More about Flea Markets: from Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Russia to Washington DC
My recent flea market article happened to draw quite a few people who share my passion for flea markets’ “treasures.” I didn’t want to make an article long, so I omitted a few markets that are still worth to visit. So, I wanted to take this time and publish an addition to my flea market story.
Only if a person could have all the time in the world for travel; sometimes I wish I was living in Europe, where an official vacation is 1.5 months long. This way I could have fitted in four to five trips, including remote locations. Ah, a girl can dream.
So, here are a few more flea markets that I have not mentioned in the first article.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Souvenir Open-Air Flea Market
Metro stop: Udelnaya
("pickled veggitables everything" farmer's market in St. Petersburg)
There are several souvenir markets in St. Petersburg, mainly located near major tourist attractions such as the Church on the Spilled Blood and St. Isaac's Cathedral. But take the subway at about $1.50 to the Udelnaya stop, where on Sundays the city's largest open-air flea market takes place. It's a market with traditional vendors and a sprawling garage sale, where you’ll find all kinds of treasures, souvenirs and junk, including Soviet and other historic memorabilia.
Milan, Italy
Full of character and real life, the busy markets are an integral part of Milanese local life. They provide a great place to find bargains in Milan or just browse around the wide variety of stalls and enjoy the exciting atmosphere and local market banter. Milan's bustling markets range from the very large to the small, discreet collection of stalls, situated in small squares in Milan. They are held in many districts of Milan and provide a fun way to shop, for both experienced and novice bargain hunters alike. Here are some of the main markets in Milan that are worth a visit.
Fiera di Senigallia
Via Calatafimi, Milan
Every Saturday.
Along the small lake of Darsena is the long established Fiera di Senigallia flea market. Here you will find many bargains, including clothes, military items, jewelry and much more besides.
Mercato di via Lorenzini
Via Lorenzini, MilanSunday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This open-air market in Milan is full of interesting curiosities and objects, period costumes, clothes, furniture, books, food and much more. It is often thought of as more of an open-air bazaar than a market.
Via Fiori ChiariNear Via Brera, Milan
The Via Flori Chiari is one of the best antiques markets in Milan. It is held by the Navagli Grande on the last Sunday of each month, and also at the Via Fiori Chiari on the third Saturday of the month.
Mercato di Abbiategrasso
Piazza Mercato Abbiategrasso, Milan
Second Sunday of every month, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Full of interesting objects and second-hand furniture, this Milan antiques market has many collector's items at reasonable prices. Early morning is one of the best times to enjoy this market, before it gets to busy - and this is also a great time to spot bargains before they are snapped up.
Mercatone dell'Antiquariato del Naviglio Grande
Alzaia naviglio Grande, Milan
Last Sunday of every month, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
With over 400 stallholders, this market is one of the largest antiques markets in Milan, and is located along the banks of the Naviglio Grande. Bargains include clothes, toys, books, furniture, jewelry and general bric-a-brac.
For other flea, flower and farmer’s markets, visit here.
Dublin, Ireland
Some of the best bargains in Dublin are to be found the last Sunday of every month at the Dublin Flea Market. An eclectic mix of funky second hand wares, there is something for everyone whether it's a vintage clothing piece from European designer, an old-school chopper bicycle, a retro lamp, or a handmade card. One can find a great Irish souvenir that won’t be sold at Dublin airport’s Duty-Free or any stores in the city.
It is situated near Christ Church opposite Tailors Hall in Back Lane.
Neighborhood: Medieval Dublin
Phone: +353 (0)1 454 0656
Fri-Sun, 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Dublin's largest indoor market. Hidden treasures at the mother of all markets. A gem of a market, Mother Redcap's features a variety of stalls and shops, selling clothes, records, books, and other ephemera. In this indoor market you can also find a number of food stalls, although perhaps not in the same quantities as in the Moore Street Market. At the moment, the traders are battling to keep this long-running institution afloat, so give them your support.
19 A, Main Street, Blackrock Village, Co. Dublin
Phone + 353 1 2833 522
Sat 11.00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sun noon - 5:30 p.m. Stalls are indoor and outdoor and the market is open all year round.
Blackrock Market is one of Ireland's best run and most successful weekend markets. Established in 1996 the market can boast of a unique mixture in new, second-hand and antique goods for the discerning buyer. It combines a broad range of fine art, modern art, collectibles, furniture, soft furnishings, and hand crafts with an eclectic mix usually only seen in traditional European flea markets. One can find a shop with original vinyl disks of Elvis playing his guitar, or a shop with old coins dated the times of Queen Elizabeth I. Other rare objects once can find are anything from Victorian, Georgian, Art Deco, and/or Art Nouveau - antique and vintage mix together with modern and contemporary for a most exciting treasure hunting adventure.
Mon-Sun, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
New on the flea market scene, The Spice Bazaar is located on the main alley and offers a large variety of exotic foods. It might not be Morocco or New Delhi, but one can still find a spice that will surprise your taste.
Washington, DC
Eastern Flea Market on Capitol Hill
1101 N Kentucky St, Arlington, VA
Phone: 703-534-7612Sundays only.
One of many Washington DC shopping attractions, the Flea Market at Eastern Market is the Sunday home to many of the DC area's finest artists, photographers, and vintage and antiques’ collectors.Built in 1873 and designed by architect Adolf Cluss, Eastern Market is the last of Washington's 19th century markets to remain in continuous operation. It is easily accessible by metro (subway) and adjacent to numerous restaurants and shops in the picturesque Capitol Hill neighborhood.
On weekends there are an outdoor Farmers Market, the Market Festival, and an Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturdays; The Flea Market at Eastern Market is on Sundays only. With all these attractions, Eastern Market has become an internationally recognized destination.
São Paulo, Brazil
Benedito Calixto flea marketSat, 9:00 a.m. - 19:00 p.m.Every Saturday a lot of people come to this Square to buy or just look around the antiques or to taste typical foods. You may not be able to move for all the hip young misses and ironically moustachioed monsieurs, but it’ll be well worth the jostle. From second hand fashion to strange paintings, it’s a scavenger’s paradise. During weekdays, when the flea market is off, Praça Benedito Calixto still attracts crowds because of its galleries, shops, bars, and cafés.
Tell me about your experiences!
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