Mercado do Bom Sucesso Porto
New life to the old market
The Mercado (market) do Bom Sucesso looks a bit strange from the outside, maybe like a kind of a futuristic spaceship (glassy and round), especially considering that it was built in the 1950's, when that particular part of the city was almost "countryside". Actually my parents lived in the area in the early 60's and there were cows eating grass outside the door. It used to be a market of fresh goods until recently.
It had been decaying for many years, however, now it has a new and totally different life. The ground floor holds mainly restaurants, the 1st floor mainly shops, as well as a hotel. The restaurants follow the movement of blending traditional, gourmet, and trendy. I have to confess that the 1st time I ate there I left saying it was a flop. Then I returned and changed my mind. I'm glad I did.
The choice can be difficult, because of the number and variety of places: traditional, tapas, gourmet, pastry, sushi, burgers, seafood, ice cream, and many others. I like "Casa de Santo António" (traditional Portuguese food), NY slides (good burgers), Neveiros (check the article!), Confeitaria Moura (excellent traditional pastry - jesuitas, limonetes!), but I still have a lot to try.
There are also gourmet shops, where it's possible to taste and take away Portuguese traditional and (again) gourmet delicious products. On a side note, they host events quite frequently. It's a place certainly worth a visit when near Boavista.
Across the street, there's a large mall.
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Porto guide.
Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Porto
Gelados Neveiros – Ice cream like it "used to be"
"Gelados Neveiros" is probably the oldest and one of most well known ice cream shops in Porto. REAL traditional recipes, homemade with fresh ingredients..."
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Two:su.shi – Bargain sushi!
"Two:su.shi" is a Japanese restaurant serving delicious sushi with great service and a cosy yet small atmosphere. Excellent place to satisfy your crave!
By
Tiago
Magalhães
Castiço da Sé – Panados is love, panados is life
"Castiço da Sé" in Porto is the perfect place to get some 'panados' -- the Portuguese version of Wiener Schnitzel! And the owners are a delight to talk to.
By
Tiago
Magalhães
Conga – World class bifanas!
"Conga" Porto is where you can find world-class bifanas, ones that taste the way they should; moist, spicy pieces of pork meat in a bread; delicious!
By
Tiago
Magalhães
The Happy Nest – Hidden garden in Porto's heart
"The Happy Nest" in central Porto is a coffee shop that makes breakfast, lunch or brunch enjoyable. Everything's amazing, but definitely try the croissants
By
Camila
Aldrighi
Portuguese Centre of Photography – Go to jail!
"The Portuguese Centre of Photography" in Porto is located in an ex-prison in the centre. Protip: go all the way down the street at the building's left side.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
CC Bombarda – Not your regular shopping mall
"CC Bombard" in Porto is a small "shopping mall" that will surprise you with its originality, concept and products. My favourite shop there is Vertigo.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Foz, Porto's seafront – Beaches north to south
Foz and Porto's seafront is definitely for me my favourite part of the city! In summer it can get crowded, but that's because it's Porto at its best!
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Padaria Ribeiro – Pastry perfected over 100 years
"Padaria Ribeiro" isn't just a bakery - it's an icon of the city! I imagine they have been perfecting their pastry recipes since the 19th century...
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Café Piolho – A century old students' caffè
"Café Piolho" has been the centre of Porto students' nightlife for over a century. The first cafe to have electricity and TV, it's a living part of history.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Parque da Cidade – The wonderful City Park
"Parque da Cidade" is Porto's Central or Hyde Park, and it's the only one in Europe with a seafront! It's one of my favourite spots to do outdoorsy things.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Siza Vieira’s Porto – The city as sketch book
Porto is home to Portugal's most well-known and awarded architect, Siza Vieira. You can find his masterpieces sprinkled all over the city.
By