I spent some delightful time at the Mercado de Santa Clara right before Christmas in 2024. After I had wandered through the Feira da Ladra in the Campo de Santa Clara, I spotted the building in the center of the flea market that houses Mercado de Santa Clara and went inside. I was very happy I made that decision when I find inside a very appealing airy and well-lit large open room with tables offering things for sale, things really worth buying, good handcrafts, home-baked cakes and pastries, etc. The focus of the Mercado at this time was naturally on Christmas, but there were lots of other items for sale than Christmas-themed ones. For instance, at a table featuring artwork of a young Singaporean artists, I admired a collection of postcards with her botanicals on them, and I bought some of those postcards along with a larger reproduction of one of her botanicals. I spent time talking to the artist and found her really interesting and nice.
One point I'd like to share, though, is that it was not easy to find the Campo de Santa Clara on foot from the Santa Apolónia subway station in the Alfama. My traveling companion and I had to stop along winding streets several times to ask for directions to the Campo, which was quite a climb uphill — along winding streets — from the...
Read moreHere’s the translated review in English:
🌟 Mercado de Santa Clara - A Perfect Blend of Authenticity and Diversity! 🌟
🍷 A Variety of Food Choices The market offers not only Portuguese specialties but also delicacies from other countries, catering to different tastes. From exquisite pastries to authentic seafood, everything is a treat for your taste buds.
🛍️ Unique Handicrafts You’ll find numerous stalls showcasing handicrafts, from antiques to creative designs. Each item is imbued with cultural charm, making it an ideal spot for selecting gifts or souvenirs.
📸 A Photographer’s Paradise The market and its surroundings boast a vintage vibe with well-designed stalls, making it a fantastic location for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots.
🚶♂️ Convenient Location and Comfortable Atmosphere Situated in a prime location, the market is spacious and clean. Whether you’re making a quick stop or taking your time to explore, it offers a pleasant experience.
💬 Conclusion Mercado de Santa Clara is a place where you can easily spend hours discovering its treasures. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or taking photos, this market guarantees joy and surprises!
✨ Tip: Visit on Tuesdays and Saturdays for the flea market to experience even more local culture and...
Read moreWent on Tuesday and on Saturday. Tuesday had lots of stalls but Saturday was even busier. Great fun. Lots of really nice and cheap souvenirs and gifts. I bought loads of dish towels, throws, fridge magnets, tote bags, beautiful ceramic tile coasters, etc, as gifts. There was a particular stall that I found to be the best prices, the seller was a middle-aged thin Indian man with spectacles. I found him only on the Saturday, so unfortunately I paid a higher price on same items when I went on Tuesday, as I bought from another stall.
Ended up leaving both days with a massive bag. There was even a stall selling vacuum-packed cheese, with shelf life of 5 months! Bought some of that, too!
I went alone both days as husband isn’t one for street markets and I had a great time by myself! Definitely recommend this as a great day out...
Read more