European antique and craft markets vary by city. Here's the honest sort.
Tier 1 — destination markets
- Paris Saint-Ouen (Marché aux Puces): Europe's largest flea market.
- Brussels Sablon Sunday market: Sablon antique strip is dense.
- Vienna Naschmarkt Saturday flea: Adjacent to the food market.
- London Portobello Road (Saturday): Notting Hill antiques + market.
- London Brick Lane Sunday: Vintage and street food.
Tier 2 — strong craft / market cities
- Madrid Rastro Sunday: Largest Spanish flea market, La Latina.
- Florence San Lorenzo + leather school: Italian leather direct.
- Amsterdam IJ-Hallen (twice monthly): Massive flea market.
- Lisbon Feira da Ladra (Tues + Sat): Hilltop flea market.
- Berlin Mauerpark Sunday: Vintage + crafts + karaoke.
Specialty markets
- Krakow + Vilnius for amber.
- Granada + Cordoba for Andalusian leather and ceramics.
- Bath, England for Georgian-era antiques.
- Dresden Striezelmarkt (December) for traditional crafts.
Strategy
- Sunday markets: Most in Europe are Sunday-only.
- Cash: Many vendors don't take cards. Withdraw before.
- Bargaining: Standard at most flea markets, less so at antique shops.
- Shipping: Many antique shops arrange international shipping.