Old books, vinyl records, paintings, secondhand computers and Portuguese food specialities are just some of the diverse goods to be found at the Thieves Market in Lisbon.

The Feira da Ladra in the city's Alfama district is a busy flea market located in a street and has some of the best bargains around, according to some reports.

World Events Guide notes vendors sell local handmade cloths, while the New York Times likens it to the famous flea markets of Paris and Madrid, adding: "You can experience the fun of haggling for bargains … Nearly everything you can imagine is for sale."

Go Lisbon website says the market dates back around 800 years, though it may have been named Feira da Ladra as late as the 17th century.

It adds that today traders are "perfectly legal" but the Lisbon Connection advises shoppers to keep a tight hold on their purses and bags.

As well as shopping there are many cultural beauties to visit during a stay in Portugal's capital, such as the National Pantheon of Santa Engracia.