The best flea markets in Berlin
Berlins best season is about to start – the summer. It is flea market time and the dawdling, exploring and trading can start again. Today, we present to you our five favorite flea markets in Berlin. As each market has its own special charm, we’ll definitely have a suitable one for you.
RAW flea market – CLOSE & COLORFUL
Where state railways and locomotives were being repaired about hundred years ago, you can buy everything from art, antiques and lamps over clothing to books and CDs. The RAW area is a cultural meeting point for street artists, musicians, party people and globetrotters – there are bars, clubs, an open-air cinema, a climbing tower and the RAW flea market. Every Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, you can listen to multicultural music, taste yummy food from all over the world and stroll around colorful market stalls. By foot, it’s only five minutes from our hostel to the flea market.
Mauerpark flea market – HUGE & FAMOUS
The huge flea market at Mauerpark is probably the most famous market of the city. The name of the park derives from its history: during Germany’s separation, the Berlin Wall and death strip went through the place where Mauerpark is located today. Now, there is a big park which hosts countless numbers of Berliners, tourists, students and artists every Sunday who come for the flea market. There is a real festival atmosphere at the park which is also due to the live karaoke machine from an Irish guy called Joe. From 3 pm on, the stage is open to everybody who wants to sing karaoke, dance and show his/her talent. The many market booths create a colorful mix between designer products and private items. The flea market opens every Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm and it’s easily reached by public transport. Just take the tram M10 in front of our hostel and get out at the stop “Eberswalder Straße” after 20 minutes. The M10 leaves right in front of our doorstep, so you basically only have to fall out of bed.
Arena Indoor flea market – CHAOTIC & CHEAP
By bike it’s only five minutes from the hostel to the indoor flea market at the Arena Berlin directly at Spree River. If you don’t have an own bike, you can rent one of our bikes for only 10€ a day. Inside the huge hall, you’ll find a colorful chaos from 10 am to 4 pm with everything there is in this world; you just have to look carefully. From old radios and cameras to carpets and furniture to bicycle tools and clothes – there is everything a flea market fan desires. The good thing is that you can negotiate the prices and go there even when it’s raining. After an exciting day at the market, spoil yourself with delicious “Quarkbällchen” (=curd cheese balls) to round off the day.
Nowkoelln/ Kreuzboerg Flowmarkt – CREATIVE & IDYLLIC
Every first and third Sunday of the month (apart from the winter months), the Nowkoelln Flowmarkt takes place along the idyllic river bank of „Maybachufer“ in Neukölln. Here, handmade jewelry, tailor-made clothes, art, second hand stuff and self-made things are sold which is why the market is primarily attracting alternative and creative people. It is not allowed to sell industrially produced new goods at the Flowmarkt at all. Also, there are different bands and DJs at the market making music which creates a very relaxing atmosphere amongst visitors and traders. The next dates of Nowkoelln Flowmarkt are 6th and 20th April. The sister of Nowkoelln Flowmarkt is the “Kreuzboerg Flowmarkt” which takes place at the Prinzessinnengärten (Link to “Top 5 Frühlingsaktivitäten”) at Moritzplatz, Kreuzberg. This Urban Gardening project space is a green oasis in midst of Kreuzberg and the ideal place for selling and buying hand-made and creative things. The Kreuzboerg Flowmarkt takes place every two weeks starting in mid-April.
Flea market at Boxhagener Platz – HOMEY & POPULAR
The well-known Simon-Dach-Kiez wouldn’t be half as lively without the Boxhagener Platz where families, seniors, young people and dogs meet, make music, picnic or just enjoy the sunshine. On Sundays from 10am to 6pm, there is a flea market on Boxhagener Platz which is visited by both Berliners and tourists and is mentioned in many city guides. The colorful mix of sales stalls makes the markets atmosphere homey and multicultural at the same time. It’s only 15 minutes away from our hostel and easily reached by foot.
Should you be in Berlin over the weekend, just select a suitable flea market, take a big rucksack and off you go to explore the flea market. We are happy to give you more tips and advice at the reception!
We wish you happy flea-marketing
von Norma
Bloggerin und Rezeptionistin im Industriepalast
