Top 10 European Flea Markets

Travelling through Europe means digging into the centuries-old historical heritage, unique culture, breathtaking nature and outstanding cuisine. Besides all that, the most visited European cities are home to the most vibrant and colourful flea markets, full of the rarest antiques and cute trinkets. Thrifting has become one of the hottest trends over the past decade, and the thrill of finding one-of-a-kind pieces is what captivates many. If you are one of those who enjoy rummaging through the stalls of flea markets to find vintage and antique goodies, this blog post is for you. Here are the 10 best flea markets in various European cities!

The history of the flea market dates back to medieval times, as the very first written record of the fair was made in 1127. Since then, it has become the largest flea market in Europe and welcomes over a million visitors every first weekend of September. You will be fascinated by the number of gewgaws and treasures that you can purchase here, as the market boasts around 200 kilometres of pavement stalls. Get ready for a good hike and make sure you arrive early to avoid the mad crowds.

Location: Along the Boulevard Louis XIV and the Boulevard de la Liberté

When: Every first weekend of September

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Located in the famous Notting Hill and stretching from Chepstow Villas to Westway, it rewards visitors with more than 1000 sellers and stalls. This is one of the most popular flea markets in Europe and is held every Saturday. Souvenirs for your family and friends, cute trinkets for your home, exclusive fashion pieces, books, and Limoges porcelain. Some of the little shops are open on weekdays and present the chicest jewellery collections, designer clothing, and even local gastronomic delicacies. If you are spending your holiday in London, you cannot miss the vibrant and fair purveying the true vibe of Europe.

Location: Portobello Road, 72 Tavistock Road, London, W11 1AN

When: Every day except Sundays, and the main day is on Saturday

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Les Puces de Saint-Ouen presents one of the largest concentrations of antique and second-hand dealers in the world as almost 5 million people visit the market every year. The venue invites visitors to stroll around the covered markets, five shopping streets, and merchants unpacking on the sidewalks, offering art, fashion pieces, watches, home decor, and everything else. If you stop by Paris on your holiday, you cannot miss this authentic experience of popular Paris, a walk of surprises and a gold mine for vintage lovers.

Location: 110 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen, France

When: Fridays from 8 p.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.

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The Feira da Ladra, or "thiefs' market," has its roots in the Middle Ages. Back in the day, this was a place for traders to sell their stolen goods. The whole flea market is perfectly safe now and might be even fun if you enjoy rummaging through junk to find the perfect gem. The market is popular not only in Lisbon but is also loved by vintage-hunting tourists, looking for exclusive clothing, antique accessories, old and new music records, and stunning art pieces. Keep in mind that it is always a must to haggle and refuse the first price quoted.

Location: Campo de Santa Clara, Alfama

When: Tuesdays and Saturdays

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Vrijmarkt is actually a flea market organised on Koningsdag, a day of the year when the government allows sales on the streets without payment of value-added tax. This nationwide car boot sale attracts over 3,000 sellers and an insane number of visitors. The most popular areas in this market are the Jordaan quarter and Apollolaan. In the Jordaan Quarter, you will find the most unique antiques, and the Vondelpark is filled with kids selling their toys. If you happen to visit Amsterdam on the day of Vrijmarkt, you will be lucky to experience some real local spirit here!

Location: City centre of Amsterdam

When: April 27th

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Every April in Germany brings the Spring Festival of Munich to the streets and rejuvenates the giant flea market, gathering thousands of people who seek to bring one man’s trash to its second life. The fair assembles 3000 exhibitors, more than 90,000 visitors and takes place in the location of the famous Oktoberfest. Clothes, designer furniture, flea market merchandise, militaria, home appliances, electronics, antiques, and more can be found at very reasonable prices. Make sure you are early to the feast to catch the best pieces and to avoid roaring crowds.

Location: Theresienwiese Flohmarkt

When: End of April

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Arezzo is home to one of the most unique flea fairs in Europe and fascinates art enthusiasts with Roman remnants, medieval walls, Renaissance architecture, and enticing murals by Piero della Francesca. Stroll around almost 500 stalls and 100 little shops to find one-of-a-kind bits for their home, family or friends. The market brings antique enthusiasts from all over Italy, as well as tourists, of course, seeking to purchase old books, scientific instruments, archaeology pieces, antiques and collectables, art deco objects, jewellery, watches, silverware, 19th and 20th-century paintings and furniture. Every first Sunday of the month brings around 20,000 people to the streets of the picture-perfect Arezzo.

Location: The historical town of Arezzo, amidst Piazza San Francesco, Piazza Grande, Corso Italia and the surrounding alleys.

When: The first Sunday of every month

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With over 300 stalls spread over 13.5 acres, the Waterloo Flea Market is an enthralling experience for visitors as it features genuine antiques and contemporary vintage masterpieces by local artists. Held every Sunday morning in the Carrefour supermarket parking lot, the fair attracts not only locals but also tourists, not only to stroll around the second-hand goodies but also to try some good fast food. Waterloo is a true paradise for bargain hunters, but stay safe and watch out for replicas. Other than that, you will enjoy the abundance of gems!

Location: Chaussée de Louvain 2, 1410 Waterloo, Belgium

When: Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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El Rastro de Madrid, or simply "El Rastro", is the most popular open-air flea market in Madrid and one of the oldest in Europe. The fair offers anything imaginable: from first and second-hand clothes, jewellery, old flamenco records, faux designer purses, grungy T-shirts, household goods and electronics, or any typical souvenir of Madrid, to old photos of Madrid, old coins, and antiques on display in some of the small squares and galleries. In order to get the full experience, do not be afraid to wander around the stalls, get lost in the streets, and practise the art of haggling. Do not forget to try the exclusive Spanish gastronomic delicacies in the bazaar!

Location: Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores

When: Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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Without exception, the Mauerpark flea market is open every Sunday of the year, rain or shine, and regularly attracts up to 30,000 visitors. The 500 lined-up stalls in Flohmarkt am Mauerpark offer a wide variety of merchandise sold both by private and professional vendors. You will definitely find a gem or two to take home from this fair, offering not only piles of junk but also a festive atmosphere, featuring music performances and even karaoke. Dig into the clutter of Berliners and leave with your hands full of goodies!

Location: Bernauer Strasse 63-64, 13355 Berlin

When: Sundays from 08:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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