If you love finding unique items that will make you stand out from the crowd you will really enjoy vintage clothing shopping in Europe. No matter which country you you visit, you will find lots of amazing flea markets and second hand shops offering a range of products that you won’t find anywhere else.
Here, we share some of our favourite places for vintage clothing shopping in Europe, and hope that we can inspire you to seek out your own vintage treasures during your next break with us.
Porte de Vanves flea market – Paris
Paris is home to several amazing flea markets which you will find dotted around the city, and although the one you will find at Porte de Vanves is not the most famous, it is certainly one of the largest in France.
Open Saturday and Sundays, you can visit the flea market without charge, and here you will find a whole range of wonderful vintage clothing, some of which will be neatly displayed, and others will be set in piles that you’ll simply have to rummage through. As well as vintage clothing, you will find everything from artwork and silver to books and homeware, although this is not the place for you if you’re hoping to find larger items, such as furniture.
Located in a quiet residential area of Paris, close to the Porte de Vanves metro stop, this French flea market is very easy to find, and will give you a break from the busier spaces in the city if you need a break from crowds of tourists. You’ll also find some authentic food options nearby, and the prices are reasonable due to being outside of the bustling centre.
Vintage shops in Brussels
Famous for its chocolate, beer, and range of museums, you’ll also find that Brussels boasts a number of fantastic vintage shops, and has built up a great reputation with fans of vintage style over the past few decades.
Those in search of a bargain will love Think Twice, a second hand vintage company that has ten shops across Belgium, two of which are located in Brussels. Think Twice offer vintage clothing treasures alongside fashionable basics, and they turn around their stock every six weeks. During the last two weeks of each six week stock cycle, they offer unbelievable discounts that simply cannot be missed.
For something a bit different, head to Melting Pot Kilo, a shop that sells vintage clothing by the kilogram. Here, you can buy vintage clothes, shoes, and accessories for just 15€ per kilo, and with two locations in Brussels you might just have to visit them both! These stores are also renowned for their relaxed atmosphere, so you’ll feel completely comfortable having a browse before you buy.
Waterlooplein Markt – Amsterdam
The oldest flea market in the Netherlands, and the most famous one in Amsterdam, Waterlooplein Markt was established over 130 years ago making it a very authentic option for those wanting to do some vintage clothing shopping in Europe.
With around 300 stalls to browse, this Dutch flea market is open six days a week and has a friendly vibe that visitors really appreciate. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it at Waterlooplein Markt, and every stall is completely different so it is worth spending a bit of time here to ensure that you see everything and don’t miss out on a fantastic bargain.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll love choosing something to eat from a number of food trucks, which offer everything from fries and Italian to Greek and Lebanese delicacies.
Ready to try some vintage clothing shopping in Europe? Book your ferry crossing today and start planning how to find the best vintage bargains to bring home with you.
