Mercado da Vila

The basics

Visiting Mercado da Vila offers foodies the chance to head straight to the source of the flavors and dishes of Cascais. Wander and browse the market stalls to see what produce is available and favored locally, then—if you can find a seat—sit down for a snack or meal at the food court or one of the on-site restaurants. Some guided tours of Cascais and Sintra stop by the market, either for sightseeing or for lunch.

Things to know before you go

• Speciality markets take place on different days, such as arts and crafts on Sundays.

• The market has a large paid parking lot behind it.

• Public restrooms are located on either side of the main hall.

• The main hall is wheelchair accessible, but stores each have a step leading into them, and the mezzanine is only accessible via a flight of stairs.

How to get there

Mercado da Vila is easy to reach on foot from Cascais center: it’s a 5-minute walk from the station and a roughly 15-minute walk from most other local attractions. Many local buses stop at the Mercado Municipal de Cascais bus stop directly outside.

When to get there

What you find at the Mercado da Vila changes depending on which day you visit, but usually the market runs from early in the morning until around 2pm in the afternoon. Butchers and fishmongers are typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, while the Saloio Market, with its fresh produce, is available from Wednesday to Sunday. Restaurants and stores open daily, while some restaurants stay open until late evening.

What to eat at Mercado da Vila

With so many different things sold at Mercado da Vila Cascais, travelers should keep their eyes peeled for highlights and unique items. Popular snacks include cheese at Fromagerie Maître Renard and the suckling pig or leitão from HM Caneira. For a larger meal and the chance to sample local seafood and shellfish, get a table at Marisco na Praça Mercado da Vila.