Hip urban flea markets.

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Intro

What once would have been pushed to the back of your wardrobe is now trendier than ever: flea markets are a popular meeting place right at the heart of Switzerland’s trend districts. A colourful mixture of stalls and cosy spots in which you can enjoy a cappuccino and the latest vegan snack await.

Flea market at Dampfzentrale Bern

Bern’s Dampfzentrale is normally a dance venue. However, at flea market time, on the last Sunday of the month from May to September, it transforms itself into a large market hall. All manner of interesting, exquisite and cherished second-hand merchandise are presented for sale by a wide array of dealers at stalls that have been assembled with a lot of thought and great flair. The rustic-looking industrial building on the banks of the Aare makes the central market quite unique.

Strandgut Flea Market, Neubad Cultural Centre, Lucerne

There’s no swimming at Lucerne’s Neubad Cultural Centre every third Sunday, when the Strandgut Flea Market is held. As the name “Strandgut” (flotsam and jetsam) suggests, visitors can expect to find all sorts here. Items range from old books and objets d’art to clothing and old records. The Neubad venue plays host to sellers, hagglers and browsers every first and third Sunday of the month. Tasty snacks are served in the Strandcafé.

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Plainpalais Flea Market, Geneva

This flea market has been in existence since 1970. But that’s not the only reason why it’s popular with bargain hunters. The Geneva flea market is among the biggest in Switzerland and a genuine paradise for collectors. As well as antique hunters, vintage fashion lovers will find plenty to please them here. The flea market is held every Wednesday, Saturday and on the first Sunday in the month in Plaine de Plainpalais.

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Kanzlei Flea Market, Zurich

The Kanzlei Flea Market is not only Zurich’s most famous flea market, but also the most infamous. It is quite common to hear that one or other of the stallholders has waited through the night to get the best possible pitch early in the morning when the square opens to dealers. You’d be amazed at what you can find: everything from fur coats and kitchen utensils to radios, leather handbags and jewellery. Every Saturday up to 300 dealers sell second-hand goods of all kinds here.

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Flea market in the Matte district, Bern

Mühlenplatz in the Matte district is the ideal starting point for exploring the oldest part of Bern on foot. Many of the typical restaurants and little shops (“Lädeli”) which, along with the river Aare, characterise this unique neighbourhood, are just moments away. The bijou Matte flea market is held every third Saturday from May to October. Nearly every single visitor leaves the market clutching a new personal treasure.

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Mädelsflohmarkt (Girls’ Flea Market), Zurich-West

This flea market is the perfect place for all bargain hunters, fashionistas and vintage clothing lovers. The market is dedicated exclusively to well-kept second-hand items for women: clothing, accessories, shoes, jewellery, lingerie, handbags and much, much more. The Mädelsflohmarkt is held in Zurich’s EscherWyss Club, so cool music and a great atmosphere are guaranteed.

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Brocante Locarno

On the long weekend that coincides with Ascension Day, the old town of Locarno is filled with stalls laden with antiques. The narrow streets and alleyways of the historic town centre are an Aladdin’s cave for antique enthusiasts: here you’ll find ceramics and porcelain, furniture, jewellery, clothing, books, antique dolls, musical instruments, rare records and much more. This is a nice way to discover Locarno while strolling around the stalls.

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