Whether you’re looking for that perfect, unique memento to take back home from your trip or a one-of-a-kind vintage outfit, flea markets are where it’s at. Put on your haggling hat and step into the knick-knack jungle! [Photo:Karlis Dambrans/Flickr]
By Gail Wilcoxen
Flohmarkt am Mauerpark, Berlin. This hip Flohmarkt in East Berlin is a favourite amongst young urbanites looking for the weird and wonderful at bargain prices. Located along the site of the old Berlin Wall, the market place showcases some of the city’s up-and-coming artists and designers alongside old records and delicious street food. Take a break in a Biergarten nearby once you’ve bought that thing that caught your eye. flohmarktimmauerpark.de [Photo: mompl/Flickr]
Anjuna Flea Market, Goa. If you’re in Goa, wandering the Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market along the beach is a must. Visiting hippies first started this hodgepodge of stalls nestled among the palm trees in the 60’s, which over time has become a sprawling market. Admire the brightly coloured saris, spices from Kerala and intricate jewellery before grabbing a drink at one of the beachfront bars to enjoy the sunset. facebook.com/Anjuna.Flea.Market [Photo: Vikas Rana/Flickr]
Porta Portese, Rome. Start your Sunday in Rome by heading to its largest flea market, located near an ancient city gate. You’re bound to find something unique to take home among the mounds of vintage clothes, stacks of old books and miscellaneous trinkets. This place is huge, so if you get lost, just go with it and enjoy the stuff jungle. [Photo: Manuela/Flickr]
Bushwick Flea, Brooklyn, New York. For some, fighting through the crowds at huge flea markets isn’t worth hunting for treasures. That’s why Bushwick Flea came into existence. With only enough room for about 50 vendors, the neighbourhood market is a cosy, affordable spot for locals to find bric-a-brac while taking in live music. bwflea.com
Portobello Road, London. It claims to be the largest antique market in the world, with over 1,000 dealers selling all the dust-covered pieces of history you can possibly image. Come early on the main days, Friday and Saturday, to stroll past the colourful rows of shops and carts to find that perfect little knick-knack to take home. [Photo: Fred Bigio/Flickr]
Tokyo City Flea Market, Tokyo. Flea markets are becoming more and more popular in Japan, though their open dates are often sporadic. The Tokyo City Flea Market at Ohi Racetrack is one of the biggest and luckily has a regular schedule. Find a secondhand kimono or vintage tea set and don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese – just take a pen and paper with you to write out proposed prices to haggle – and don’t forget to smile. [Photo: shuzo serikawa/Flickr]
Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, Paris. This is probably one of the most famous flea markets in the world – and for good reason. Starting out as a shantytown outside of Paris, it became a collection of little villages occupied by antique dealers in 1885 and stretches for miles. Each corner offers different goods, from Marché Malassis with vintage trinkets and toys to the open-air Marché Paul Bert with one-of-a-kind 19th and 20th century furniture. marcheauxpuces-saintouen.com [Photo: ParisSharing/Flickr]
The All Night Flea Market, Wheaton, IL, USA. If you’re looking to experience Midwestern American culture, this energy-filled market in the little town of Wheaton won’t let you down. The yearly event brings in hundreds of vendors from all over the US as well as a few obscure celebrities, live music and fried food. As its name suggests, the market is open until the sun comes up, when sleepy shoppers go home arms full of bargain goodies. facebook.com/allnightfleamarket [Photo: clare_and_ben/Flickr]
San Telmo Antiques Fair, Buenos Aires. The San Telmo neighbourhood is famous for its tango music, which is part of what make’s its market so unique. While wondering around the stalls, you’re bound to see a few street musicians and dancers performing stunning shows along the way. Once you’ve had your fill of gramophones and charming antique artwork, the beauty of San Telmo’s architecture will keep you exploring its streets. [Photo: Mystery Maven/Flickr
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