Berliners have a very specific style: black and thrifted. In a city where the unofficial motto is “broke but sexy”, it’s not a surprise that people love a good bargain. That’s why there are many second-hand and vintage shops, as well as flea markets around Berlin. I’d say it’s one of the best places in Europe for thrift shopping!
My favorite Sunday activity, like that of many other locals, is to hunt for gems at a flea market. Berlin flea markets are a mix of true vintage, regular people selling old stuff, and local artists selling their wares. Throw in a few food trucks, someone blasting techno over their speakers, and you have the perfect hangover cure!
So if you find yourself in Berlin on a weekend, you can’t miss out on this beloved local activity. Especially on a Sunday when all the other shops are closed.
To help you get started on your hunt for a typical Berlin outfit to blend in with the locals, I’ve listed my favorite flea markets in Berlin:
Mauerpark
The most famous flea market in Berlin can be found every Sunday in Mauerpark. This park in Prenzlauer Berg certainly isn’t one of the prettiest, but one of the liveliest parks in the city. The Mauerpark flea market is popular and gets pretty crowded, especially in the summer.
Visiting a flea market is one of my top tips for things to do in Berlin in the summer
The trendy Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood has become the poster child for gentrification in Berlin. As such, there is a lot to do here, but it’s a bit on the expensive side. The same goes for the flea market. Mauerpark is not where you’re going to find the best bargain prices, but the quality is generally pretty high.
You’ll also find quite a lot of local arts and crafts here, so it’s a great place to shop for souvenirs. In fact, thrifting souvenirs is a great way to be a more sustainable traveler!
The abundance of food trucks and the proximity of many great brunch cafés make this the perfect spot to hang out on a Sunday.
Where: on the southwest corner of Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg
When: every Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
Flowmarkt Nowkölln
This flea market in Berlin might just be my favorite. It’s not on every week, so be sure to check the date on their website!
Located on the Maybachufer, you can combine a visit to the Flowmarkt Nowkölln flea market with a walk along the Landwehrkanal. Neukölln is one of the hippest neighborhoods, with a typical grungy Berlin edge. You won’t have any issue finding an affordable café or restaurant here to plop down after your shopping spree.
The stalls at Flowmarkt Nowkölln have a mix of private sellers selling their old clothing, as well as arts and crafts. It’s not as big as some of the other flea markets, but I have often found some great stuff here. The prices are very reasonable as well.
There are also a few food trucks located in the center of the market where you can try some delicious snacks or have a cup of coffee. A few of my favorite places for vegan and vegetarian food are located around here as well.
Where: Maybachufer in Neukölln, near Kitten Deli
When: Every other Sunday from April to December, from 10:00 to 15:00
RAW Flohmarkt
I’ve spent many a Sunday at the flea market at the RAW Gelände. Because of the proximity to the Simon-Dach-Straße, you have a lot of lunch options nearby. It’s also within walking distance of the East Side Gallery.
Honestly, it’s the location that makes this flea market one of my favorites. There just aren’t many areas that scream “Berlin!” like this one. It’s a stretch of run-down industrial buildings covered in street art, and also houses a few bars and clubs. You get a real taste of Berlin at RAW Compound.
At RAW Flohmarkt you can find second-hand clothing, true vintage, and art. I’ve never actually bought anything here, but always have a lot of fun browsing.
Just strolling through a flea market is a great activity for a sunny spring day in Berlin
Where: RAW Gelände near U+S Warschauer Straße in Friedrichshain.
When: every Sunday from 08:00 to 19:00 (except in winter)
Boxhagener Platz
Close to RAW is another flea market. You can walk from one to the other in about 20 minutes, so why not do both in one day?
The flea market at Boxhagener Platz (lovingly called “Boxi” by locals) is a mainstay for Berliners. You’ll find many people lounging in the park here, shopping for food at the farmers market on Saturday, or thrift shopping on Sunday at the Flea Market.
You’ll find a mix of furniture, household items, books, records, clothing, and art here. The area itself is very lively and full of boutiques and restaurants. You should definitely eat at 1990 Vegan Living, one of my favorite restaurants in Berlin, and go to Protokoll for local craft beer, it’s one of my favorite brewpubs in the city.
For more second-hand gems, you should also visit the massive Humana store at Frankfurter Tor, it’s a 10-minute walk from Boxhagener Platz!
Where: Boxhagener Platz in Friedrichshain
When: every Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00
Trödelmarkt am Strasse des 17. Juni
So, unlike the other flea markets on this list, this is not you go to for a cheap deal. This is where you go if you’re looking for real antiques and have money to burn. Needless to say, I’ve never bought anything here!
The flea market lies behind the Tiergarten station, on the Strasse des 17. Juni (the street of June 17th). It is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Berlin. The vendors here are a mix of real antiques, art, and jewelry. If you have expensive taste, this is the place to go. It may be a bit out of my budget, but the quality is much higher than at other flea markets.
There are also a few street food carts, but not as much as at Flowmarkt Nowkölln or Mauerpark. But you can easily combine a visit to this flea market with a stroll through the beautiful Tiergarten park, it’s one of my favorites in the city. And this is one of the few markets that’s also open on a Saturday.
Where: Strasse des 17. Juni, behind Tiergarten station
When: Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 17:00
These are just five of the best and most famous flea markets in Berlin. There are so many regular, and pop-up, markets that I couldn’t cover them all. If you want more options, the tourism website of Berlin has a nice round-up.
Are you into flea markets and thrift shopping? If so, Berlin is a must-visit. While they are most popular in the summer, you can check out many of the flea markets year-round.
Where did you find the best second-hand clothing on your trips? I’d love to get your tips for destinations with good flea markets and thrift stores in the comment.
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Markets in Berlin are good. Thank you 😊