Regular contributor Mac ruminates on the world of travel & some of his adventures along the way
This time round he consider where to find the best flea markets, via Gigi Guerra and Rachel Mosely, September 2009 in budget Travel Publication:-
MEXICO CITY – La Lagunilla
Cuban antiques and centuries-old religious relics can be snapped up for practically nothing at this 500-year-old Sunday market that is, inexplicably, still under the radar for most out-of-towners.
When: Sundays
MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – Tristán Narvaja
Beneath the chaos of this Sunday event (think caged tarantulas and blaring music) lies order: Each corridor has a distinct specialty, like records, used books, or leather goods—three of the market’s strengths.
When: Sundays
MOSCOW – Izmailovsky Market
The hokey onion-domed façades on this suburban weekend market belie the genuine treasures you’ll find here. Look for nesting matryoshka dolls, Soviet military regalia, and handmade Central Asian suzanis and rugs.
When: Saturdays and Sundays
PARIS – Porte de Vanves
Less touristy and much more affordable than the famous Clignancourt market, this weekend affair is stocked with choice tabletop pieces (like Pernod carafes and bistro ashtrays) worth digging for.
When: Saturdays and Sundays
SÃÆ’O PAULO – Praça Benedito Calixto
Founded in 1987 by artists looking to sell their work, the Saturday Praça Benedito Calixto market has evolved to comprise an even split of the new and the old; delicately fashioned porcelain dishware sits next to piles of retired metal store signs.
When: Saturdays
ATHENS – Monastiraki Market
No Sunday in Athens is complete without a stroll through the narrow passageways of Monastiraki, where you can dig through piles of old coins and hand-painted icons—all with the Acropolis in view.
When: Sundays
BEIJING – Panjiayuan Market
The doors open at 4:30 a.m. at the chaotic weekend version of this daily bazaar, with more than 3,000 stalls displaying jade jewellery, ceramic teapots, and Mao posters.
When: Daily
BERLIN – Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz
The stately canvas-and-wood stalls lining this square each Sunday house an assortment of melamine tableware, textiles with geometric patterns and glazed mid-century stoneware.
When: Sundays
BUENOS AIRES – San Telmo Market
Many of the embroidered textiles, estate jewellery, and chandeliers at this Sunday market in the city’s tango district were brought over by the waves of Italians who immigrated to Argentina in the past 150 years.
When: Sundays
CAIRO – Khan el-Khalili
Since the late 1300s, these dusty stone corridors have hosted an array of merchants with finely honed specialties: copperware, gold jewellery, and carpets, in particular. Now, new pieces mix in with antiques.
When: Daily
LISBON – Feira da Ladra
Known as the “Thieves’ Market,” it dates back to the 12th century, when stolen goods made up the bulk of the stock; today’s (legit) merchandise, set out Tuesdays and Saturdays, includes old cameras, stamp collections, leather-bound books, and transistor radios.
When: Tuesdays and Saturdays
LONDON – Portobello Road Market
The more than 1,000 dealers snaking up Notting Hill’s main thoroughfare every Saturday are (unofficially) divided by theme: Upper end for furniture and household wares and the lower for clothing and jewellery.
When: Sundays