Vandoma Flea Market

The Vandoma flea market is a must-see in Porto, so make sure your stay in the city includes a saturday! From 8am to 1pm you’ll want to wander around the Fontainhas area and look at the market stands. Something will catch your eye.

The Vandoma Market started out in the 70’s, organized by students that wanted to sell their books, clothes, accessories and other used items. Soon other sellers decided to join them. This is a second hand only market. You’ll find clothes and accessories, cutlery, furniture, vinyls, books, old stickers’ collections, old newspapers and magazines, electrical appliances, electronic appliances, working tools, kitchen utensils and dishware.

I remember the first time I went to this market. I was astonished to see how many things people had that looked exactly like the one my grandparents had at home or just exactly like those that I’d heard my family talk so much about (either that or I recognized some items from books and magazines). Plus, the concept was amazing: people that weren’t necessarily traders would find a spot and sold their things. It was much more organized in the 80’s that it was in the 70’s but still there was this untidiness that gave it a special charm.

This market takes place in one of the most picturesque and traditional neighborhoods in Porto, Fontainhas, close to Porto’s Sé Catedral. During São João (Saint John) festivities, this is THE place to go and celebrate, eat sardines and have a beer, dance your bum off to the sound of popular music and watch the sunrise!

Don’t miss the chance of walking through the streets of this neighborhood and enjoying the view of the Douro river. You can actually walk down from Fontainhas to the riverside. Watch your step on the way down, though!

Saturday morning is the day of the market. After this experience – that is better than London’s Portobello road flea market! – you’re ready for a riverside lunch. Go down to Ribeira and just choose a place. The view is breathtaking!