19 of the best flea markets around the world for unique finds

When you think of hobbies, you might quickly say you enjoy reading or photography. That you enjoy skiing and traveling. Much less often, you hear about scouring flea markets as a hobby. But believe me, this is my biggest hobby. In fact, I've almost turned it into a sport. Armed with a pack of wetties and hand sanitizer in my bag (I'm still amazed at how well this hobby combines with my mild case of germ phobia and fear of dirty hands), I love to wander among the stalls and rugs overflowing with trinkets early in the morning. Searching for that one cast-off, sold as trash that will become a veritable trashure in my house. When I travel, I research great restaurants, concept stores, and rooftop bars, but also the weekly flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores. In this overview, you'll find the best flea markets in the Netherlands and abroad.

2 tips for the best flea markets in the Netherlands

⋙ You can find an overview on websites like MEUKISLEUK.NL and ROMMELMARKTEN.NL. If you're going on a weekend getaway in the Netherlands, check if there's a thrift store nearby. In Amsterdam itself, I sometimes feel like they're being completely emptied by ladies with the same hobby as me, but outside the Randstad, you have less shopping competition!

⋙ The IJ-hallen: The monthly flea market at the IJ-hallen remains one of the largest in Europe, but prices have risen along with its popularity. The real bargains can still be found at the annual flea markets held in sports and event halls throughout the province.

 | TIP: Go early, bring enough cash, and bring your own bags to take your finds home.

IJ-hallen

 17 tips for the best international flea markets

Tokyo

⋙ Tokyo International Forum
⋙ Yoyogi Park

Kaapstad

⋙ Milnerton Flea Market in Cape Town

New York

⋙ Bushwick Flea
⋙ Hell's Kitchen Flea Market
⋙ Brooklyn Flea

Paris

⋙ Marché aux Puces
⋙ Porte de Vanves

| PS: also check out my list of the best flea markets in Paris here >>

Berlin

⋙ Flohmarkt im Mauerpark

London 

⋙ Portobello Road
Hackney Flea Market
⋙ Old Spitalfields Market
⋙ Bricklane Market

Leipzig

⋙ Antique and Trödelmarkt in Agra

Madrid

⋙El Rastro

Athens

Monastiraki Flea Market

Ibiza

⋙Hippodromo

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more travel tips on your little black book

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