Flea/Street Markets: 2002
Where did you find that fabulous souvenir? Let us know where you've found your favorite items in Europe.
Lisbon's Thieves' Market!
The Feira da Ladra, Thieves Market, is held Tues and Sat in Lisbon. Sat
is by far the larger. New and used everything! It's held on or in the Campo
de Santa Clara and every spot anyone can find a place nearby. That's in
the Alfama district in the area downhill from the Castelo St Jorge. We took
Tram 28 from the Baixa "Grid" area. It's not easy to tell where to get off
as you can't see far ahead and everything winds. But it's fun! We flew in
at 7:30 AM, dropped our bags at the Pensao off the Rossio, and grabbed the
folding totes in our carry on luggage. With a quick bica and a day pass
from the stand at praca de Figuera, we were on our way! Shopping before
9 am! What a way to start our trip. Also, I've read that the Sintra market
is held just outside of town at Sao Pedro on second and fourth Sundays.
Have a blast, I did and will again.
Sue
Va USA Thu 12/26/2002
Christmas market in Salzburg
In Salzburg, they have several Christmas markets, but the best one is the
one in front of the Salzburg Cathedral. Get a mug of gluhwein and walk around
under the Christmas lights, looking at all the different craft booths. It
really gets you in a Christmasy mood. I can only imagine how much better
it would be if it were snowing.
Traci
Studying in London, UK Mon 11/25/2002
Delft market
Thanks for the clarification. No need to apologize; it isn't your fault.
I did ask a few times (at the hotel, at the VVV), and everyone directed
me to that same (wrong) market. I had the feeling the market we saw extended
around the entire square, but I must be wrong. We did end up getting some
tasty pastry, so not all was lost. Next time, I guess!
USA Thu 11/07/2002
Apology
I am so sorry. You were in the wrong part of Delft. You were in the area
behind the VVV ( tourist information ) by the 'Locus Publicus' bar. Taking
the entrance to the VVV as your starting point walk diagonally across the
town square pass by the statue of Hugo de Groot and continue on to the opposite
corner of the square ( behind the town hall along from the 'Ould Grande
Cafe' and the flea market is held in those streets. I'm sorry I forgot to
mention Delft has two markets on a Saturday - one for fresh produce and
one for antiques
Al ( dumbo ) Bishop
Nottingham, UK Thu 10/31/2002
I love Delft, and I had high hopes for Delft's Saturday market, but
when I went there a couple of weeks ago, it turned out to be quite a disappointment.
It was a busy market, but I walked through the entire thing, and the only
items for sale were different kinds of food, flowers, and your usual discount
clothes/handbag knockoffs. There was nothing that could possible be brought
home as a souvenir, and absolutely no Delftware (real or fake). Even in
Amsterdam's markets, I was able to pick up some Delft pieces and look-alikes,
so I was surprised to see absolutely none of that in Delft. I wonder if
things might be different in the summer.
Helene
USA Tue 10/29/2002
Delft Flea Market
The small town of Delft in the south of the Netherlands is famous for its
porcelain china. On Saturday mornings they have a flea market. It is possible
to pick up some real bargains ( be sure to ask 'What is your BEST PRICE'
- don't just take the first price you are given ). One other thing make
sure you can get your purchases into your luggage and protect them against
breakage. This dummy bought a beautiful sherry cask that had been converted
into a drinks cabinet for $24.00 only to realise I was going to have the
devil's own job getting onto the flight ( It's a good job I work for an
airline and have friendly colleagues at Schipol Airport ). Even if you don't
buy a bargain, Delft is beautiful in itself and well worth a visit.
Alan Bishop
Nottingham, UK Tue 08/13/2002
Portugal
When in Portugal go to the flea market in Sintra. Besides wonderful bargains,
Sintra is such a beautiful village to explore. Do not go to the Lisbon flea
market. Was told the goods are stolen.
Eve Dorf
Fair Oaks, CA USA Sat 07/27/2002
Flea/Street Markets
In the Vicenza/Padova area, not to far away from Venice, there are several
markets. The biggest Antique/Flea Market is on the last Sunday of each
month in Piazzola Sul Brenta and has well over 600 vendors. On the first
Sunday of each month there's a smaller Antique/Flea Market in Marostica
with approx. 125 vendors. There's one of about the same size in Asolo
on the second Sunday of each month. There's also a huge regular market(one
that doesn't have antiques & second hand stuff) every Sunday in Camisano.
Camisano & Piazzola Sul Brenta are only about 5 km from each other so
you could hit both in the same day if you go on the last Sunday. They
are both also about halfway between Vicenza & Padova. The Antique/Flea
Markets start closing around 4:00pm and are completely closed by 6:00pm.
The regular markets close much earlier, at 12:30pm.
Doug
Vicenza, Italy Fri 07/19/2002
Flea/Street Market
Metz, France, has a decent flea and antique market one to two Saturdays
per month in an exhibit hall on the east side of town. However, my wife
and I were very impressed with the market that runs every Saturday in a
building on the northwest side of Cuijk, Netherlands. It is huge and densely
packed with items. I strongly recommend it. Others here in the Heidelberg
U.S. military community speak well of Tongren, Belgium.
Rob
Heidelberg, Germany Fri 06/07/2002
Grand Braderie, Lille
It's only for a weekend, the one that encompasses the first Sunday in September
(Aug 31/Sept 1, 2002), but the largest flea market I've ever seen is the
Grand Braderie in Lille, France. We combined it with a trip through Belgium
and Normandy, a great time to travel to the region. While you're shopping,
a meal of mussels and french fries is a must (moules frites)!
Kris
USA Thu 05/02/2002
Zurich?s big Saturday flea market
The Saturday morning flea market in Zurich is a winner. Held down by the
lake, there are hundreds of vendors with tons of old merchandise. As a stein
collector, I found an old pewter pouring pitcher (circa 1890) for about
$20. The four of us bought so much stuff we had to buy two extra suitcases
to lug it home. It's a festive market and a real adventure.
Tom McClelland
Rocklin, CA USA Wed 04/10/2002
Flea Market in Avignon
In May, I was visiting Avignon and saw a sign that it was the last day (and
Hour!) of this week-long flea market. I checked into my hotel and ran down
there. I found a box of 1940s french film magazines with lithograph ads
for films. They were beautiful. I could barely speak french and it was terrible
trying to figure out what this guy was saying. He was trying to give me
a deal if I bought a bunch. A crowd gathered to watch even! Plus, I also
scored some great records from a crazy guy who kept winding up this 78rpm
record player and calling out to the crowd. Then he even tried to pick me
up. He gave me a great deal on some french 60s pop 45s. That was a great
market.
Ted
USA Sun 02/17/2002
La Batte market in Liege, Belgium
If you're ever in Belgium you must try the Sunday morning La Batte market
in Liege. It streches for miles along the river and has unbelievable prices
and variety.
Jeff Visosky
Zemmer, Germany Sat 02/16/2002
Bermondsey (New Caledonian) Market
For serious antiquers, do Bermonsey Market in London. Alot of London dealers
do their buying here, and mark it up nicely for the more "touristy" Portobello
Road Market the following morning. The early bird catches the worm is too
true here, we usually arrive at 4:30 am, (armed with torches) and we always
find our hearts desire! This is a Friday Market, rain or shine. You won't
find the ambiance of Portobello, (which shouldn't be missed either), but
what it lacks in atmosphere it more than makes up for great finds!
JoAnn Andrews
Redondo Beach, CA USA Tue 02/12/2002
Camden Market in London
Camden is one of the coolest markets in London. Great deals on all sorts
of clothes, shoes, music and vintage items. Good place to meet locals and
get a taste of London too. It's very crowded on the weekends so watch your
pockets.
Tina Carter
Atlanta, GA USA Mon 02/11/2002
Barnstaple and Spitalfields
I love the market in Barnstaple, England. I got a gorgeous Spode turkey
platter for L15, and my sister found lovely silver-plated cake knives--but
the best part is the food--my husband found a woman selling the jam-filled
cookies his grandmother used to make--to this day no one has ever been able
to duplicate them. But my favorite market in the UK, trendy or no, is the
Spitalfields market on Sunday mornings, for organic foods, flowers and funk.
I have discovered great designers--my purse from Delphine-et-Marinette draws
dozens of compliments.
stella bell
rutledge, ga USA Thu 01/10/2002
Buy some of "BACK DOOR EUROPE"
Most smaller Back Door towns in Europe and nearly all in U.K. have market
days. On those days, even the local churches have bake and rummage sales,
to raise money. ALL the things I brought home were very fine items from
that area. Beautiful old linens, jewelry and paintings, smaller easy to
transport items. I have an Antique shop and the profits from what I choose
to sell paid for a whole week of one trip. If the items are over 100 years
old, then no duty is paid at customs. AND the best part is when you travel
light... you can bring two more suitcases home free, filled with Thrift
shop stuff. But the best part is getting to know the people. Street markets
are focusing on tourists. Find your own Back Door market for souvenirs and
bring home a REAL part of the country.
Susan Milligan
Punxsutawney, PA USA Mon 01/07/2002