This Lisbon Food Hall is Hiding One of the City's Most Interesting Ways to Eat

There are some places in Lisbon where you go because you want to see them. Then, there are places where you go because you want to eat!

Located inside the historic Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodré, Time Out Market is one of those Lisbon stops where you can walk in without having a very specific plan and still come away having tried some really good Portuguese food.

I sampled authentic Portuguese food here—and I also had the most delicious sangria.
Honestly, the sangria alone made me happy I stopped.

Where Is Time Out Market Lisbon?

Time Out Market is located at Mercado da Ribeira, Avenida 24 de Julho, in Cais do Sodré, one of Lisbon's lively areas along the Tagus River.   Here's my favorite way to get there if you're already exploring central Lisbon:

WALK!

From Rua Augusta, you can make your way toward the river and take the scenic waterfront route along the Tagus. It's roughly a 15–20 minute walk, depending on your pace and exactly where you start on Rua Augusta.I much prefer this option to jumping into a car for such a short distance.

You're in Lisbon. Walk along the river. Enjoy the views. Take your time.

So, What Exactly Is Time Out Market?

This isn't the traditional Portuguese market you might picture when you hear the word "market."

Time Out Market is a large food hall inside the historic Mercado da Ribeira, bringing together restaurants, bars, shops and other food-related experiences under one roof.  The original Time Out Market opened in Lisbon in 2014, created by the team at Time Out Portugal. Today, the market has 26 restaurants and eight bars, along with shops, a cooking academy and event spaces.

The concept is pretty simple: bring together a collection of food and drink choices in one place so you can try different things without having to trek all over Lisbon.

I have visited the market 3 times, and every time it's a new adventure and new tastes to sample!  The relaxing vibes, and delish smells will beckon you back many times!

The Food Is the Main Event

You don't have to commit to one restaurant and sit down for an entire meal.  You can walk around, look at the different counters and decide what catches your eye.

I sampled authentic Portuguese food, and it was exactly the kind of experience I want when I'm traveling—being able to taste something local rather than simply eating the same things I could find at home.

And then there was that sangria... the sangria was to die for!  Sangria in general, tastes much better in Portugal than in the US.  I am not much for alcohol, but Sangria is the exception!

Time Out Market has several bars, including O Bar da Odete, which features Portuguese wines and a sangria made with sparkling wine and berries.

You Don't Need a Reservation

Here's one of the things I like about visiting Time Out Market: you don't need to make a reservation just to eat there.

The market uses communal tables, so you find your food and grab a seat.  This makes it especially easy if you're sightseeing and don't want to plan your entire day around a restaurant reservation.

Of course, because it's popular, it can get very busy.  Don't arrive starving and expect to stroll in at the busiest time and immediately find the perfect table.  Take a look around first; there are a lot of choices for delish Portuguese cuisine.

Things You Should Know Before Visiting

Here are the things I'd want to know before going:

 Location:
Mercado da Ribeira, Avenida 24 de Julho, Cais do Sodré, Lisbon.

 Getting there:
From Rua Augusta, I recommend walking toward the Tagus and following the waterfront. It's a scenic walk of approximately 15–20 minutes and an easy way to combine getting there with seeing more of Lisbon.

 Food:
There are numerous restaurants and food counters, with choices ranging from Portuguese specialties to other cuisines. The market currently lists 26 restaurants.

 Drinks:
There are eight bars, so you're not limited to food. And yes, based on my experience, I'd leave room for a sangria.

 Payment:
The market is cashless, accepting credit and debit cards. There is also a rechargeable market card available if you prefer not to use your own card at the individual counters.

 Seating:
There are communal tables, and reservations aren't required for the market's general seating.

 Hours:
Time Out currently lists the market as open 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Hours can change, so check the official site before you go.

Don't Confuse It With a Traditional Portuguese Market

One thing I think is worth understanding before you visit is that Time Out Market is not trying to be an old-fashioned neighborhood food market.  It's a modern food destination housed in the historic Mercado da Ribeira.

However, there is still a traditional market presence in the building, including longtime vendors selling things such as meat, fish, fruit and flowers.  This combination is what makes the location interesting.

You get the history of the old market building along with a much more contemporary food experience.

Is It Worth Visiting?

I loved it because it was easy, casual and genuinely enjoyable!  I could wander around, sample Portuguese food, have a wonderful sangria and soak up the atmosphere without having to plan the whole experience in advance.

If you're traveling with other people, there's another obvious advantage: everyone can eat what they want. You don't have to agree on one restaurant. You don't even have to agree on one type of food.

If you're spending time around Rua Augusta, Praça do Comércio or the waterfront, don't think of Time Out Market as somewhere you have to specifically "get to."  Make getting there part of the experience.

Walk toward the Tagus.  Enjoy the river.
Take the waterfront route toward Cais do Sodré.
Then stop at Time Out Market for lunch, an afternoon bite or a drink.

This is an example of a travel day I enjoy most—a little sightseeing, a little wandering and something delicious along the way. 

Time Out Market Lisbon
Mercado da Ribeira
Avenida 24 de Julho
Cais do Sodré, Lisbon

If you are looking for more exciting adventures in Portugal... check out my itineraries for Lisbon and other best stops in this amazing country! Happy Travels!