Yes, I’m a market addict. I suppose there are much worser things I could be addicted to… and luckily I’m not much of a spender. I love just walking between cluttered stalls gazing upon vintage and handmade wares, trying a free sample or two and taking lots of pictures.
We lived in Berlin for just over three weeks, so of course in that time I managed to find myself (and poor Martin) at not one, not two, but seven markets! A few of those I even visited more than once. Berlin Markets are some of the best I’ve ever explored, and when every store is closed on Sunday (madness!) a market is the perfect thing to do to pass the time.
Mauerpark Flea Market
Lets start with the King of markets! Mauerpark Flea. Held every Sunday of the month, this mammoth market is filled with antiques, vintage trash/treasure, handmade goodies, loads of accessories and delicious food vans (oh and hot mulled wine! perfect in the wintery weather). This market is so popular it can feel like the entire population of Berlin has flooded to the little park to browse for a Sunday afternoon.
We were living next door to this market, so it’s safe to say I was there so often I started feeling like a local. When the weather is nice buskers will gather in the park beside the market stalls and play all kind of jams. People gather about on the grass with picnic rugs and bottles of Berliner beer, chatting and soaking in the sunshine. I’ve even heard that in the warmer months an open mic karaoke sing-off occurs in the little amphitheatre from 3pm!
If I was a Berliner, I most certainly would furnish my entire house with finds from this beauty of a market. The prices are very reasonable and the wares are perfectly kitschy. If you’re looking for a vintage ugly sweater or the perfect denim jacket, you must stop by and see Mauerpark Flea.
Kollwitzplatz Farmers Market
I noticed while we were in Berlin that most of the Kiez (neighbourhoods) will have their own little famers market on either Saturday or Sunday’s supplying fresh produce. This beauty is held on Saturday, and was walking distance from our first apartment in Prenzlauer Berg. Filled with the yummy smells of German delicacies from toasty home-baked bread to artisan olive oils and pretty handmade goodies. I loved that there wasn’t any of those ‘imported cheap nicknack’ stalls, and everything felt locally made and sourced.
Street Food Thursday at Markthalle Neun
I loved loved loved this market. Street Food Thursday’s is held in a giant indoor space that is filled with food stalls from all over the world! From Asia, to Africa, to America and local German, there really is something for every type of food lover. There were vegan choices (yay!) and plenty of meaty meals for Martin too. But a word of warning… this place is super busy! Expect to have trouble finding a seat and even browsing the food stalls, but it does mean there is a wonderful atmosphere and buzz all around you. The night we visited was cold and rainy, so there was a magical vibe stepping into the cozy hall, like stumbling upon a secret society of foodies!
Turkish Market at Maybachufer
I’d heard wonderful things about the Turkish Market on the banks of the river in Kreuzberg, but unfortunately for us, the day we picked to visit was very windy and stormy. Only half the stalls were open and not many visitors were browsing, so it was a bit of a flop. But I could really see the potential for this little gem, with stalls selling locally made turkish treats, dips (finally I saw some real hummus!), spices for only 1euro and beautifully coloured fabrics. If we stop by Berlin again I really hope we can visit this market in warmer weather and see it in full swing!
RAW Flea Market (RAW Flohmarkt)
We stumbled upon this little beauty by chance one day after exploring an earlier flea market. Located in Friedrichshain, RAW Flea Market occurs each Sunday until 3pm and is thought of as the little sister to Mauerpark Flea. Theres much more room to move about, but still plenty of antique and vintage goodies to rummage through. It’s a little cheaper and less picked through, and there are plenty of waffles/pizza to enjoy while browsing and listening to some local live music.
Boxhagener Platz Flea and Farmers Market
There are two markets that happen in Boxhagener Platz on the weekend. On Saturday you have the local farmers and produce makers selling their fruit, veggies, home-made honey and other goodies at the Farmers Market. On Sunday those stalls are selling bric-a-brac, antiques, handmade and vintage! We were fortunate enough to be staying a 5 minute stroll away from the square during our last week in Berlin, so I happened to visit both the Flea and the Farmers Market, and they were two of my favourites! The vibe was relaxed and local, the wares were quality and affordable. I found everything from vintage cameras, to leather satchels, to old-school video games!
I hope this blogpost helps the market addicts like me out there on their next visit to Berlin! These Berlin Markets are a must-see, and no matter if you’re staying near Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg, there will be a market waiting to be explored just around the corner 😉
