Thanks all for checking out my second blog reviewing flea markets. If you missed the first one (it concentrates on German markets) you can find it under the Flea Market Finds heading. Unfortunately this will be my last blog post about European flea markets. Although we move back to the states tomorrow, I'm working on one last blog about second-hand shops in the Wiesbaden area. I hope to have it posted here in the next couple of days. But to keep you reading (and shopping European flea markets), check out http://www.therococoroamer.com/p/flea-guide.html?m=1. She has great information on German and international markets as well!

Flea marketing in Germany, and Europe in general, is easy and fun! The best selection is usually available early in the morning but sometimes the best deals can come at the end of the day. From my experience most German markets run from 7 or 8AM until 4PM. However, most vendors start packing up at about 1PM.

I frequently use the websites www.marketcom.de and www.meine-flohmarkt-termine.de to find markets in the area.These are both German sites that will list sales via the state's zip code. I'd love one that would use my location to find ones near me, but haven't yet found one. Please leave a comment if you know of other helpful sites!

When you arrive at a flea market you can look for a box like the one pictured below, and it will usually have a listing of the current or following months' markets.

Tips of the trade:

Be patient when parking. It may be best to do a drive-by before finding a parking space. Remember, if you find something heavy, you will have to carry it back to your car. 

Bringing your own reusable bags, backpack, and/ or a bag with wheels. This will keep your small items together and may serve as cushioning for more delicate items.

Don't be afraid to bargain. A seller will normally knock off about 10%. Sometimes (mostly at antique markets) the price is firm. When I love something and think the price is very good I don't haggle.  However, there have been other times when I've haggled items down over 60% off because I was willing to walk away. Negotiations are an art; when done well both buyer and seller are happy. You never know when that seller will have the exact piece you just gotta have!

Bring lots of small bills and change. There is nothing worse than haggling down a price and then handing someone a large bill expecting change.

The following are short summaries on markets I've been to (mostly in the Wiesbaden area). I have also written about markets I've been to in other European countries. If you have a favorite flea market that I have not listed here, please leave a comment so that we can share this wonderful knowledge. I am also happy to answer any questions you may have. Happy shopping!

Jahrhunderthalle Parkplatz Höchst, 65929 Frankfurt am Main - A+

This is one of my favorite flea markets in the Frankfurt area. The market runs on Thursdays and Saturdays. Although I have not been to the one on Thursday, the Saturday market is amazing! With ample and easy parking, this gets an A+ in my book. Unlike many markets held in shopping center parking lots, there are no shopping carts; I recommend bringing a roller cart to this one as it is very large and you may need to make multiple trips back to your car (if you're lucky!) This market is a mix of new, old, and repurposed items. You can also find produce, some new items and flowers for your garden. When the weather is good, I can easily spend a few hours looking through all the stalls. Avoid going on rainy days as vendor turnout is poor.

Mann Mobilia, 65203 Wiesbaden-Biebrich - A+

It doesn't get much better than this! Another one of my favorites and excellent on selection. You can expect to find furniture, household items, vintage items, and so much more! Although this market runs year-round, it explodes in the summer, so bring your roller bag to this one too because it's a biggie (although there are shopping carts too for those items to heavy or bulky to carry.) I have found that prices here are a little bit higher than at the Jarhunderthall, but are very competitive. And don't forget to grab a bratwurst and a beer to snack on while you browse

Edeka C+C Großmarkt, 65201 Wiesbaden-Schierstein - A

This is also a great market with lots of selection. It is covered for those days that the weather doesn't want to cooperate. This market usually begins on Saturday evening, but I have never been. We always go on Sunday when all of the other stores are closed. You will not find many new items (if any) at this one. The prices are good too so put on your bargaining hat!

Hessen Center, 60388 Frankfurt am Main, Bergen-Enkheim - A

The Hessen Center hosts a great covered market. Featuring a wide selection of used items, I definitely recommend checking it out. We arrived later in the afternoon (around 2PM) and there were still many vendors set up. Even so late in the day we managed to find some great items at spectacular prices!

Metro, 55252 Mainz-Kastel - A

Another of the covered markets, this is a great market close to home. You will not find many new items here nor much furniture, but it has a good selection of smaller items. Parking is fairly easy and great deals are abundant! Some of my favorite items have been found at this market.

Adler Center, 65203 Wiesbaden-Biebrich - A-

This antique market has a good selection of antiques, art, vintage jewelry, collectors items, and furniture. The prices are higher than other markets I've been to (hence the A-) but the quality is higher as well. Many of these items will come from antique stores and may offer delivery. You will not find any new items at this market. This is my husband's favorite!

Real, 65189 Wiesbaden - B

Though not as big as the Jarhunderthall market in Frankfurt or the Real market in Biebrich, this one has a decent selection without many new items. Parking is a little tricky but not too bad. I don't frequent this market but have found some good deals when I've been there. Definitely worth a quick stop if you're in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way for this one.

IKEA, 63452 Hanau - C-

I have only been to this market only once. I cannot recall if it was in the fall or winter but my experience was that this is mostly new items. As such, I have not been back since. I do remember that parking was very easy. I will try to review this one again later.

Marolles Flea Market, Place du Jeu de Balle, Brussels, Belgium - A+

Although parking looked a bit difficult, I wish I had a van at this one! It had tons of smaller furniture items, art, vintage items and much, much more! It had a great atmosphere and the people were very friendly. I love vendors with lines of boxes filled with randomness and this market had multiple; there was no shortage of treasure hunting here! There were some super bargains too! We had a great cup of coffee at one of the little cafes when we were done and chatted about our purchases. This little gem runs everyday too!

Flohmarkt Arkonaplatz, 10435 Berlin, Germany - B

Tucked into a quiet Berlin neighborhood park, this market was just a short bicycle ride from our hotel. It is much smaller than most of the other markets I have reviewed (hence the B rating) but did have a rather nice selection of smaller furniture like mid-century modern chairs, end tables, and dressers. Unfortunately none of those travel very well on a rental bike. Otherwise it consisted mostly of smaller household items. I didn't buy anything so I'm not sure how their prices compare to other markets. If you are in the area, I would take 20-30 minutes to check out this market.

Flohmarkt in Mauerpark, 13355 Berlin, Germany, A

Wow! Talk about overwhelming! This market is HUGE! We rode our bicycles from the quaint market in Arkonaplatz to this multicultural epicenter of commerce. From handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing to furniture, street performers, and street food, this market has it all. This market showcases the new, old, and repurposed, as well as food, flowers, and entertainment all in one place. I could have spent an entire day exploring here. Unfortunately, our time was running a bit short so we only scratched the surface of this. I would recommend this as a great place to feel the pulse of Berlin and get in some great buys along the way!

Paris, France

Update: Here are two of the three finished pieces. I am very pleased with how they both turned out!

Here are my next three project pieces.

Project 1: We picked up the vintage backboard years agoat a flea market outside of Austin, TX  for under 15 dollars and I FINALLY found the table base I'd been looking for for less than 25 euro. So a couple of pilot holes and it should be about complete (I'm thinking of having a glass top made for it too.)

Project 2: These chairs were a bargain at only 15 euro each at a Goodwill-like center just outside of Frankfurt. All they need is a little TLC and new fabric on the seats. Can't wait to have these done!

Project 3: I found this awesome mid-century modern ottoman at a flea market and bargained it down to a mere 13 euro. After stripping off the cover and removing the deteriorated padding, I just need to add some new cushioning and the leather remnant (a 10 euro steal) and it will be amazing!

I just wanted to share with you my newest favorite product! It is called Citrustrip. I have used it a few times now and compared to other strippers, it is a dream to work with. It goes on easily, is safe to use indoors (which is great here in Germany where we don't have a garage or yard), cleans up with water, has a nice citrus smell, and does a great job of removing both paint and varnish. I have posted a few pictures below of it in progress. It is also malleable up to 24 hours for those tough projects! I hope it makes your projects easier to prep!!! As a side note: I DO NOT recommend Klean Strip. It says it's a paste but goes on like snot, which was the opposite of fun! Its fumes are also pretty bad. Please leave a comment if you have products you love (or hate) to work with! I love sharing helpful information and learning from you!