Last Updated on November 2, 2023
This Lisbon supermarkets guide covers the best supermarkets to shop in while visiting this beautiful Portuguese city. When I spent visited Lisbon I enjoyed trying delicious Portuguese foods like pastéis de nata and bifana sandwiches.
But of course, I still needed to pop into Lisbon supermarkets. Although I love eating out when I travel, I usually try to prepare at least one meal in my hotel or hostel per day. Lisbon supermarkets are where you can stock up on breakfast items, buy Portuguese wine and beer, or even pick up toiletries like toothpaste.
Types of Supermarkets in Portugal
There are two main types of supermarkets in Lisbon, and throughout Portugal:
- Large chains like Pingo Doce, Lidl, and Continente offer an all-in-one shopping experience.
- Smaller local stores specializing in a few products, like a butcher, a bakery, or seafood shop.
The larger supermarkets are super convenient for picking up whatever you might need for your stay in Portugal. That said, the quality of the meat, bread, and other groceries is often better in the small, locally owned shops. If you have time to swing by those smaller shops, I recommend doing so.
9 Best Lisbon Supermarkets
There are several main supermarkets (known as supermercados in Portuguese) that you’ll find in Lisbon: Pingo Doce, Lidl, and Continente.
These Lisbon supermarkets carry all of the grocery items you could need. They have fresh produce, meat, dairy, as well as packaged foods, and some takeaway meals. Most of them will also carry household supplies and basic pharmacy items.
Read on for more details about the 9 Lisbon supermarkets you can choose from.
1. Pingo Doce
Pingo Doce (which translates to Sweet Drop in english) is one of the largest supermarket chains in Portugal. They have hundreds of stores throughout the country, including many in Lisbon.
Pingo Doce will have a wide selection of produce, meat, dairy, packaged foods, alcohol, and household goods: it’s truly a one-stop shop. It also usually has everyday pharmacy products (nasal drops, antihistamines, etc.) which are usually found in front of the cash registers. You’ll just need to ask the cashier to give you the necessary medication.
Pingo Doce is considered one of the best-priced supermarkets in Portugal, and it’s one of the more convenient Lisbon supermarkets if you’re staying in the center of the city as there are central locations.
The two closest Pingo Doce to the city center is one on Rua do Quelhas (west side of the city) and the one on Rua da Graça (east side of the city). Both are about a 20 minute walk or 15 minutes on public transit.
2. Continente
Continente is Portugal’s largest retail chain. They have stores all over mainland Portugal and on some of Portugal’s islands. Continente sells various products, from groceries to home goods. The stores are large, and so there’s plenty to choose from.
From the touristic center of Lisbon the two closest Continente stores are in the Colombo Shopping Center and in Vasco da Gamma. Both are very large stores, and they both include a pharmacy.
3. Lidl
Lidl is very similar to Pingo Doce and Continente in that it’s one of the larger supermarkets in Lisbon, and it sells basically everything you could need in terms of groceries and household goods. Although Lidl is a great one-stop shop, the closest one is Lidl Lisboa Rua Maria da Fonte, which is about a 30 minute walk (20 minutes on transit) from the tourist center of Lisbon.
4. Mercearia Poço dos Negros
Mercearia Poço dos Negros is the more local spot to pick up groceries in Lisbon. It has a bit of a corner-shop vibe, and sells gourmet groceries. You’ll find high-quality Portuguese products, wine, cheese, and more.
The owners of this shop are super lovely and always around to offer suggestions. Mercearia Poço dos Negros is right by Bairro Alto in central Lisbon.
5. SPAR
SPAR is another chain found throughout Portugal, and other European countries, too. They have large supermarkets throughout Portugal. In the center of Lisbon you’ll find their mini markets – the larger markets are outside the tourist center.
The SPAR mini markets don’t have a huge variety of choice, but you can get by pretty well in them! I also find that they carry good options for a takeaway sandwich or meal.
6. Minipreço
Minipreço is a chain of supermarkets in Portugal that belongs to the Spanish group Dia. If you happen to know the shop Diga in Spain, Minipreço in Portugal looks and feels similar.
In the center of Lisbon you’ll find both the full-size Minipreço supermarket, and Minipreço Express. The express shops are convenient and good for grabbing a takeaway meal, or grocery staples that you might need.
7. Aldi
Aldi is another common supermarket chain you’ll find in Portugal. They have stores all over the country, including in Lisbon. Aldo sells various products, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and more.
The closest Aldi to the touristic center of Lisbon is Aldi TIVOLI, which is located just outside of Avenida station on Lisbon’s metro line.
8. Intermarché
Intermarché is a popular supermarket chain throughout Portugal. They have stores all over the country, including in Lisbon. Intermarché sells various products, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and more.
The closest to the city center is Intermarché Sacavém, which is a 30 minute drive (or an hour on public transport).
9. Auchan
Before 2019, this supermarket was called Pão de Açúcar. It’s a Portuguese supermarket chain belonging to the French group Auchan, and in 2019, the chain changed the name of all the supermarkets to Auchan.
These supermarkets tend to have cheaper prices. But unfortunately, most of their shops are outside of the tourist center of Lisbon.
Tips for Grocery Shopping in Lisbon Supermarkets
1. Know some basic Portuguese.
Portuguese folks are increasingly learning English, but Portuguese is the main language spoken in Lisbon. As a visiting guest in Portugal, learning some basic words and phrases will be very helpful, particularly when shopping in Lisbon supermarkets. At the very least, know how to say hello, goodbye, and thank you.
Most signage inside Lisbon supermarkets will be in Portuguese, as will the labeling on food packages. Some food packaging will list ingredients in several languages (mainly other European languages). If you’re traveling with a peanut allergy or other food allergies, knowing your allergen in Portuguese will be very important when shopping.
2. Bring reusable grocery bags.
Plastic bags have not been banned in Portugal like they have in some other countries, but you do have to pay for them. Given this, I recommend bringing reusable grocery bags or linen totes when you go shopping in Lisbon supermarkets. This will save you a bit of money, and avoids plastic waste.
3. Bring cash when you go grocery shopping in Lisbon.
The larger chain supermarkets in Lisbon will always accept Portuguese debit cards and credit cards. But smaller, independently owned grocery stores and markets will sometimes prefer cash. Carrying various denominations of bills is recommended so that you don’t need the cashier to break big bills for you.
4. Know the supermarket hours in Lisbon.
Supermarket opening hours vary across Portugal. In Lisbon, most are open from 9:00 AM to about 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Grocery stores in Lisbon aren’t always open on Sundays, or, they’ll have limited hours, so it’s important to plan around that.
You’ll also want to be aware of public holidays because many Lisbon supermarkets will be closed or have limited hours on those days. Holidays in Portugal are likely to be different from the public holidays in your home country – Check if there are any happening while you’re in Lisbon.
Farmers Markets in Lisbon
There are three main farmers markets in central Lisbon: Mercado da Ribeira, Mercado Da Baixa, and Mercado de Arroios.
Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market)
Mercado da Ribeira is a traditional food market that dates back to the 1890s. This market has two parts.
One part is open only in the morning (it closes at noon). This part sells all kinds of fruits, vegetables, meat, and flowers. The other part of Mercado da Ribeira is made up of food stalls where you can buy a variety of meals and dishes like traditional Portuguese fare, pizza, ice cream and more.
The food stall section of this market is curated by Time Out’s food writers and editors. It’s open throughout the day and a great spot for grabbing some food and a beer to enjoy at one of the market’s communal tables.
Address: Av. 24 de Julho, 1200, Lisbon 1200-481 Portugal
Mercado Da Baixa
This open-air market is in the heart of Lisbon. Here, you can wander stalls selling everything from traditional street fare and drinks, to local goods.
Mercado Da Baixa isn’t really a traditional farmer’s market – it’s definitely oriented toward tourists. But it’s still a great spot to visit as you’ll find lots of locally made food and goods. It’s the perfect market for souvenir shopping, and for having a quick bite, glass of wine, or glass of beer.
Address: Praça da Figueira 6D, Lisbon 1100-241 Portugal
Mercado de Arroios
Mercado de Arroios is probably the most traditional farmers markets of the three in this list. This market sells locally sourced fish, meat, fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers.
This market is open daily, except for Sundays. It starts in the morning and goes until the early afternoon. Mercado de Arroios is about 20 minutes from central Lisbon by public transport. It’s near the Arroios metro station, close to Estefania.
Address: R. Ângela Pinto 40D, 1900-221 Lisboa, Portugal
Lisbon Supermarkets FAQ
What are the biggest supermarkets in Lisbon?
Pingo Doce is the biggest supermarket in Lisbon. You’ll find everything you could possibly need in this supermarket, from fresh produce to household goods.
What is the main supermarket in Portugal?
Do supermarkets in Portugal sell alcohol?
Yes, supermarkets and grocery stores in Portugal sell beer, wine, and other alcohol. You’ll typically find a wide variety of beers and wine to choose from, ranging in price. In Portugal, wine is very affordable, and even low-priced bottles can be high quality.
What store is like Walmart in Portugal?
The Walmart supercenters that are common across North America don’t exist in Portugal. The most similar stores to Walmart in Portugal are Worten, Casa, and Leroy Merlin. These shops sell mainly home building materials, DIY supplies, household goods, and electronics. In Portugal, it’s the norm to go to specific stores for specific kinds of shopping, which is why you don’t find Walmart-like stores that sell everything from home goods to food and clothing.
Final Thoughts: Supermarkets in Lisbon
There’s no shortage of supermarkets in Lisbon. When I spent 4 days in Lisbon, I had no trouble finding convenient supermarkets to shop in. Regardless of where you stay in the city, you’ll be able to find high-quality groceries, and typically for a good price.
Ready to plan your visit to Portugal? Here’s more from Pina Travels:
- Your Essential 4 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
- 24 Hours in Sintra: Your Comprehensive Guide
- 2 Days in Sintra Guide
- Benagil Cave From Lagos: Your Complete Guide
- 10 Reasons to Visit Portugal in Winter
Erin has been traveling for over a decade, both solo, and with her partner. She’s now traveled to countries across 6 continents, and has lived in 2 countries abroad. Erin also hosts the travel podcast, Curious Tourism, where she interviews travel industry thought leaders and experts about responsible tourism. Learn more about Erin, and get in touch with her, here.
