleep!
Tomorrow we have a Food & Wine Tour!