8 Enchanting Flea Markets to Visit in Europe

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Flea markets are places for great deals and unearthing some one-of-a-kind treasures that is sure to make your trip to Europe all the more special. European flea markets are known for a bit of everything from jewelry to handmade edibles. For connoisseurs of times past, you will also find vintage flea markets filled with flea market antiques that can be bought at great prices.

Braderie de Lille Flea Market

An hour’s ride away from Paris by the TGV, the quaint town of Lille in France has the biggest flea market in Europe – the Braderie de Lille Flea Market. An annual event that lasts two days, the “Braderie” (French for “sell at a low price”) flea market attracts over 10,000 sellers. Dating back to the medieval times, this French flea market attracts more than two million visitors every September.

Portobello Road Flea Market

The Portobello Road Flea Market in Notting Hill, London is a gigantic crowd puller every Saturday, though you will find shops open from Monday to Friday. With more than 2,000 exhibitors on Saturday, this is one of the top flea markets in Europe with a bohemian vibe. You are likely to find everything from Limoges to exotic culinary ingredients in this place where you can shop and wind down with something to eat after you are done.

IJ-Hallen and Waterlooplein Flea Markets

Amsterdam’s most famous flea market has to be the Waterlooplein. The Amsterdam flea market is open six days a week and houses everything you can possibly imagine from vintage garments to old cameras. But if you would like to discover hidden gems in Amsterdam, then head to the IJ-Hallen in Noord, which is the largest flea market in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe.

Waterloo Flea Market

The Waterloo Flea Market of Belgium is held on Saturdays in the parking space of the Carrefour supermarket. Other names that this flea market goes by are “La Brocante du Biggs”, “Brocante Château Cheval”, “Brocante du Carrefour”, “Brocante de Waterloo”, or “Brocante du Lion”. If the historic battlefield doesn’t get you to visit the area, consider the 300 flea market booths packed with goodies for bargain hunters.

The Antiques Market/Flea Market in Arezzo

At the heart of Tuscany lies the ancient city of Arezzo in Italy, with Roman buildings, medieval Piero della Francesca murals and Renaissance architecture. This town is a great attraction for art enthusiasts, but every month on the first weekend, the Piazza Grande is an antique lover’s paradise. The Arezzo flea market offers paintings, bric-a-brac and Roman coins.

El Rastro Flea Market

More often going by the name “el Rastro”, this is the popular open air flea market in Madrid, Spain. This flea market is situated along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, between Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo. Regulated by the Madrid town council, this market has 3,500 stalls hawking their wares new and old. By municipal discretion, this market is held every Sunday and public holiday of the year, from 9 am to 3 pm, in the barrio de Embajadores (‘Ambassador’s neighborhood).

Munich Flea Market

Munich is always happening – if it’s not the Oktoberfest, the Theresienwiese grounds house the Munich flea market is one of the top flea markets in Europe. This humongous flea market sets up during the Munich “Frühjahrsfest” (the first Saturday of the Spring Festival of Munich, in April). With around 3,000 exhibitors that pull in crowds of 80,000 from all over Europe. Thrifters who love flea market merchandise will delight in the great selection of militaria, home appliances, electronic, antiques, etc.

Cormano Flea Market

The Cormano Flea Market near Milan is open every Saturday at 7.30am and winds up by lunchtime (2 p.m.). With 150 stalls that make up this treasure hunter’s cove, you will also find great deals on what the area is famous for since the 14th century: silk. Here is the most beautiful market for vintage silk fabric in Europe as well as household goods, glass and silver and whatnot!

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7 Most Romantic Vacation Ideas for Couples

Vacation Destinations for Couples

Romantic gateways for couples mostly involve beach walks, candlelit dinners, and luxury accommodations. The article illustrates 15 vacation ideas for couples.

Kerala, India

Vacations for couples are in three major areas: Thekkady, Munnar, and allepy. Kerala is attractive because of the tropical forests and the pristine beaches.

Couples are advised to visit Munnar. The destination has an attractive view of diverse wildlife. Thekkady and Allepy are appropriate destinations because of the enjoyable view of the glittering waterfalls.

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Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is considered as an attractive destination for couples. This is because of the Zen temples, Enryaku-Ji, and Ryoan-ji romantic attractions.

The Zen temples have Chinese influenced gardens that generate a romantic feeling. Enryaku-Ji is an ancient Japanese temple that enables couples to observe breathtaking mountains. Ryoan-ji is located in western Tokyo and its main attraction is the rock garden.

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Maui, Hawaii

Maui provides good vacations for couples. The romantic destination is viewed as magical because of white sandy beaches and historic villages.

Haleakala National Park is located in Maui. The park has the highest point on the island. Couples are thus able to have a complete view of the volcanic crater within the park.

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Paris, France

The city is also referred to as the city of lights and the city of love. The three major romantic gateways in the city are Eiffel Tower, Palais-Royal, and Sacré-Coeur.

Viewing the Eiffel Tower is a romantic experience for couples. The couples can also visit the peaceful Palais-Royal secluded garden for leisure walk. Sacré-Coeur offers a nice sunset experience for the couples.

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San Sebastian, Spain

The two main vacation ideas for couples in the city are Monte Igueldo and basque food. Monte Igueldo offers a good view of the sunset and the city. Basque food is best served in popular restaurants such as Arzak.

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Vienna, Austria

Vienna has an attractive destination known as Schönbrunn Palace. The palace creates romantic feeling because of the picturesque garden scenery and pristine hedgerows.

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Wellington, New Zealand

The destination has mystical ambiance that attracts lovers. The two top destinations in the city are the Wellington Botanic Garden and the Kapiti Island.

Wellington Botanic garden has many exotic plant species; for example, rare trees. Kapiti Island has the highest point in the city. The island, therefore, provides the best scenery of wildlife, plants, and the larger wellington area.

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