16 best flea markets in Germany

In recent years, fast fashion has come under fire for a number of reasons, pushing many consumers towards second-hand shopping as a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to the high street. 

Germany offers many great second-hand shops for clothing, books and antiques. For an even better deal, some of the country's keenest bargain-hunters head to their local flea market to search for pre-loved treasures. Here are some of the best flea markets the country has to offer!

Best flea markets in Berlin

As the capital of uniqueness, it’s unsurprising that there are flea markets in Berlin aplenty, offering a huge number of great items for sale.

Marheinekeplatz Flea Market, Berlin

The Marheinekeplatz flea market, located on Bergmannstraße, the heart of the colourful district of Kreuzberg, is no exception to this, offering flea market staples like books, records, DVDs and clothes, as well as jewellery and toys for children.

This is also a great place to pick up a one-of-a-kind treasure, with plenty of stalls offering unusual art and designer pieces, handicrafts and antiques. The market is open on both Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and Sundays from 11am to 5pm. 

Arkonaplatz Flea Market, Berlin

This Berlin-based flea market is a real treat. As one of the most historical flea markets in the country, the flea market at the Arkonaplatz has a lively yet cosy atmosphere, selling everything from clothes to jewellery, as well as records, books, and some handmade items. 

The flea market on the Arkonaplatz takes place every Sunday from 10am to 6pm and is located just a few minutes' walk away from the famous flea market at Mauerpark, if you want to squeeze in some extra shopping!

Flea Market at Kranoldplatz, Berlin

Every second Sunday at Neukölln’s Kranoldplatz, this flea market offers vintage items for all keen bargain-hunters' tastes. From handmade jewellery to art, there are many beautiful antique treasures for sale in the neighbourhood. Some food and drink are also on offer, making this one a great way to spend a lazy Sunday morning. 

This market is relatively seasonal and therefore only takes place between late April and October each year. 

Antique and Book Market at Bode Museum, Berlin

For another great Berlin flea market, head to the Antique and Book Market at the Bode Museum, which is great for a gentle stroll around at the weekend. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm, this flea market offers books, vinyl records, CDs, furniture and stunning handmade pieces. 

There are approximately 60 sellers at this flea market and since the quality of items offered here is a little higher than the average flea market in Berlin, it is also a little pricier. Despite this, the market is still a very popular choice, in large part thanks to its relaxed atmosphere.

You will find many wonderful local craftspeople who will enjoy talking to you about their work and antique dealers who are happy to take part in lengthy conversations about the best pieces they have to offer. 

Flea markets in Munich

Munich may be seen as Berlin's classier sister, but that doesn't stop it from still having a thriving trade in second-hand wares. Here are some of our favourite flea markets in Munich:

Flohmarkt im Olympiapark

The Flohmarkt im Olympiapark is a popular flea market that operates more than one day per week. Located in the Olympiapark, this market takes place on Fridays and Saturdays between 7am and 4pm. With up to 450 vendors selling their wares, this is a great spot for serious bargain-hunters and committed treasure-seekers who want to make a full day of it. 

The flea market is organised by the Bavarian Red Cross, which provides food and toilets on-site so that visitors can browse the stalls comfortably. For sellers, the only rules are that only goods "that are common in a household or that have accumulated at home over time" may be offered and that sellers must bring their own tables. 

Midnightbazar

If you're not much of an early bird, you might prefer to head to the night-time flea markets put on by Midnightbazar every Saturday at Backstage in Friedenheim. Running from 5pm to 12am, these markets have a fun, party-like atmosphere, thanks to the addition of a beer garden, food trucks and live music. 

More than 80 stands are usually in attendance, with all kinds of wares on offer, but the real focus is on clothes and fashion. Unlike many other flea markets, you need to pay to get into the Midnightbazar. Tickets can be bought online in advance for quicker entry. 

Antik- und Flohmarkt Daglfing

If antiques are more your thing, why not head out to the Dagfling for a flea market with a unique atmosphere! Easily accessible by public transportation from central Munich, the Antik- und Flohmarkt Daglfing is an old-school, sprawling market that takes place every Friday and Saturday over the horse racing track. 

Expect antiques, of course, but also bric-a-brac, clothes, accessories, and a high willingness to haggle! 

Münchner Flohmarkt auf der Theresienwiese

As probably the largest flea market in all of Germany, the Münchner Flohmarkt auf der Theresienwiese is definitely the most famous. For the past 30 years, this market has taken place once a year in the month of April. The Bavarian Red Cross organises this flea market as well, so many of the proceeds go to funding its charitable events and programmes. 

Usually, more than 2.000 sellers offer their goods for sale here with thousands of visitors arriving to find the best bargains. It's easy to get lost amid the thousands of stands, but for thrifting experts, this market is a real paradise.

Hamburg flea markets

Hamburg is also a hotspot for bargain hunters, with flea markets in the city taking place year-round. Here are some of the best: 

Langschläferflohmarkt

If it's the early mornings that put you off flea market visits, then the "late riser flea market" (Langschläferflohmarkt) in Hamburg's HafenCity is perfect for you. On the last Saturday of each month between April and September, hagglers descend on this modern district to seek out preloved bargains. 

Classic items like books, clothes and jewellery are on sale at the market, which runs from 11am to 4pm. 

FlohZinn

Taking place every first Sunday of the month in Wilhelmsburg, FlohZinn, Hamburg's self-described "cultural flea market", is a real melting pot of sights, sounds, smells and - of course - second-hand treasures. 

The market features stalls selling vintage, pre-loved and second-hand items, as well as a rolling rotation of food trucks, dishing out everything from Polish to Ethiopian specialities, as well as plenty of coffee and cake. With the whole thing serenaded by live musicians, this flea market is a treat for all the senses! 

Flohschanza Flea and Antique Market, Hamburg

The Flohschanze flea and antique market offers buyers true quality items and antiques. Once a week, buyers and sellers meet between the decommissioned cattle abattoirs located in the Neuer Kamp to buy and sell their treasured possessions. The wide variety of vintage items makes this market one of the best places to find rare antiques in Hamburg.

Browse the stalls for antiques, unusual items and hidden bargains, with countless retailers offering clothes, records, books, instruments and retro furniture, before heading to the cafe on Feldstraße for a coffee and a cake. The Flohschanze flea and antique market is open every Saturday from 8am to 4pm.

Image: Lina Zavgorodnia / Shutterstock.com

Flea markets in other cities in Germany

If you're not in Berlin, Munich or Hamburg, check out the best of the rest flea markets in other cities in Germany: 

Flohmarkt am Schaumainkai, Frankfurt

Every Saturday between 9am and 2pm (excluding German public holidays), bargain hunters in Frankfurt can find some of the best antiques and second-hand items the city has to offer. With more than 12.000 different dealers choosing to sell items here annually, you’re sure to find something that will suit your taste. 

The market itself is quite easy to get to using public transportation but for drivers, it can be difficult to park nearby. Most people head to the Schaumainkai on foot to take in the riverside views. 

Flohmarkt an der Galopprennbahn, Cologne

For a truly unique experience, this flea market in Cologne takes place on a horse-racing track every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the flea market is open between 8am and 1pm, while on Saturdays you get an extra hour of shopping until 2pm.

Once per month, there is also a flea market on Sundays, which is a larger event, often with live music and a small beer garden too, where you can enjoy a nice cold glass of German beer - perfect for when the weather is warm!

Image credit: StockTom / Shutterstock.com

Flohmarkt auf der Bremer Bürgerweide, Bremen

During the summer season, this large flea market sits on the Bürgerweide in Bremen. It has been one of the most popular flea markets in Germany for the last three decades. On busy days, the market has more than 30.000 visitors and operates between 4am and 2pm.

Buyers can find many old treasures, especially porcelain and ceramic items such as rare china, as well as other more valuable antiques.

Flohmarkt Karlsplatz, Stuttgart

The Flohmarkt Karlsplatz has been operating for more than 30 years and is home to more than 120 different dealers. The market takes place on Saturdays and offers both a combination of second-hand household goods as well as more valuable antique pieces. 

Stuttgart also hosts a range of different markets throughout the seasons. In the spring and autumn, there are two large flea markets in central Stuttgart spread over 3.000 square metres, as well as nine great farmers' markets too, offering a real variety of shopping experiences! 

Feinkost Flohmarkt, Leipzig

On the first Sunday of each month between March and November, the Feinkost Flohmarkt in Leipzig is one of the most vibrant places to be. There is a huge range of different stands at this open-air market, with approximately 30 other stands under cover in case of rain. 

The Feinkost Flohmarkt offers a great alternative to high-street fast fashion since several sellers specialise in reselling vintage clothing. Aside from the great fashion choices, there are also stalls for furniture and antiques as well as food. 

Tips for visiting flea markets in Germany

So now that you know where to grab the best bargains in Germany, it’s time to plan your trip! Make sure to check the most recent opening hours for each market, since plans can change quickly, especially in the case of bad weather. 

It’s also important to get comfortable with the idea of haggling over the price for things before you go - especially at larger markets, where sellers might be willing to negotiate on price. 

Remember to take plenty of cash, especially smaller notes so that you can haggle the price down using exact amounts if you wish!

Selling at a German flea market

If you've had a clearout and are looking to make some extra cash, why not try things on the other side of the table and sell some items at your local German flea market? Many of the markets listed above accept bookings for tables, and it makes for a fun Saturday or Sunday morning, with an added cash bonus!

You'll need to register your interest at least a few weeks in advance and normally pay for the table. At some markets, you get the full stall provided, whereas at others you'll need to bring your own table and chairs.

Make sure you also bring a cash box containing some notes and coins, so you can give out change, and get to the market at least an hour early to get set up in time - the keenest shoppers usually arrive immediately after the market opens! 

The best antique, vintage and flea markets near you

After all that, it’s finally time to shop until you drop - happy thrifting! Do you have any other favourite flea markets in Germany? Let us know in the comments below.