Mercado Santa Clara - a group of people standing around tables with umbrellas
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Mercado Santa Clara

4.2
·11k reviews·Quito, Ecuador

A bustling market showcasing Ecuador's agricultural bounty and vibrant culinary scene, with a lively flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesdays & Saturdays mornings

Best selection, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Mercado Santa Clara - a group of people standing around tables with umbrellas

Mercado Santa Clara

Best Time

Tuesdays & Saturdays mornings

Best selection, fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling market showcasing Ecuador's agricultural bounty and vibrant culinary scene, with a lively flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

4.2
(11k reviews)

"A small market where fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables are sold. The food court is amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Cash is King!

Many vendors at the flea market are cash-only. Come prepared with enough local currency to snag your finds!

⏰ Go Early for Flea Market

To get the best selection of unique items at the flea market, arrive early on Tuesdays or Saturdays.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Flea Market Buzz

The Flea Market Buzz

Main market area

Discover unique treasures, vintage clothing, and local crafts at one of Lisbon's largest flea markets.

Upstairs Food Court Delights

Upstairs Food Court Delights

Second floor

Indulge in authentic Ecuadorian dishes like encebollado at incredibly affordable prices.

Abundant Fresh Produce

Abundant Fresh Produce

Ground floor

Explore a colorful array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, showcasing Ecuador's rich agricultural bounty.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for This Flea Market

Mercado de Santa Clara is a vibrant flea market, but it's only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Arrive early to snag the best finds and avoid the biggest crowds. Many vendors are cash-only, so be prepared!

Embrace the Local Vibe

While the market is popular with tourists, it's a truly local experience. Don't be shy to explore, even if you don't speak Spanish. The food court upstairs offers a delicious taste of Ecuador, but be ready for a lively, sometimes intense, atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Tuesdays & Saturdays mornings
Why
Best selection, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter browsing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Marängsvissen 📍 Mercado de Santa Clara ✨ #thingstodo #lisbon #lisbonportugal #portugal #fyp #travelvlog #traveling
@ktthrnn
35.9K likes • 460.7K views

🎯 Cash is King!

Many vendors at the flea market are cash-only. Come prepared with enough local currency to snag your finds! TikTok

⏰ Go Early for Flea Market

To get the best selection of unique items at the flea market, arrive early on Tuesdays or Saturdays. TikTok+1

finally getting around to posting my euro thrift vlogs! Will post the haul soon🥰 #thrifttok #thrifting #lisbon #lisboa #lisbonthrifting #vintagetok #eurosummer #europeansummer #mercadosantaclara
@sentfromheaven1997
19.4K likes • 287.9K views
Nosso Hortifruti da semana, venham conferir!! ☺️ . . . Horário de atendimento: Seg a Sab. 8h15 as 20h Domingo e feriados 8h as 15h. ⏰ . . . Endereço: Maria José Pescinelli Duran 386 // Santa Cândida 📍 . . . Aceitamos cartões de crédito, débito, alelo (vale alimentação), dinheiro, e pix. 💳📱💲
mercadosantaclara_agudos
8 likes • 0 views

🗣️ Don't Fear the Language Barrier

While many vendors don't speak English, they are friendly and helpful. A smile goes a long way! Reddit

🍜 Taste the Local Flavors

The upstairs food court is a must-visit for authentic and affordable Ecuadorian cuisine. Try the encebollado! Reddit

Agora também temos Linguiça Mista!!! 🤭 . . . Venham conferir nossos produtos!! ☺️ . . . Horário de atendimento: Seg a Sab. 8h15 as 20h Domingo e feriados 8h as 15h. ⏰ . . . Endereço: Maria José Pescinelli Duran 386 // Santa Cândida 📍 . . . Aceitamos cartões de crédito, débito, alelo (vale alimentação), dinheiro, e pix. 💳📱💲 . . . Whatsapp: (14) 99178-0080. 📱
mercadosantaclara_agudos
8 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Cash is King!

Many vendors at the flea market are cash-only. Come prepared with enough local currency to snag your finds! TikTok

⏰ Go Early for Flea Market

To get the best selection of unique items at the flea market, arrive early on Tuesdays or Saturdays. TikTok+1

🗣️ Don't Fear the Language Barrier

While many vendors don't speak English, they are friendly and helpful. A smile goes a long way! Reddit

🍜 Taste the Local Flavors

The upstairs food court is a must-visit for authentic and affordable Ecuadorian cuisine. Try the encebollado! Reddit

🍎 Explore the Produce

Wander through the vibrant stalls of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You might discover something new! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the vibrant atmosphere and incredible value at Mercado Santa Clara, particularly the fresh produce and the bustling food court offering authentic, affordable Ecuadorian dishes. While the language barrier can be a slight challenge for some, the friendly nature of the vendors and the rich local experience make it a highly recommended destination for a true taste of Ecuador.

"Lots of amazing fruits and vegetables. The vendors are very friendly. No english."

Robert Eversole

"A small market where fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables are sold. There are prepared foods and juices. Santa Clara Market will give you a good idea of Ecuador's abundance. I discovered two fruits I'd never seen before."

L. Royster

"Really popular food court here (upstairs) with lots of different options on offer at really cheap prices. I enjoyed a delicious bowl of encebollado. Apparently it's great with lemon juice and mustard but I was only told that later by someone. Either way I thought it was delicious as it was just as it was served to me.

The place is a little intimidating if you don't speak Spanish (like us) but people were helpful and friendly."

Carolyn Choy

What People Like

Abundant fresh produce
Affordable food court
Vibrant local atmosphere

What People Dislike

Language barrier
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mercado de Santa Clara is easily accessible by public transport in Lisbon. You can take Tram 28 or various buses that stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from the Alfama district. TikTok+1

Yes, it's located in the Santa Clara neighborhood, near the National Pantheon. Look for the large open-air market space. TikTok

The food court is located upstairs within the market. Simply head to the upper level after exploring the ground floor stalls. Reddit

Street parking can be challenging in this area. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. TikTok

Absolutely! It's a scenic walk from areas like Alfama and the Graça viewpoint. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Mercado de Santa Clara is generally free. You only pay for items you purchase from vendors. TikTok

The flea market operates primarily on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The food court and produce sections may have slightly different hours, often extending into weekdays. TikTok+1

Yes, the main flea market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. TikTok+1

The food court and produce stalls often operate on weekdays as well, offering a taste of local life even when the flea market isn't in full swing. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee for the food court. You pay for the food and drinks you order. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Bargains

You can find a wide variety of items, including vintage clothing, antiques, crafts, books, jewelry, and unique souvenirs. TikTok

Bargaining is common at flea markets. Be polite and respectful when negotiating prices with vendors. TikTok

Many vendors at the flea market are cash-only. It's advisable to carry enough cash to make purchases. TikTok

The flea market section on Tuesdays and Saturdays often has the best deals, especially if you arrive early. TikTok

Vintage clothing and unique handmade crafts are often popular finds. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The upstairs food court offers a diverse range of Ecuadorian dishes, including encebollado, as well as fresh juices and prepared foods. Reddit

No, the food court is known for its incredibly cheap prices, offering great value for authentic local meals. Reddit

Encebollado is a traditional Ecuadorian fish soup, often considered a hangover cure. Many visitors find it delicious, especially with a squeeze of lemon. Reddit

While many dishes are meat or fish-based, you might find some vegetable-focused options or sides. It's best to ask vendors directly. Reddit

It's an excellent spot for both! You can find hearty breakfast options and delicious lunch dishes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! The vibrant colors of the produce, the bustling market atmosphere, and the diverse food stalls make for fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok

Focus on the colorful fruit and vegetable displays, the interactions between vendors and shoppers, and the lively food court. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of them or their products. Reddit

Mornings, especially on market days, offer dynamic scenes. However, the food court can be photogenic throughout the day. TikTok

Yes, you can take photos of the food, but be mindful of other diners and ask permission if you're photographing someone's meal. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mercado Santa Clara can be a fun outing for families, offering a vibrant and engaging experience. The colorful produce stalls are visually stimulating for children, and the sheer variety of items at the flea market can spark their curiosity. TikTok The upstairs food court offers a chance for kids to try new and exciting local foods in a casual setting. Reddit

Tips for families: Consider visiting on a weekday morning for a slightly less crowded experience. TikTok Keep a close eye on children in the bustling market areas. While many vendors don't speak English, they are generally welcoming to families. Reddit The food court offers a good opportunity for a shared meal, allowing everyone to try different local dishes.

💰 Budget Travelers

Mercado Santa Clara is a paradise for budget travelers. The flea market offers opportunities to find unique souvenirs and clothing at bargain prices, especially if you're willing to haggle. TikTok The real win for budget travelers, however, is the food court. Reddit You can enjoy a substantial and delicious meal of authentic Ecuadorian cuisine for a fraction of what you'd pay in a restaurant. Reddit

Budget tips: Bring plenty of cash for the flea market. TikTok Explore all the food stalls in the court to compare prices and offerings. Reddit Don't be afraid to try dishes you've never heard of – they're usually incredibly affordable and tasty.

🛍️ Shoppers & Collectors

For those who love to hunt for unique finds, Mercado Santa Clara's flea market is a must-visit. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the market transforms into a sprawling bazaar filled with antiques, vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and quirky collectibles. TikTok+1 It's the perfect place to discover one-of-a-kind items that you won't find anywhere else. TikTok

Shopping advice: Go with an open mind and be prepared to spend time browsing. TikTok Polite negotiation is expected, so don't hesitate to make a reasonable offer. TikTok Remember to bring cash, as many vendors operate on a cash-only basis. TikTok The food court also offers a chance to buy local produce and perhaps some artisanal food items to take home.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mercado Santa Clara Experience

Mercado Santa Clara is more than just a market; it's a sensory immersion into local life. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, it transforms into a sprawling flea market, drawing crowds eager to unearth vintage clothing, antiques, and unique crafts. TikTok+1 The energy is palpable, with vendors calling out their wares and shoppers sifting through piles of treasures. It's a place where you can find anything from old records to handmade jewelry, offering a glimpse into the city's past and present. TikTok

Beyond the flea market finds, the ground floor is a vibrant showcase of Ecuador's agricultural richness. Stalls overflow with an astonishing variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, their colors and aromas creating a feast for the senses. Reddit This is where locals shop for their daily ingredients, providing an authentic glimpse into everyday life. The vendors, though often not speaking English, are known for their friendliness and willingness to help visitors navigate their offerings. Reddit

Ascending to the upper level reveals the market's culinary heart: a bustling food court. Here, you can sample a wide array of traditional Ecuadorian dishes at remarkably low prices. Reddit Encebollado, a hearty fish soup, is a popular choice, often recommended with a dash of lemon juice. Reddit This area offers a fantastic opportunity to taste authentic local flavors in a lively, unpretentious setting, making it a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Navigating the Flea Market

The flea market section of Mercado Santa Clara is a treasure trove for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts. Held on Tuesdays and Saturdays, it's one of the largest of its kind in Lisbon, attracting both locals and tourists. TikTok+1 You'll find everything from antique furniture and quirky collectibles to second-hand clothing and handmade crafts. The sheer volume and variety of goods mean there's always something new to discover, making it an exciting place to explore. TikTok

Key tips for a successful flea market visit: Arrive early, especially on Saturdays, to get the best selection before items are snapped up. TikTok+1 Be prepared to use cash, as many vendors do not accept cards. TikTok Don't be afraid to haggle politely; it's part of the market experience. TikTok Even if you don't find a specific item, the atmosphere and the people-watching opportunities are well worth the visit. Reddit

A Taste of Local Ecuador

The food court at Mercado Santa Clara is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Located on the upper level, it's a hub of activity where you can savor authentic Ecuadorian cuisine without breaking the bank. Reddit The variety is impressive, with numerous stalls offering everything from hearty soups and stews to grilled meats and fresh seafood. It's a place where you can truly experience the local flavors and culinary traditions. Reddit

Dishes like encebollado are a must-try, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal. Reddit Many visitors are surprised by the low prices, making it an ideal spot for a budget-friendly and delicious meal. Reddit While the environment can be a bit chaotic, it's all part of the authentic experience. Interacting with the friendly vendors and trying new dishes is a highlight for many who visit. Reddit

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