Continente, Pingo Doce, Lidl or Mercadona — which supermarket fits daily life in Porto?
I just moved. People keep naming different supermarkets. Which one should I use for a normal week of shopping in Porto?
3 answers
- Accepted answer
There is no single winner. Continente and Pingo Doce are the everyday Portuguese chains: own brands, loyalty cards, and large hypermarkets plus smaller city shops. Lidl and Aldi are strong on price for staples and weekly specials. Mercadona grew fast on private-label quality and a tidy layout. Many residents do a big weekly shop at a hypermarket and top up at the nearest neighbourhood store.
Compare the unit price (€/kg), not the pack. Check Sunday and holiday hours on the door — they vary by store, not by brand slogan.
Checked 8 November 2026. This is practical community guidance, not legal, tax or medical advice. Prefer official pages and a licensed professional for your case.
Local tip. A small mercearia or the Mercado do Bolhão area is often better for fruit, herbs and last-minute bread than a hypermarket queue. For bulk cleaning products and appliances, people also use Worten, Fnac and the DIY parks.
Payment. Cards and MB Way are normal. Keep a little cash for markets and tiny shops that still prefer it.