Lisbon Bargain Shopping: A Weekend Itinerary

 If you’re planning to move to Portugal, or you’ve recently arrived and want to add some unique touches to your new home, bargain shopping is a fantastic way to find special items that make your space feel like home. Recently, we spent a few days in Lisbon, exploring some of the city’s well-known flea markets and vintage stores, and of course, we tried some fantastic restaurants along the way.

In this post, we’ll share our experience with a few of Lisbon’s most talked-about bargain spots—what we loved, what was just okay, and which places are absolutely can’t-miss. We only scratched the surface, but here’s what we discovered.

Day One: Cantinho do Vintage and Forno d’Oro 

Cantinho do Vintage 

Our first stop was Cantinho do Vintage, a vintage furnishings store specializing in Scandinavian and mid-century decor. This shop isn’t a flea market; instead, it’s a carefully curated vintage store, focusing on Nordic and industrial designs, particularly from the 1950s and 1960s. Located near Lisbon’s airport, Cantinho do Vintage occupies a huge warehouse with over 9,000 square meters spread across three floors, so we knew we were in for a treat.

With most of its items sourced from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and France, the store offers a selection of solid wood pieces that showcase the quality craftsmanship of earlier eras. While it isn’t the cheapest place, the quality and unique finds make it a worthwhile investment. When you’re here, plan for at least two hours if you really want to soak in the selection.

Our Finds: We were on the lookout for coffee tables but found ourselves tempted by a range of pieces, from stunning chairs to nightstands and even a secretary desk that was so exciting I forgot to film it! With so many beautiful items, it was hard to stay focused, but we eventually found a coffee table we loved.

Dinner at Forno d’Oro 

After exploring Cantinho do Vintage, we headed to Forno d’Oro for dinner. If you love pizza, this place is a must-visit. Ranked as the #12 pizza spot in Europe (outside of Italy) and #73 in the world, Forno d’Oro specializes in traditional, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant has a welcoming, casual vibe, and the staff couldn’t have been more accommodating.

What We Ate: We started with the melon and prosciutto, a refreshing classic. For the main course, I ordered the Terra Quente pizza, and my partner had the Diavola. Both were light, flavorful, and lived up to the restaurant’s reputation.

Cozy Nightcap at Procópio 

Our evening wrapped up at Procópio, a cozy Art Nouveau-style bar that felt like stepping back into the early 1900s. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet drink in a unique setting, especially if you appreciate vintage decor.

Day Two: Feira da Ladra and Zara’s New Flagship Store 

Feira da Ladra (Thieves Market) 

Our second day started at Feira da Ladra, or “The Thieves Market.” This is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most famous flea markets, held every Tuesday and Saturday in the Alfama District. The market dates back to the 13th century, and it offers an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage items, and secondhand goods. If you’re visiting in the summer, we recommend going early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Our Finds: This market had the true flea market feel, with lots of vintage and quirky finds. We were specifically looking for old decanters and bud vases. I grow dahlias and love to display them in unique vases, and we hadn’t come across any like this since moving to Portugal. We found a couple of lovely vases and a Portuguese crystal decanter, all for just 20 euros.

Zara’s New Flagship Store in Lisbon

Next, we visited the recently opened Zara flagship store in Lisbon, the second-largest Zara store in the world. Even if Zara isn’t usually on your list, this store is worth a visit for its beautiful design and layout. The store spans four floors, with the home section located on the top floor. Oddly, we found the selection here a bit limited compared to other Zara Home stores we’ve visited in Portugal, but the architectural design was stunning.

Brunch at Hygge Kaffe 

We ended our day with brunch at Hygge Kaffe, a cozy cafe with a Danish-inspired interior. The food, staff, and atmosphere were all fantastic—a perfect spot to recharge after a day of shopping and exploring.

Day Three: Feira do Relógio 

Our final stop on the trip was Feira do Relógio, a massive, bustling market that’s popular among locals and known for its authentic vibe. This market combines a flea market with a farmer’s market, offering everything from fresh produce to household goods. It’s definitely less touristy than Feira da Ladra and has a lively, energetic atmosphere.

Our Take: This market was completely different from the Thieves Market. It was lively, loud, and full of vendors selling basics—think clothes, shoes, and kitchen essentials. While we didn’t find the vintage treasures we were hoping for, it was still an interesting experience and a great way to see a different side of Lisbon’s market culture.

Final Thoughts on Bargain Shopping in Lisbon 

Lisbon offers a variety of shopping experiences for anyone looking to add unique items to their home. Whether you’re hunting for mid-century furniture, antiques, or everyday essentials, the city has options to suit different tastes and budgets.

Our Tips for Bargain Shopping in Lisbon: 

 1. Plan Your Time: Some places, like Cantinho do Vintage, require a few hours to browse fully.

 2. Go Early for Flea Markets: The Thieves Market gets busier as the day goes on, so arriving early helps avoid crowds and beat the heat.

 3. Bring Measurements: If you’re shopping for specific furniture pieces, measurements are essential to avoid impulse buys that may not fit your space.

 4. Be Prepared to Haggle: While not all stores allow bargaining, haggling is common at flea markets, so don’t be afraid to negotiate.

Happy shopping and exploring!

Photo credit: Lisa Fotios