Germany’s Open Air And Flea Markets Offer Bargains

Stretching your euros may seem to be an impossible task in a world where things only seem to get more expensive.

However, there are still many good deals and bargains to be found in Germany. And while shopping along Stuttgart’s high-end Königstrasse may be out of reach, there are plenty of open-air flea markets throughout the country where you just may find a treasure.

Here’s a big-city-by-big-city breakdown.

Berlin

One of Berlin’s greatest shopping pleasures is its flea markets.

Die Nolle at Nollendorfplatz and Straße des 17. Juni are two of the most famous ones. Straße des 17. Juni is a must as you’re likely to find less junk and more treasures, including antiques and handicrafts. There’s furniture, clothes and music as well.

The Flea Market on Arkonaplatz offers a fun assortment of retro stuff from the 1960s and 1970s.

Hallentrödelmarkt Treptow in Kreuzberg is housed within an old bus depot that has bargains aplenty on sale.

Trödelmarkt am Rathaus Schöneberg is best-known as the venue for President Kennedy’s famous speech but these days is the site of a thriving market with a little bit of everything.

Düsseldorf

What would a German town be without its marketplaces?

The most famous one in Düsseldorf is held each Saturday at the Aachener Platz. If the high prices of the more luxurious shopping streets are above budget, you may find a good bargain here on Aachener Platz. Apart from the professional and amateur sellers’ merchandise, it’s also a good place to come for a nice snack or a cappuccino. Sometimes there’s even live music.

Mannheim

Its biggest attraction is the regular open-air markets on the Marktplatz that occur every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, generally. Here you’ll find the freshest produce in the city and some tasty local treats. (Added to the opportunities for shopping is the picture-perfect location of the Marktplatz. Both the Old Town Hall and a lovely church sit in the square. It’s a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon!)

And if you’re visiting in May, you’ll be just in time for the huge Maimarkt, or May Market. It is currently one of the largest markets of its kind and shows off some local innovative products and other town achievements.

Munich

Flea markets can be found all over Munich, if you know where (and when) to look! Most are held on the weekends, usually Saturday, but that is always subject to change. Most of the flea markets here take place on Saturday morning.

Theresienwiese, the huge lot where the annual Oktoberfest takes place, is reputedly also the largest annual flea market on the continent, and offers all kinds of second-hand goods (nothing new is allowed!) and some antiques every April.

If you can’t make it in April, try one of the weekly markets at Olympiapark (near the Olympic Stadium) or Messegelände Riem on the edge of town.

Stuttgart

Another unique Stuttgart shopping experience, the flea market on Karlsplatz is a great place for bargains. There are about 100 stalls here every week offering the latest in second-hand items. Collectibles, Christmas ornaments, old books, vintage clothes and other antiques are just a few gems that you may find here.

—Marcus