An easy place to catch the yellow tram is at Praça Luís de Camões. Bring 2,85 euros exactly to pay for your fare as you step on. If you plan to ride the tram frequently you should buy a viva card for 0,50 euros from the metro and loaded at least 1,40 euros for the discounted ride.

While we waited for the next tram (they come about every 15 minutes) we hopped over to the pastry shop across the corner for a pasteis de nata (two in my case since a fresh batch came out as we were about to leave and I couldn’t help myself) and a cafe.

The girl behind the counter kindly gave us her best directions for finding our stop off the tram. Leaving  Praça Luís de Camões, the tram heads down around a winding street before chuggin along up a hill. We were to keep an eye out for a big old church at the very top of the hill, right next to one of the tram stops. From there the tram would travel back down hill a bit and when we felt it begin its next uphill journey after that, get off at the first stop.

A bit unsure of ourselves and the directions at hand, we hopped on and hoped for the best. Somehow, the directions made perfect sense once we got going and we got off at the correct stop. Fortunately there is a little sign posted just before the tram stop stating, “Feira da Ladra,” unfortunately we didn’t see it, began wandering back and forth and asking strangers where to go. We felt silly when we took a look around and noticed the sign.

We wandered down Campo de Santa Clara, taking in all the little trinkets, thirfts and souvenirs before settling in to a table for some lunch. We sat completely ignored by the waiters for about 15 minutes, a man sitting next to us even yelled in Portuguese something along the lines of we were waiting for food, but no one came.

 

 

 

Turns out it was for the better because just around the corner we discovered the Centre das Artes Culinariasat Mercado de Santa Clara.It’s a big open space lined with art displays and a shop full of local products in the front. At the back, there’s a little kitchen space where you can grab a mixed plate to sample all the dishes for 10 euros or less. It looks like a family affair.

With the help of the lady behind the counter, I got a plato vegetariano for only 6,50 and the lady seemed to think I was starved for food options here, piling my plate high with veggies and potatoes. Everything was fresh and delicious.

After lunch we wandered back outside the the flea market in search of tiles, scarves, jewelry, vintage mirrors and hats.While some of the stuff being sold is straight from China, the flea market offers a varity of consignment stalls and vintage treasure chests. Take the morning to hunt around and you’ll surely find something unique to bring home.