Flea Markets of the World

Flea markets are fabulous places to while away a day looking for bargains, searching for individual and quirky items for interior design, rifling through vintage clothing and also getting inspiration for your own designs. They usually have great gastronomic options too so you can spend a happy day browsing, buying, eating and drinking!

Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt, Saint-Ouen, Paris

The biggest flea market in the world has, appropriately, a name that translates to the ‘market of the fleas’. It started life in 1885 and is to be found to the north of Paris and consists of 14 markets, 1,700 merchants and covers 7 hectares.

It’s a bargain-hunter’s heaven with a plethora of goods on offer from antiques, restored items, art, lamps, mirrors, tapestries, painting, furniture, books and also shoes, vintage clothes and modern fashion accessories.

It also is home to about twenty restaurants and cafés, and live music can often be heard. Go on a Monday morning or a cold and rainy day to pick up a steal.

Portobello Road, London

Jump on the tube to trendy Notting Hill and visit the UK capital’s best antiques market. Originally a food market, it now claims to be the world’s largest antiques market but also still sells fruit and veg as well as second-hand items, modern and vintage clothing and other fashion and household essentials from over a 1,000 dealers.

There are food vans, cafes and pubs to keep yourself going for more browsing on this thoroughfare, one of London’s most famous for its vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.

Ibiza’s Hippy Markets

There are many of these bright and busy street markets on the Balearic Isle, such as Las Dalias and Punta Arabi, which now has over 500 stalls.

Started by the hippies and artists who went to Ibiza in the 60s and 70s they have a very laid-back vibe in the sunshine with ethnic and handcrafted wares including fashion, textiles, footwear, handbags and jewellery from all over the world.

You can relax too with a beer and paella amongst other food, enjoy live music and the kids can play on the playground.

Anjuna Flea Market, Goa

Also created by travelling hippies this lively, colourful and atmospheric market is by the beach overlooking the Arabian Sea and is open on Wednesdays.

There’s so much on offer from locally produced goods, crafts, tea and coffee, spices, beautiful jewellery, textiles, carvings, hand-made toys, trinkets and souvenirs.

Refresh yourself with a cup of chai or refuel on seafood with spectacular ocean views.

Rose Bowl Flea Market, Pasadena, California

On the second Sunday of every month what claims to be largest flea market on the West Coast gets going early at the Rose Bowl – you can even get VIP entry at 5am. Boasting over 2,500 sellers you’ll need all day to look around!

It’s packed full of antiques and collectibles, arts & crafts, furniture, jewellery, vintage clothes, shoes, paintings, prints, textiles, glassware and ceramics.

From a cocktail and sushi to a hot dog and a beer you can feast on the local fare. Get yourself a good night’s sleep beforehand!

Bangkok Floating Market, Thailand

And last but by no means least we also love Bangkok floating market, quite simply because it’s so amazingly vibrant and full of life!!

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