Braderie de Lille, Lille - France

Where and when:

2 bis Rue Frédéric Mottez, 59800 Lille, France

Occurs annually on the first weekend of September.

Braderie de Lille is renowned as Europe’s largest flea market, originally dating back to the 12th century and welcoming nearly three million visitors during the first weekend of September each year. France’s Northern city of Lille becomes awash with antique lovers and collectors scouring the 10,000 stalls that occupy 62 miles of road, packed with everything from artwork, books, antique furniture and charming knick-knacks.

With its 17th-century brick townhouses, cobbled streets and beautiful central square, a trip to Lille offers the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation. During the weekend of the Braderie de Lille market, moules frites” (mussels with French fries) are served in their abundance- a tradition that began from the 15th century onwards and enjoyed by millions at the Braderie de Lille each year since.

Getting there:

Access to Lille by car is restricted during the time of the market, so it is best to park on the outskirts of the city- look for signs reading ‘Parcs Relais’ and utilise the shuttle bus services into the centre. Lille has two train stations- Gare Lille Flanders and Lille Europe station with additional services running during the weeknd of the market.

Make sure to plan your visit in advance if you plan to stay in or around Lille during market weekend to ensure you can make the most of an enchanted trip to this beautiful city.

Le Marché aux Puces, Paris - France

Where and when:

138/140 rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen, France

Every weekend of the year, from Friday to Monday (varying times depending on season and day of visit).

With the largest concentration of antique and second-hand dealers in the world, Le Marché aux Puces is situated on the Northern edge of Paris and consists of twelve covered markets and endless pavement merchants to explore at every turn. Each market offers something different from the last, with toys, glassware, records, antique furniture and vintage clothing, there’s truly something for every kind of shopper.

Must-see markets include Marché Biron, Marché Paul Bert Serpette and Marché Vernaison as the span of all 1,700 vendors makes it impossible to explore them all in a single weekend. Enjoy wandering the streets with a free afternoon ahead and lose yourself amongst its magic.

Getting there:

Bus 85 brings you to the heart of the Flea market- alight at Marché aux Puces Or "Paul Bert". The closest metro stop is Garibaldi on the end of metro line 13. To reach the flea market, take exit number 3.

Portobello Road Market, London - England

Where and when:

Portobello Road, London W11 1EQ.

Main trading day Saturday, 9am-7pm. Monday-Wednesday 9am-6pm.

Find everything from antiques, bric-a-brac, clothing and fresh produce at London’s Portobello Road- one of London’s most well known markets dating back to the 19th century. Stalls stretch for a mile along Portobello Road itself, weaving around the corner to Golborne Road and offering the perfect summer’s afternoon activity for those who adore time spent mooching in the sun.

For lovers of vintage fashion, visit on a Friday to make the most of the market’s clothing and accessories options, where you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t want to head home without. Saturday is the market’s main trading day where you’ll find antique stalls aplenty located near to Notting Hill tube station. This stretch of road contains an array of stalls featuring antiques dating from BC to the 1960s selling everything from glassware to books and other collectible items.

Refuel with the market’s delicious, local food stalls, or for a more fine dining experience, hop on the tube and head to French-Mediterranean bistro Socca in Mayfair to dine amongst the Glassette artwork that decks its walls.

Getting there:

Closest tube stations include Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill Gate, or alternatively buses 7,12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328 & 452 stop closeby.

Jeu de Balle Market - Brussels - Belgium

Where and when:

The Flea market, Place du Jeu de Balle, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Monday-Friday: 6am – 2pm. Weekends: 6am – 3pm

Situated in the heart of Brussels Marolles district, the Jeu de Balle market is one the world’s only flea markets open 365 days a year. Every day from 7am-2pm its stalls are awash with visitors exploring its captivating selection of jewellery, posters, cameras, bric-a-brac and antique furniture.

The market’s surrounding streets are similarly filled with antique dealers and secondhand shops, making it the perfect trip for those who’s dream day consists of hunting for one-of-a-kind finds. Regular visitors comment that the best days to visit are Thursdays and Fridays, however every day at Jeu de Balle market offers something mesmerising to discover. The market is particularly known for its haggle culture, so be prepared to name your price for any items that capture your heart.

Once satisfied with your haul, take a visit to The Palace of Justice (the largest building constructed in the 19th century, and bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican), watch the sunset at Place Poelaert before completing the evening at craft beer and natural wine spot, Brasserie Surréaliste.

Getting there:

The market is easily accessible by public transport using buses 27, 48, trams 3, 4, 51, 82, 32 (stop at Lemonnier) or Metro 2 or 6 (stop at Porte de Hal).

Feira da Ladra, Lisbon - Portugal

Where and when:

Campo de Santa Clara, 1100-472 Lisboa, Portugal

Tuesdays and Saturdays, from dawn to the early afternoon.

Held twice weekly, Feira da Ladra is one of Lisbon’s oldest markets and offers an eclectic mix of everything from vintage clothing, paintings, rugs, handmade crafts, bric-a-brac and the world renowned azulejos (Portuguese tiles).

The market’s friendly and relaxed atmosphere makes it a hotspot for tourists and locals alike, offering a wonderful means to while away an afternoon whether you plan to browse, or are seeking something in particular to remember your trip by.

Complete your day with a visit to the iconic Panteão Nacional (the Pantheon), or head further up the hill to the Jardim Botto Machado and enjoy the view over the rooftops of the Alfama district and Tagus River.

Getting there:

You can reach the market using the yellow Tram 28, which is free using the Lisboa Card.

Theresienwiese Market, Munich - Germany

When and where:

Held annually on the first Saturday of Munich’s Spring Festival during the month of April.

Theresienwiese (Matthias-Pschorr-Straße 1, 80336 München)

Attracting more than 80,000 thrift lovers and 2,000 merchants in a day, Theresienwiese Market is undoubtedly Munich’s largest secondhand event. Perfect for vintage clothes enthusiasts, you’ll find genuine Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton items, in addition to paintings, furniture, sculptures and more to peruse at your leisure.

Some vendors have been known to begin selling once set up on the Friday night before the market begins, so consider swinging by beforehand if you hope to beat the crowds and browse the crème de la crème of each stall. On the day itself, enthusiastic market-goers may arrive anytime from 4am, so make sure to plan a relaxing afternoon following your haul and soak up the success of finding one-of-a-kind gems.

Getting there:

The market is held in the same grounds as Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest, and can be reached by bus lines 53, 58/68, 62, 134 or tram lines lines 18/19/29 and 16/17.

East Market Milano, Milan - Italy

When and where:

Via Mecenate, 88/A, 20138 Milano MI, Italy

Check the Market’s Instagram for upcoming events

Although new on the flea market scene, Milan’s East Market is one to bump to the top of your itinerary for those visiting the Italian city this summer. Inspired by London’s Spitalfields and Brick Lane markets, East Market Milano was created by two friends united in their love for vintage and second-hand. What originally began as a place to swap items between friends has since been joined by professional dealers selling a variety of retro clothing and homeware items.

With sellers sharing everything from records, books, lamps, glassware, comics, ornaments and vintage clothing, East Market Milano has been dubbed the city’s trendiest market. Complete with live music and several cocktail bars, this modern market makes for the perfect addition to your city break plans.

Getting there:

Take buses 54 or 55 from central Milan.

El Rastro, Madrid - Spain

Where and when:

Plazade Cascorro, 28012

Sundays and public holidays, 9am-3pm. First and third Saturday of each month, 9am-4 pm

Artisanal goods, clothing, accessories, kitchenware, trading cards and magazines are just some of the items you can expect to find at Madrid’s oldest market. Hosting over 1000 merchants, El Rastro flea market sits within Plaza de Cascorro, spreading to the surrounding streets of Calle de San Cayetano, Calle de Fray Ceferino González, Calle de Carlos Arniches and beyond. A handful of local antique shops open on a Sunday in the area too for those keen to cover all bases in finding the city's best gems.

Finish the day with tapas at a local restaurant such as El Capricho Extremeño, famous for its toasted bread, served with octopus, eels, breaded chicken, smoked salmon and Iberian ham and cheers to your latest vintage finds.

Getting there:

Reach the market via buses 002, 17, 18, 23, 31, 35, 41, 50, 60, 65, 148, C1, C2, C03, M1, SE712, N26 or Metro Embajadores (L3, L5), La Latina (L5), Puerta de Toledo (L5).

Birkelunden Marked  - Oslo - Norway

Where and when:

Birkelunden, 0556 Grünerløkka, Oslo, Norway

Every Sunday, 12pm-7pm.

Having first begun in 2003, Birkelunden Marked located in the park of the same name is one of Oslo’s best for vintage and antique finds, in addition to craft and handmade items too. Throughout the summer months, surrounding shops close to make way for the market which takes over the park every weekend, jam packed with everything from costume jewellery, antique furniture, ceramics, vintage toys, and homeware items that mean there’s guaranteed to be something for all.

During the summer months the park is split into two, with one half occupied by the market, and the other left open for locals and tourists to enjoy a coffee or picnic amongst its beautiful fountains and lawns, making it the perfect summer pastime for vintage lovers heading to Oslo.

Getting there:

Buses 21 and 30, trains L1 and L2 or subway 5.

Sunbury Antiques Market -

Where and when:

Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury On Thames, TW16 5AQ

Bi-monthly fairs, check the official website for 2023 market dates:

Just a 30 minute drive from London, Sunbury Antiques bi-monthly fair offers a seemingly endless array of antique and vintage items from a combination of over 700 sellers. The family-run event has been hosted at Kempton Park Racecourse for over 40 years, and is widely recognised as one of Europe’s best, premium antique markets.

With couriers available on site to transport purchases home safely and easily, it makes for the perfect day trip from the city whether you’re searching for antiques, collectables, jewellery, furniture, vintage clothing, ceramics, paintings, silverware and more! Arrive early to peruse everything at your leisure and pay £5 per person entry from 6am-8am, or start your Sunday slower and enjoy free entry from 8am-2pm.

Getting there:

Arrive by car and enjoy free onsite parking.

Nearby train stations include Kempton Park or Sunbury station which both run from London Waterloo and Clapham Junction.

Cormano Flea Market - Cormano, Italy

Where and when:

Via Europa, 11, 20032 Cormano MI, Italy

Every Saturday from 6am-1pm

One of Europe’s prettiest markets, Cormano Flea Market in Northern Lombardy features over 150 stalls and is one to bookmark for early bird travellers, running from 6am till around 1pm every Saturday.

Known for its collection of books, furniture, pottery and famous Cormano silk (the area has been producing 80% of Europe’s silk since the 14th century), the market makes for the perfect way to while away a morning with a coffee in hand.

Situated just 9 kilometres north of Milan, head into the city to the well known sights of the Duomo di Milano before stopping for a canalside drink in the Navigli District.

Getting there:

Take the S4 train or 705 bus or a 15 minute taxi ride from Milan.

Vrijmarkt, Amsterdam

Where and when:

Celebrated each day on King’s Day, at the end of April.

Central Amsterdam

This canal-side car boot sale is renowned amongst avid thrifters both for its expansive selection of second-hand wares and its beautiful, scenic backdrop. Vrijmarkt (‘free market’) marks the one day of the year during which the Dutch Government lifts the need for second-hand vendor permits, and as such the opportunities for a bargain become endless.

Anyone is free to take part in the market, and as such the selection of goods available is varied, but with that comes the unrivalled satisfaction of finding hidden gems galore. Vrijmarkt conjures up a natural buzz within the city, and with that comes pop-up food stalls and a sociable feel that is infectious for both locals and tourists alike. Once you’ve explored all that Amsterdam’s locals have to offer, head to the Jordaan quarter for the city’s best antiques spots, from independent stores to unique design boutiques.

Getting there:

Vrijmarkt takes place throughout central Amsterdam so head into the city centre and explore all it has to offer.

The Ecseri Flea Market - Budapest, Hungary

Where and when:

Budapest, Nagykőrösi út 156, 1194 Hungary

Open daily. Visit on a Saturday to allow for maximum stalls to be open.

Open daily and packed with everything from chandeliers to rugs, vintage toys to antique furniture, The Ecseri Flea Market is considered the best of the best for thrifting in Budapest.

The market’s size and atmosphere is said to be comparable to that of London’s Portobello Road, with a plethora of indoor and outdoor stalls that mix both high quality antiques and smaller value gifts and trinkets. Bargaining is customary and expected when visiting, and encouraged as part of the process of coming away with a one-of-a-kind find.

Once you’ve scored your ultimate vintage haul, enjoy a well deserved dinner at Hungarikum Bisztro in the city centre- a popular spot known for its cosy interiors and traditional menu.

Getting there:

If visiting from central Budapest, hop on the 2 metro line just outside the Central Market Hall, and transfer at the Haller Utca / Soroksári Út stop to the 45 or 55 bus.