Joyful, intriguing, idiosyncratic – there are many reasons for including a trip to the local flea market on your itinerary when you visit a new town or city – not least, of course, because you might discover a gem of a preloved item to take home with you.

Located up and down the UK and in countries around the world, they’re ideal places for lovers of secondhand furniture and retro accessories, period-defining clothes and quirky trinkets. They also offer a glimpse into the local culture, an opportunity to chat to market stallholders and, for some, light relief from a packed schedule of art galleries, museums and serious sightseeing.

Naturally, unearthing treasure invariably involves a bit of mooching and rooting around, but that’s part of the charm. Yes, there might be past-their-best shirts and shoes that have seen better days, but there’s also the chance you’ll uproot a well-worn leather satchel, a gloriously large pair of original 1970s sunglasses or, just occasionally, a mid-century-modern delight.

And, when you’re sustainably shopped out, many flea markets also have buzzy cafés, where you can sit and watch other treasure hunters, listen to a local band or musician, or simply admire your secondhand mementoes.

Treasure hunt

A few flea markets that regularly attract the crowds

Netherlands

IJ-Hallen, Amsterdam

Head to Amsterdam-Noord for Europe’s largest regular flea market, according to its website. Open once a month, all year round, in its busier times you’ll find up to 750 stalls selling all kinds of gems you never knew you needed.

Located in and around an old shipping yard, the area is now a thriving cultural hot spot, known for its street art, creative workshops and installations. From central Amsterdam, you can take a short ferry ride straight to the market and enjoy views of the IJ river en route.

If you want first dibs on the best buys, try to purchase an early-bird ticket to beat the crowds. You can park near the market for a reasonable price, but spaces are limited.

Entrance is €6 and early-bird tickets are €10; ijhallen.nl/en

Vrijmarkt, nationwide

As part of the celebrations of Koningsdag (King’s Day) each year, in honour of the King’s birthday, the Netherlands turns into a nationwide flea market. Vrijmarkt, which translates to ‘free market’, is when everyone can sell their preloved items on the street without a permit. In every corner of the country, from Oss in the south to Amsterdam in the west, you’ll find markets, live performances, street parties, street food and general good fun and revelry. The exclusive Amsterdam-Zuid neighbourhood is known as the prime spot to bag yourself a rare find, while the largest market of its kind in the country is widely considered to be in Utrecht – it’s open for a full 24 hours, and the best streets for browsing are said to be Plompetorengracht, Breedstraat, Weerdsingel and Waterstraat.

There’s plenty of time to plan for the next Vrijmarkt – put 27 April 2026 in your diary

Belgium

Marché aux Puces du Jeu de Balle, Brussels

Affectionately known as the ‘old market’, here, you’ll find more than 300 stalls jam-packed with trinkets, clothes, old photos, vintage furniture and everything in between.

The market has a friendly and cosmopolitan vibe and attracts bargain hunters from far and wide. The square itself is stunning and home to a restored fire station and one of the most exquisite swimming pools in Brussels.

Food isn’t sold at the flea market, but it’s close to Brussels Midi station, so you’ll find plenty of cosy cafés and irresistible eateries in the surrounding area.

Open all year round, Monday to Friday 9am–2pm and weekends 9am–3pm. Free entry; markets.brussels.be/markets/place-du-jeu-de-balle-market

BrocAntwerpen, Antwerp

Held in the historical Grote Markt – Antwerp’s central square, BrocAntwerpen is surrounded by Renaissance architecture and flamboyant guild houses. It’s located conveniently close to the Scheldt river, so when you’re shopped out, explore the rest of the city by water or try the cycle route along the river path. Alongside antiques and vintage vinyl, jewellery, books, clothes and furniture, several stallholders sell homemade, handmade and organic wares.

Usually open six times a year (April to September) on the last Wednesday of the month. Free entry; brocantwerpen.be

France

Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen, Paris

Welcoming more than 5 million visitors every year (and the odd celebrity or two), this flea market is open all year round. More like a community, it spans a huge seven hectares and is made up of 12 covered markets, five shopping streets and sellers on the sidewalks. If you’re looking for something niche, this is a good place to begin your search.

Despite its size, the market areas, streets and stalls blend together to create a charming and friendly experience in the capital. It’s the perfect way to experience Paris in a new light – unearthing vintage pieces and window shopping for jaw-dropping antiques.

Open every Friday 8am–12noon, Saturday, & Sunday 10am–6pm, Monday, 11am–5pm. Free entry; pucesdeparissaintouen.com

Braderie de Lille, Lille

This thrifter’s paradise is held just once a year, usually on the first weekend in September, but for 2024 it was nudged to later in the month to make way for the Olympic Games.

You can expect big things at France’s biggest flea market. With more than 2 million visitors and over 10,000 exhibitors – from traditional flea stalls and garage sales to specialist antiques – there truly is something for all budgets.

The whole event is bustling, colourful and full to the brim with curiosities and quirky conversation-starter pieces just waiting to be discovered. Make sure you brush up on your haggling skills to snap up the best bargains and refuel with an obligatory serving of moules frites.

Dates for 2025 are 6–7 September. Free entry; braderie-de-lille.fr

Ireland

Flea Style Market, Galway

In case you needed any excuses to visit the west coast of Ireland, you’ll find Galway’s longest-running indoor market nestled in the heart of the Republic’s cultural capital.

This curated market gives vintage and handmade clothing, shoes, jewellery and accessories the spotlight they deserve. Items are affordable and the warm welcome and community feel are a balm to the soul while you shop.

Proudly claiming to offer the ‘best thrifting grounds in the west’, whether you’re looking for something old or new, the Flea Style Market brings you the best of both.

Usually open two weekends a month, from 12pm–5pm. Free entry; more information on social media @fleastylemarket and @flea_style

Germany

Trödel- und Sammlermarkt Düsseldorf P1

With more than 1,000 vendors, it’s no surprise that this is one of the largest and most celebrated flea markets in Germany. Running since 1992, it’s well-organised and serves top-notch street food. Plus, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any new items on sale here – this is a place to discover true retro relics.

If you’re looking for something specific, ask around and make a beeline for the specialist stalls. With so many intriguing items on offer, it’s easy to spend a whole day happily distracted here, rummaging for treasures.

Free entry. Upcoming dates and times can be found at expo-concept.de/Termine-fuer-Troedelmaerkte/

Australia

Suitcase Rummage, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra

For a unique spin on thrifting in Australia, the Suitcase Rummage is a vibrant pop-up market held in cities across the country. Forget standard stalls. Here, sellers lay out their wares from suitcases, creating a laid-back yet lively shopping experience. Packed with preloved clothing, handmade crafts, vinyl records, art and quirky collectibles, this market is perfect for those hunting for unique finds without breaking the bank.

Suitcase Rummage is all about fostering a sense of community and sustainability, with an emphasis on conscious, secondhand shopping. The atmosphere is friendly and fun, bringing together creative locals and savvy shoppers who love the charm of open-air trading.

Free entry; visit suitcaserummage.com.au for the latest information on dates

UK

Portobello Road & Golborne Road Market

The UK is rich in flea markets – London alone has several, perhaps the most famous being Portobello Road, which existed long before its rather sanitised appearance alongside Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in 1999 film Notting Hill. Said to be the world’s largest antique market and the largest flea market in UK, it’s two markets in one – Portobello and Golborne Road – and has a history that goes back more than 150 years. More recently, stalls and eateries have also extended along Portobello Green and Thorpe Close.

Wear comfy shoes to explore the dozens of antiques and bric-a-brac stalls, get ready for chat from traders who come from far and wide and sell everything and anything, old and new. And come hungry – few places have as diverse a range of street food and eateries.

The market’s at its busiest at weekends, but there are stalls and shops open every day of the week, except Thursday afternoons, when shops are open but there are no stalls trading.

Free entry; find out more at visitportobello.com

US

Brooklyn Flea, New York City

Since its start in 2008, Brooklyn Flea has grown into one of NYC’s most beloved markets, described by the New York Times as ‘one of the great urban experiences in New York’. Every weekend from April to December under the DUMBO Archway, the Flea brings together an eclectic mix of vendors offering vintage clothing, rare furniture, collectibles and antiques. Local artisans add to the charm, selling handmade jewellery, art and crafts that showcase NYC’s creative energy. A handful of food stalls provide tasty treats, making it easy to refuel while you explore.

Free entry; brooklynflea.com

First Monday Trade Days, Canton, Texas

Attracting millions of visitors each month, First Monday reportedly holds the title of the largest flea market in the world. With a rich history dating back to the 1850s, what began as a local trading day is now a vibrant shopping experience.

If you’re among the thousands of non-locals making a trip, plan ahead – accommodation in Canton is often reserved a year in advance. Many visitors also stay in nearby towns. While in Canton, don’t miss the chance to explore the antiques shops and local eateries in downtown.

Open Thursday to Sunday before the first Monday of each month. Free entry; firstmondaycanton.com