Flea Markets (PHOTOS): Finding Steals Around The World

Green living can often seem like a burden, always asking you to make sacrifices. But one of the most fun ways to live green is by reducing your consumption of new, material goods. That may not sound like fun, but it is when you're shopping at flea markets, which are treasure troves of antique and vintage goods. Flea market season is in full swing, and we're taking a look at some of the most popular ones around the U.S., interspersed with images of flea markets from around the world, because the thrill of finding a steal is universal. Do you have a favorite flea market in your area? Send us your pictures using the participation tool to the right.

 

Do you have a flea market you frequent in your area? Discover something one-of-a-kind? Send us your pictures!

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Brooklyn Flea

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The Brooklyn Flea was founded in the spring of 2008 and quickly became a New York City institution. It offers a variety of secondhand items, vintage clothes and shoes, antiques, handmade crafts, and food that range from high to low end. On Saturdays, 150 vendors gather outdoors and on Sundays, it's held in the magnificent, cathedral-like Williamsburgh Savings Bank (pictured), where about 90 vendors attend.

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The Brooklyn Flea was founded in the spring of 2008 and quickly became a New York City institution. It offers a variety of secondhand items, vintage clothes and shoes, antiques, handmade crafts, and food that range from high to low end. On Saturdays, 150 vendors gather outdoors and on Sundays, it's held in the magnificent, cathedral-like Williamsburgh Savings Bank (pictured), where about 90 vendors attend.

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Comments

[MissCupcake]

12:13 PM on 05/19/2010

My mother owned an antique shop when I was growing up. I have junking in my DNA! I love flea markets, estate sales and auctions. Mr. Cupcake had never been to an auction before I took him to one a few years ago. He's hooked now too.
One of my best buys was a 3 piece Victorian parlor set, I paid $175. for it. Cleaned it up and resold it, more than doubled my money!

[bangagong]

09:33 AM on 05/18/2010

No mention of Porta Portese in Rome? Four thousand booths every Sunday.
http://realtravel.com/r-212655-rome_review-on_sundays_from_7am_to_1pm_every_peddler_from_trastevere_and

[LMPE]

02:26 PM on 05/17/2010

I've never been to a flea market, but I attend the farmers' market every week.

[ernestohem]

01:39 PM on 05/17/2010

Some great options here but what about the world's biggest flea market at a whopping 654 miles long!....

http://blogs.nokia.com/ovimapsexplorer/north-america/u-s-a-north-america/the-world%E2%80%99s-longest-yard-sale/

Surely that's got to be worth a mention?

[speciallady2003]

04:00 PM on 05/17/2010

It was mentioned.

[djMikulec]

01:29 PM on 05/17/2010

Nothing, but nothing can beat the 127 Yard Sale. It's always fun to see what kind of bargains you can find but you'll have to hunt for them since the pro dealers have really jacked up their prices over the years as the event has grown in popularity.

[Lore Splitt]

01:15 PM on 05/17/2010

I didn't know about the Brooklyn one there! I've gotta check it out! :) I know exactly where that bank is too- Go figure!

[Marcio Kelmanson]

12:55 PM on 05/17/2010

Brick Lane?!

[wordromer]

12:54 PM on 05/17/2010

I agree...totally got it WRONG for Paris. One of the largest flea markets in Europe is Paris CLIGNANCOURT FLEA MARKET seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGAkSluAcNY

When living in Barcelona we found anther the world class Mercat Del Encants Flea Market seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQliBRVKHho

[FoxIslander]

12:23 PM on 05/17/2010

Is a "flea" market a public market?...if so...the public market at Tonalá in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico...it's size is epic...I was there for a day and saw maybe 1/4 of it. Incredible.

[Knorretje]

12:21 PM on 05/17/2010

The Waterlooplein market in Amsterdam isn't too bad either

[Rafalsays]

12:11 PM on 05/17/2010

Jarmark Europa.

Possibly the largest in Europe. You wont even get through half in a full day.

http://www.tripwolf.com/en/guide/show/295559/Poland/Warsaw/Jarmark-Europa

[LavishTantrums]

12:10 PM on 05/17/2010

Error in the article. It is GADSDEN, Alabama.

[Joel Cohen]

12:08 PM on 05/17/2010

The biggest and most famous flea market in Paris -- almost a city within a city -- is NOT at the Porte d'Orleans, but rather at the Porte de Clignancourt.

[Daddy Owe]

11:52 AM on 05/17/2010

You missed the best one. First Monday in Canton, TX. Canton is usually a sleepy down with maybe 5000 residents. But on the weekend of the first Monday of each month the town swells to over 100,000. You can buy almost anything: antiques, quilts, painted saw blades, assorted junk, hunting dogs and hand loaded ammunition sold by the baggie. Great fun.

[MzTexas]

12:08 PM on 05/17/2010

That's what I posted. Canton is amazing. Over 100 acres of booths with anything and everything. If you can't find it at Canton, it doesn't exist.

[MarkInTexas]

01:07 PM on 05/17/2010

And if you can't find what you're lolling for, at least there are funnel cakes!

[ninette]

11:08 AM on 05/17/2010

I don't know where they got their facts, but San Jose Flea Market, although big, does not stretch for eight miles.