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Not everyone enjoys being dragged around the shops on holiday. But flea markets - with their quirky stalls, colourful wares, and potential for hidden treasures – can prove entertaining attractions in their own right. Here we’ve rounded up ten of the world’s best.
From Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market in New York, where a slight trek out of the Big Apple's centre will take you to precious jewels and designer vintage bargains, to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Thailand, where vendors sell from canoes to shoppers who wander along the banks. Our capital's Portobello Road also makes the list, where everything from antiques to fruit and veg is popular with both locals and tourists.
Show all 10 1 /1010 best flea markets around the world 10 best flea markets around the world Marché aux Puces, Paris The mother of all flea markets, this market’s name actually translates as “Market of the Fleas”. It’s located in the north of the French capital and houses about 12 separate markets with wares ranging from collectable antiques to quirky, kitsch-style junk. It also runs a shipping service, making it popular with interior designers who want to buy and ship big items of furniture.
10 best flea markets around the world Flohmarkt im Mauerpark, Berlin This East Berlin treasure trove is the perfect place to pick up unusual holiday souvenirs. Open every Sunday, it’s popular with trendy Berliners, who come in search of bargains. Traders are often students or artists and sell handmade products as well as vintage goodies. It can be hard to distinguish old tat (rusty door knobs and old kettles) from genuine steals, but if you take your time you might be in luck. There are also food and drink stalls and live bands to entertain non-shoppers.
10 best flea markets around the world El Rastro, Madrid This popular Spanish flea market is held every Sunday and public holiday throughout the year. The main street is dedicated to market stalls selling predominately new clothes while the side streets are reserved for hidden treasures, such as cut price antiques and collectables. After a morning of browsing, head to the nearby La Latina, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Madrid, to enjoy some tapas… and a beer or three.
10 best flea markets around the world Portobello Road, London A market since the 1800s, Portobello Road became famous for its antiques in the 1950s. Now, it’s hugely popular with both locals and tourists, with numerous stalls selling everything from fruit and veg, to posters, clothes, knick-knacks, and records. It’s open all week, but Friday and Saturday are its busiest days. Arrive early to nab the best deals.
10 best flea markets around the world Mercantic, Barcelona, Spain This Spanish bric-a-brac market sells everything from up-cycled furniture to dusty, old vases. The best time to go is the first Sunday of every month, which is delivery day and when new bargains hit the stalls. Also worth a browse is the permanent market, which is held on weekdays and has over 80 stall holders.
10 best flea markets around the world Bushwick Flea, New York Pop-up flea markets aren’t difficult to come by in New York but this new one in Bushwick is permanent. It sells what you’d expect: antiques, bric-a-brac, and delicious food. Plus, it’s small - with only around 50 stalls - meaning it’s cosy and affordable.
10 best flea markets around the world Ferikoy Flea Market, Istanbul During the week this Turkish flea market is a bog standard car park. On Sundays, however, it transforms into a glittering market, selling everything from traditional Turkish baths to curious Ottoman era knick-knacks. If you hate owning the same stuff as your mates, this is the place for you.
10 best flea markets around the world Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Thailand Though not technically a flea market per se, this is certainly a market with a difference. Sturdy canoes laden with fruit and vegetables float on canals and vendors sell to shoppers who wander along the banks. The bustling market is best in the early morning before the throng arrives and the heat gets too much.
10 best flea markets around the world Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, New York Slightly off the beaten track, this market’s low prices make the trek worthwhile. It’s tucked away between Lincoln Tunnel and Port Authority and every weekend the street closes to traffic and sellers set up camp. You can buy anything here, from precious jewels to designer vintage. And all at bargain prices!
10 best flea markets around the world Monastiraki Flea Market, Athens During the week the Monastiraki Flea Market in Athens is similar to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul: popular with tourists but usually heaving. On Sundays, however, the larger shops close and merchants bring out tables and carpets, selling all kinds of vintage goodies on the street.
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