The 10 Best Vintage Markets To Know In Europe
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Braderie De Lille
France
During the first weekend in September, thousands descend on the city of Lille for Europe’s largest annual flea market. Popular among antique dealers and amateur enthusiasts who are keen to snap up a bargain, the stalls are full of vintage and retro homeware. From decorative gilded frames to ornate armchairs, worldly books to classic artwork, the market attracts plenty of French dealers – as well as sellers from all over Europe – so whatever your taste, there’s bound to be something you’ll love. It’s worth noting The Grande Braderie de Lille is traditionally held on the first Saturday and Sunday in September, but in 2024 it will move by two weeks due to the Paris Olympic Games. The dates for the 2024 event will be Saturday 14th September to Sunday, 15th September.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
France
There’s plenty to tempt you into visiting L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue any day of the year, but every Sunday, this quaint Provençal town really comes alive. Every shady side road and alleyway is filled with stalls piled high with furniture, paintings, china, textiles and garden furniture. Over Easter and during August, the town welcomes a further 200 international sellers, too.
Les Puces De St Ouen
Paris, France
Every weekend on the northern edge of Paris, Le Marché aux Puces springs into action. Offering the largest concentration of dealers in one place in the world, there are 12 markets showcasing 1,700 vendors, with more than 5m visitors per year. Whether you’re keen to explore Asian art and furniture, expand your vinyl selection or build up your Art Deco glassware collection, you’re bound to find it here. That said, you may want to prioritise your route. Marché Vernaison, Marché Dauphine, Marché Biron and Marché Paul Bert Serpette are the key areas to aim for – also, stop for a bite to eat at Ma Cocotte, the largest and chicest café in the area.
Cormano Flea Market
Milan, Italy
Just outside Milan, Cormano market is a flea market that specialises in pottery, glass, silver, books and furniture. Set on banks of the river, this northern Lombardy market starts early every Saturday morning (stalls start trading at 6am), so get there at dawn and enjoy a stroll with a takeaway espresso. It’s the silk collections that attract visitors here, so make that a priority if you can.
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El Rastro
Madrid, Spain
Located in the neighbourhood of Calle de la Ribera de Curtidores, El Rastro (‘The Trail’) has its centre in Plaza de Cascorro and covers a large, almost triangular block delineated by the streets Calle de Toledo, Calle de Embajadores and Ronda de Toledo. Depending on which section you venture into, you’ll find various items ranging from artisanal crafts and homeware, vintage clothing and accessories to kitchenware, trading cards, secondhand albums and magazines, and even pets. The markets host over 1,000 stallholders, trading from 9am to mid-afternoon, on Sundays and on public holidays.
Feira da Ladra
Lisbon, Portugal
Feira da Ladra is one of Lisbon’s oldest markets, held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays at Campo de Santa Clara in Aflama. Local traders sell textiles such a blankets and throws, rugs, crafts, as well as vintage homeware, paintings and the artisan azulejos (Portuguese tiles). A little gentle bargaining is welcome, and you can expect to find good deals here. The market dates back to 1272 and was held in various parts of the city before settling permanently in this spot – there’s plenty to do once you’ve finished, including a visit to the Panteão Nacional and the church of São Vicente de Fora.
Jeu De Balle
Brussels, Belgium
The only flea market in the world that’s open 365 days a year, Belgium’s capital is home to Jeu de Balle. Located in the Marolles district, it sells an eclectic mix of items. Dealers lay out blankets offering everything from antique china to vintage clothes and artwork. Look out for rare books and collector’s vinyl, and while there is some junk to sift through, keep your eyes peeled for a good find. While you can go any day, Saturday and Sundays tend to have the more specific or collectible items.
Birkelunden
Oslo, Norway
Held every Sunday, this local bric-a-brac market sells everything from costume jewellery to secondhand books and vintage clothing. There’s antique furniture on offer, specifically mid-century pieces, as well as lamps, mirrors, ceramics, glassware, silver-plated items and memorabilia from the 60s and 70s. Offering a sociable noon start time, the market is in the charming Grünerløkka neighbourhood.
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Ravnsborggade Flea Market
Copenhagen, Denmark
Four times a year, several streets in Copenhagen’s Norrebro district come together to host a memorable flea market – these are Ravnsborggade, Ryesgade, Skt Hans Gade and Ravnsborg Tværgade, where both residents and dealers set up stalls. With a mix of antique shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants, up to 250 vendors manage to create a vibrant open-air market brimming with antique and modern pieces, from Royal Danish porcelain to beautiful silver and glassware. Nearby streets and alleyways are packed with galleries and cafés, so build in some time to explore the area afterwards.
Sunbury Antiques Market
Kempton, United Kingdom
This gem of a market, held at Kempton Park Racecourse, is so successful that the organisers have recently expanded into Sandown Park Racecourse as well. Offering a huge range of antique goods as well as vintage fashion, garden ephemera, architectural salvage and ‘shabby chic’ furniture, both venues offer free admission and free parking. Get there early to bag the best bargains.
Portobello Market
London, United Kingdom
London’s most famous market is an iconic part of British popular culture – and even had a starring role in Notting Hill. Saturday is the main day – the crowds come, there are hundreds of antique and specialist stalls, along with a few street performers to pique your interest as you browse. Friday is the second busiest day, with antiques, new and vintage fashion on offer – plus, head to Golbourne Road for bric-a-brac, furniture and food. Although there are stalls in the area every day, it’s worth noting that on Thursdays Portobello and Golborne markets are half-day, with stalls closing by 1pm.
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