Bolhao Market

Looking for a bracing morning activity in the city center? Visit the Mercado do Bolhao, dating to 1850, where you can buy fish so fresh they practically jump into your shopping bag. There’s no better spot to pick up live and freshly killed chickens, wine, flowers, and fruits and vegetables. It’s a good place to practice your Portuguese, too. Many of the vendors are older ladies who have been at this for decades and are happy to talk your ear off, especially the ones involved in the manufacture of cotton dish towels, which I confess to having a hard time generating excitement for.