A Visit to the Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon

A Visit to the Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon

Somethings to embrace while traveling Europe are always the markets, and Lisbon has some real gems on offer.

There are a few markets around the city center that I frequent throughout my week; be it for food, clothing, groceries or entertainment.

Shopping malls come second to markets in Lisbon; once you arrive in the city you’ll notice that there aren’t really shopping complexes to lose your entire day in other than in Chiado. There are also only two main supermarkets and they are quite a trek to get to from central Lisbon.

Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon – by Discover Walks

The people rely on cornerstones and markets from which to buy their daily and weekly needs, and the Fiera da Ladra is the oldest and most popular one of them all. Here is what you can expect from it.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday & Saturday – 9am to 6pm

ADDRESS: Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-472 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Lisboa Santa Apolónia

What is the Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon

The Fiera da Ladra is also sometimes referred to as the market of Santa Clara. It takes place in the suburb of Santa Clara, situated just beyond the eastern border of the Alfama in the city center.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays this usually quiet neighborhood comes alive with hundreds of market vendors and thousands of optimistic customers.

It is without a doubt the best flea market in all of Lisbon, with the most eclectic array of items to be found. The saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” comes to mind when considering the nature of this event.

Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon – by Discover Walks

To get to the market from anywhere in Lisbon you need only flag down any cab or tuktuk on the street and tell them you’d like to go to the Mercado de Santa Clara. The market is so big that it is hard to determine an actual entry point, but the drivers know the roads and will be able to get you as close as possible for easy access.

If you find yourself in either Chiado or the Alfama, you can easily make your way up to the market by foot . It’s an incline, but it’s doable in under 30 minutes and is a good warm up for all the walking you have to do inside the actual market.

Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon – by Discover Walks

In terms of my personal experience of Lisbon, I would consider the Fiera da Ladra to be at the top of my list of unmissable outings in the city.

History of the Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon

The market takes place in the open streets and public square surrounding Lisbon’s Pantheon. This is where it has taken place every week without fail since the 12th century.

It is the oldest market in Lisbon, and naturally the nature of vending has changed a lot since all those centuries ago.

We can better understand the market by taking a look at the name. Fiera da Ladra can be loosely translated into thieves market, or the market of the thieves. In Portuguese, the word ladra means thief.

Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon – by Discover Walks

In ancient times, this was a space where civilians could come to purchase relics, ornaments, art and collectables that had no distinct origin of acquisition by the sellers. It was a no questions asked trading environment; if you like what you see, you buy it and don’t think twice about where it came from.

Walking through the market today you’ll be inclined to question the origins of a lot of the goods being sold, particularly the mysterious vendors who have piles of cellphones and seemingly personal belongings.

Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon – by Discover Walks

What I love most about the Fiera da Ladra is that despite its popularity, it has yet to be outnumbered by tourists compared to locals. This is still the community shopping facility for the people of Lisbon, and you’ll watch beautiful interactions between traders and local residents who clearly frequent the market for all home-making needs.

Vendors at the Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon

To accurately set the scene: the Fiera da Ladra is a paradox of utter chaos functioning calmly and smoothly.

Vendors arrive early and set up shop, filling every last inch of their allocated space with whatever they have to offer. You can find:

• Furniture
• Interior decor
• Art
• Clothing
  
• Shoes
• Cameras
• Electronics
• Perfumes
• Toys
• Games
• Car parts
• Soaps
• Jewelry
• Cosmetics
• Luggage
• Produce
• Sweets
• CDs and records
• Collectables
• Garden supplies
• Tools

And more. If you’re willing to dig I wouldn’t be surprised if you uncovered a box of treasure from the 12th century itself.

Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon – by Discover Walks

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For the most part the vendors at the market are like the rest of the locals in Lisbon: welcoming and approachable.

A good tip to keep in mind is that prices at the market are never fixed, and vendors are open to negotiation so long as it’s within reason.

How to Prepare for a Day at the Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon

Prepare for a day at the Fiera da Ladra the same way you would for any free guided walking tour through the city.

You’ll be exposed to a lot of sun and heat, as the entire event takes place outside. You will also be walking on an incline most of the way. Sunblock, hats and comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must. Taking water along is a good idea but you will be able to buy there too.

Fiera da Ladra Market in Lisbon – by Discover Walks

If you’re planning on purchasing more than a few things I would suggest taking along a tote bag or reusable shopping bags to save the vendors from having to give you plastic with every buy.

The market is open between 9am and 6pm, however I would recommend giving yourself at least two hours of browsing time minimum; arriving at 5pm would force you to leave out most of what there is to see.