Mercado Ferreira Borges Porto
Historic 19th-century iron and glass market building, now a cultural hub with artisan stalls, a nightclub, and a restaurant.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More vendors and lively atmosphere
Mercado Ferreira Borges Porto
Best Time
More vendors and lively atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 19th-century iron and glass market building, now a cultural hub with artisan stalls, a nightclub, and a restaurant.
"Admire the stunning 19th-century iron and glass architecture, a true Porto landmark."
Check Operating Hours First
Not all stalls are open daily. Verify hours to ensure you catch the market buzz. :calendar:
Explore Beyond Port Wine
Try Prova for local Douro table wines, a great alternative to Port tastings. :wine_glass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture
Admire the stunning 19th-century iron and glass structure, a true Porto landmark.

Artisan Market Stalls
Browse unique handmade jewelry, clothing, and local crafts from various vendors.

Prova Wine Bar
Enjoy local Douro table wines, not just Port, in a cozy spot next to the market.
Puro Shop
Create custom charm bracelets and necklaces at this unique boutique.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Market Buzz
Beyond the Market Stalls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Operating Hours First
Not all stalls are open daily. Verify hours to ensure you catch the market buzz.
:calendar:Explore Beyond Port Wine
Try Prova for local Douro table wines, a great alternative to Port tastings.
:wine_glass:Custom Charm Bracelets
Visit Puro Shop for unique, personalized charm bracelets and necklaces.
:gem:Architectural Gem
Admire the beautiful iron and glass architecture, especially the red structure.
:building_construction:Tips
from all over the internet
Check Operating Hours First
Not all stalls are open daily. Verify hours to ensure you catch the market buzz.
:calendar:Explore Beyond Port Wine
Try Prova for local Douro table wines, a great alternative to Port tastings.
:wine_glass:Custom Charm Bracelets
Visit Puro Shop for unique, personalized charm bracelets and necklaces.
:gem:Architectural Gem
Admire the beautiful iron and glass architecture, especially the red structure.
:building_construction:Fragrance Discovery
Smellit offers unique fragrances; check their September schedule.
:perfume:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mercado Ferreira Borges is admired for its stunning 19th-century iron and glass architecture, offering a glimpse into Porto's past. Visitors appreciate the artisan stalls selling unique crafts and the opportunity to create custom jewelry at Puro Shop. However, some find the market's current offerings limited compared to its historical role, with inconsistent vendor presence and higher prices at the cafe.
"Worth a visit when in porto. Good and drinks served, but pricey. Market stalls are nice touch. Also used as performative theatre."
Philip Murphy
"The building dates from 1885. The architecture is very nice and the red structure catches your eye. This is what attracted us and made us want to see what was inside.
There's not a lot going on inside, which was disappointing. There's a bar and toilet. Apparently there's a club here but we didn't see it.
It's also a cultural centre and concert hall. Looks like they occasionally host exhibitions. There's also stalls where traders sell handmade items, but none open when we visited on a Wednesday afternoon.
Not worth going out of your way to visit and certainly no need to go inside. Best seen from the outside.
Follow here and on IG for more travel and food and drink tips, ideas and reviews @one.more.step.along.the.world"
J L
"Many stands with jewelry, clothes, hats, shoes etc. Not too big, but still enjoyable!! The café there is not that nice, because we sat down and 15 minutes passed and still no one came to us, so we left."
Kajol Changur
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercado Ferreira Borges is centrally located in Porto, making it easily accessible. You can walk from many popular areas like Ribeira. Public transport options include trams and buses that stop nearby. If driving, be aware that parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive.
Yes, it's very close to the Ribeira district and the Douro River. You can easily combine a visit with exploring the historic riverside area or crossing the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia.
From Porto Airport (OPO), you can take the Metro (Line E - Purple) directly to the city center, then transfer to a local bus or tram, or take a taxi/ride-share service to Mercado Ferreira Borges. The metro journey takes about 30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main market hall and its architecture is generally free. However, specific events, concerts, or exhibitions held within the venue might require tickets. The Puro Shop and Prova wine bar are also accessible without an entry fee.
The operating hours can be inconsistent, especially for the market stalls. While the building itself might be accessible, many vendors and shops have specific schedules. It's recommended to check their social media or local listings for the most up-to-date information, as some visitors have found it closed or with limited activity on certain days.
Browsing the market stalls is typically free. You only pay for any items you choose to purchase from the vendors, such as handmade crafts, jewelry, or clothing.
No, there are no entrance fees for Puro Shop or Prova wine bar. You can visit these establishments freely, and you only pay for any purchases you make.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a variety of artisan shops selling handmade jewelry, clothing, hats, shoes, and local crafts. Puro Shop is popular for custom charm bracelets and necklaces. Smellit also has a presence here offering unique fragrances.
While it was historically a food market, it's now more of a cultural and retail space. You might find some food vendors, but it's not primarily a fresh produce market like Mercado do Bolhão. There is a bar downstairs and a restaurant upstairs.
There's a bar located downstairs near the main entrance and a restaurant upstairs. For a unique wine experience, Prova, a wine bar specializing in local Douro table wines, is located right next to the market.
Some visitors have noted that prices at the market's cafe and bar can be on the higher side, especially given its tourist location. It's always a good idea to check prices before ordering.
Yes, Prova, located next to Mercado Ferreira Borges, offers wine tastings focusing on local Douro table wines, which is a great alternative if you're not a fan of Port wine.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The market's iron and glass architecture is visually striking at any time. For fewer crowds and softer light, consider visiting in the morning or during weekday afternoons. The red structure is particularly photogenic.
The atmosphere can vary. During the day, it can be quiet with limited activity, especially if market stalls are closed. In the evenings, it can transform into a lively venue with a nightclub and restaurant.
Visitor opinions are mixed. Many appreciate the historic architecture and the artisan stalls. However, some find it lacks the bustling market feel of the past and suggest it's best seen from the outside if not visiting for a specific event or shop.
Yes, restrooms are available within the Mercado Ferreira Borges building. Visitors have noted them to be clean and well-maintained.
Yes, it functions as a cultural center and concert hall, occasionally hosting exhibitions and performances. It also houses a nightclub.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍷 Wine Lovers
🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel
Many visitors are drawn to the building's aesthetic appeal, with its intricate metalwork and expansive glass panels. It's a popular spot for photographers looking to capture the blend of historical design and modern urban life. The building's grandeur is evident from both the exterior and interior, offering a glimpse into Porto's past as a thriving commercial hub.
A Shifting Market Identity
Today, the building also serves as a cultural center, concert hall, and even houses a nightclub and restaurant. This multi-faceted use means the atmosphere can vary dramatically depending on the day and time. For those seeking a traditional market experience, it might be disappointing, but for those interested in its architectural heritage or evening entertainment, it offers a different kind of appeal.
Unique Shopping and Wine Experiences
For wine enthusiasts, the adjacent Prova wine bar is a must-visit. It provides a welcome alternative to the ubiquitous Port wine tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia, focusing instead on local Douro table wines. This offers a chance to explore a different facet of Portuguese viticulture in a relaxed setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit