Flea markets are very popular nowadays and they can make your travel experience a lot more exciting. Even if you’re not interested in buying anything, this sort of thing can help you see a city through a local’s eyes and give you a clearer sense of the culture. From London to LA and Bangkok, here are our 5 best flea markets around the world.
Flea markets may be a daunting place to visit for the worlds travellers due to unfamiliarity, the language barrier and the wild bargaining which may perhaps unsettle your haggling confidence. But nothing quite beats the thrill of coming home with a one-of-a-kind, rare or unusual flea market find. A day of hunting for bargains can easily conclude with an original vintage panama hat which may see you through the rest of your travels.
Image Source: ELLE Street Chic – Rose Bowl, LA
ROSE BOWL FLEA MARKET, LA:
Not a store, but a famous LA weekend destination, the flea market at the Rose Bowl is held every second Sunday of the month, rain or shine. This renowned Flea Market is a southern California legend. Up to 20,000 bargain hunters, including celebrities and interior designers, flock to the Rose Bowl Stadium each month to peruse more than 2500 booths full of antiques, vintage clothing, and every imaginable type of merchandise.
CAMDEN PASSAGE, LONDON, ENGLAND:
Camden Passage is located in the Borough of Islington and delivers an enchanting and unique ambience. In addition to rows of market stalls along cobble-stoned alleys, there are many attractive boutiques, where the traders are true specialists. Most dealers are open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, although visits can also be arranged.
SURRY HILLS MARKET, SYDNEY:
Surry Hills offers a more casual market experience, providing some great stalls to dig for victory. This place is where the best-dressed crowds flock, so street-style photographers are out in full-force. Held on the first Saturday of every month at Shannon Reserve on Crown Street, it’s a mix of emerging designers and specially-sourced vintage treasures.
Bondi Market, which is adjacent to the most famous Bondi beach, offers a more quintessential market experience. It’s the kind of place you can pick up some vintage wares, spot a collection of semi-famous folk, people watch, have a good barter and then pop down to the beach for a light-snack and a cold beverage.
CALA LLENYA MARKET AND LAS DALIAS, HIPPIE MARKET, IBIZA:
Cala Llenya is just one of the many gems among Ibiza’s famous flea markets. Open on Sundays, the market offers an array of items at bargain prices; from authentic Spanish fashion to travel souvenirs. Also, check out Las Dalias Hippie Market every Wednesday from 10am until 7pm where you can buy everything from clothing and accessories to outlandish crafts, paintings and antiques. The Moroccan tea tents are the perfect hang out and in the afternoon the Soul Bar opens, where Pacha DJs play until the market closes.
CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET, BANGKOK:
Located in the North part of the city, Chatuchak opens from 9am to 7pm and offers an array of silk fabrics, souvenirs, unique clothing and much more at very low prices. The market is split in different sections so it’s easy to find your way around. The first section is for new clothes and home decor, the second one is for used clothing, shoes, accessories and jewellery. And In the middle of the market you can find quirky furniture and antiques.
Next time you’re on your travels, don’t forget to pop into your local flea market as each object holds a sense of history and romanticism.
Tweet us at @fashionsonvacay to tell us where your favourite flea-markets are and your best bargaining tips!