Mac says

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



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