Bom Sucesso, a unique food market in Porto

It's difficult to shortlist all those very special places in the colorful city of Porto, but Mercado Bom Sucesso (Bom Sucesso Market) is definitely one of them. Besides another lovely market in the center of Porto, Bolhão, which is quite different conceptually but equally interesting, Bom Sucesso is also a wonderful place to visit, especially after a whole day stroll around Porto. 

The building- that was supposed to become one of the main markets of the city- was designed in 1949 and its construction finished in 1952. Today, Mercado Bom Sucesso is a cool retro building with a reinforced concrete structure and an innovative roof with glass, allowing natural light in. The project was made for a three-floor building, fully packed with shops and stalls, containing everything from veggies, fish, and meat. Parts of its structure are the same today, like for example a gallery on the first floor.

Mercado Bom Sucesso was, however, reborn in June 2013, when it reopened as an urban concept market, after extensive reconstruction works that lasted for a few years. It still has its old charm, but now it also contains a 4* themed hotel, offices and a food court with all kinds of food, occasional music performances, and tasty cocktails - all of that on approximately 6000 square meters. In 2018, the space celebrated five years since it started to function as the very first Urban Market to be born in Porto. Ever since the number of visits continues to grow, and, in 2017, it reached 3 million visitors. 

The place is ideal to visit for a late lunch or early dinner with a group of friends. There's so much offer that everyone can find something they like, and regardless of which dish you decide to have, you can still all sit and eat together. With the selection going from pork sandwich to sushi, from Argentinian empanadas to Italian focaccia, and, clearly, numerous national dishes, no one stays hungry at Mercado Bom Sucesso. The best part, however, is its wine bars and fresh cocktails made of Port wine. To complete the atmosphere, there are often events of Fado or Jazz music or live shows, like the ones of Rui Veloso, Mallu Magalhães or David Fonseca. Occasionally, art exhibitions happen too.