Best European Cities for Thrifting, Vintage Shops, and Flea Markets

Nothing beats the exciting feeling of finding the perfect piece of clothing at a thrift store or a vintage shop. It’s so exciting when you’re able to find an item in your size and ideally for a less expensive price tag. And why not shop second-hand? They really used to make things better years ago and there is so much waste. So if you’re looking to dig through the goodies until you find the treasures, here are our favorite European cities for thrifting, second-hand shops, vintage stores, and flea markets.

Every time we travel to a new place, we look for thrift stores and vintage shops. Most of the time we’re pretty successful, but there are some places that really stood out for second-hand shopping.

Top 15 cities for vintage, thrift, and second-hand shopping

While there are probably endless other cities that have good thrifting, these are some of our top favorites.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s vibrant streets are filled with unique vintage shops and markets, reflecting the city’s eclectic and artistic spirit. Portugal is generally affordable, making it a great spot for thrifting on a budget.

• Feira da Ladra: The city’s oldest and most famous flea market, held every Tuesday and Saturday in the Alfama district. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to discover hidden gems.
• A Outra Face da Lua: This shop combines a vintage store with a café, offering a relaxed atmosphere where you can shop for unique clothing and accessories while enjoying a coffee.
• Retro City Lisboa: Known for its extensive collection of vintage clothes and accessories, this store is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• Humana: Humana is a chain of thrift/donation stores across Europe and Lisbon is no exception. They are relatively reasonably priced and you can find some amazing goodies!

Lisbon is relatively affordable, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious thrifters. You can find unique items without spending too much. I found some amazing goodies that were very inexpensive, just if you’re willing to bargain a little.

2. Athens, Greece

Athens has a growing number of vintage and second-hand shops, reflecting the city’s vibrant culture and creative energy. Greece is generally affordable, making it a great destination for budget-conscious thrifters.

• Monastiraki Flea Market: A bustling market with a variety of vintage finds, from clothing to antiques. It’s a great place to soak up the local atmosphere while shopping for unique items. It is more of a tourist market so you’ll really have to search for the vintage items here, but you also might find some small vintage shops in the mix.
• Yesterday’s Bread: Known for its well-curated selection of vintage clothes, this shop is a favorite among fashion-forward locals.
• Kilo-Shop Athens: This popular store offers a wide range of vintage clothing sold by weight, making it an affordable option for thrift shoppers.

Athens is quite affordable, offering a range of vintage and second-hand shops where you can find unique pieces without spending too much.

3. Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest offers a mix of quirky and affordable thrifting experiences, reflecting the city’s blend of Eastern European charm and modern urban culture. Romania is known for being budget-friendly.

• Veranda Flea Market: A large market where you can find a variety of second-hand goods, from vintage clothing to home décor. It’s a bustling spot perfect for bargain hunters.
• Vintage Pub: More than just a place to shop, this venue combines a bar atmosphere with a selection of vintage clothes and accessories, making for a unique and enjoyable shopping experience.
• The Urbanist: A trendy spot offering both vintage clothing and a café, perfect for relaxing with a coffee after a successful shopping spree.
• Op Shop: Another great option located in the center of the city.
• Consignatia 7: Located in the center of the city, you can find a range of second-hand and potentially vintage goods as well

Bucharest is one of the most affordable cities for thrifting in Europe. You can expect to find great deals on unique items, making it a budget-friendly destination for vintage enthusiasts.

Check out our blog post about Romania here to learn more about thrifting locations: 10 of the Best, Fun Things to Do in Bucharest (Besides Partying)

4. Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a treasure trove for vintage lovers, where the vibrant energy of the city matches the eclectic offerings in its shops. Spain is relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries, making it a great destination for thrifting.

Head to the Malasaña district, known for its bohemian vibe and a plethora of second-hand stores. Key spots include:

• El Rastro: The city’s most famous flea market, held every Sunday in the La Latina neighborhood. Here, you can find everything from antique furniture to vintage clothing and quirky collectibles.
• Magpie Vintage: A cozy shop offering a carefully curated selection of vintage clothes and accessories, with a focus on pieces from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
• Vintalogy: Europe’s largest vintage store, boasting an impressive range of items from various eras, ensuring you’ll find unique pieces to suit any style.
• Humana: Humana is a chain of thrift/donation stores across Europe and Madrid is no exception. They are relatively reasonably priced and you can find some amazing goodies!

Madrid is relatively affordable for thrifting. Prices in the markets and vintage stores tend to be reasonable, making it a great place to hunt for unique pieces without breaking the bank.

5. Rome, Italy

Rome’s historical backdrop adds charm to its vintage scene, where you can find timeless pieces that reflect the city’s rich heritage. Italy can be relatively expensive, but thrifting can still yield some affordable finds. As you walk through Rome you’ll find vintage shops everywhere, there is no shortage of options.

• Porta Portese Market: One of the largest flea markets in Europe, open on Sundays. Here, you can explore a vast array of stalls offering everything from vintage clothes to antiques and collectibles. Be aware that this market is ENORMOUS and can be a bit overwhelming.
• Twice Vintage Shop: Known for its high-quality vintage apparel, this shop is a favorite among fashion enthusiasts looking for timeless, elegant pieces.
• Humana: Rome is no exception to the European trend of this thrift chain. And since it’s in Rome, you can find some amazing goodies.

Rome can be on the pricier side, especially in tourist areas. However, if you know where to look, you can still find reasonably priced vintage and second-hand treasures.

6. Porto, Portugal

Porto, with its picturesque streets and vibrant culture, offers a fantastic range of vintage and thrift shops. Portugal is generally affordable, making it a great destination for budget-conscious shoppers.

• Feira da Vandoma: A popular flea market held on Saturdays, where you can find a wide range of vintage clothing, antiques, and unique collectibles.
• Mon Père Vintage: A charming store offering a curated selection of vintage clothes and accessories, with a focus on high-quality pieces.
• Coração Alecrim: This boutique combines vintage shopping with sustainable fashion, providing unique and eco-friendly clothing options.
• Humana: Once again, you’ll find a great version of Humana in Porto.

Porto is quite affordable, offering many opportunities to find unique vintage and second-hand items without spending a fortune. I found some nice basics there for my trip for just a few euros.

7. Florence, Italy

Florence is renowned for its fashion, making it a great place for vintage shopping. The city’s elegant streets are lined with stores offering high-quality, stylish vintage pieces. Similar to Rome, Florence can be on the pricier side.

• Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio: A local market that offers a variety of second-hand goods alongside fresh produce, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
• Ceri Vintage: This store offers an exquisite collection of vintage clothing, with a focus on high-end fashion from past decades.
• Melrose Vintage: A well-known store in Florence, offering a diverse range of vintage items, from casual wear to more formal attire.

Florence is generally more expensive than other cities, but the quality of vintage items is often worth the higher price tag. It’s a great place to find luxurious and stylish pieces.

8. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is an emerging hotspot for thrifters and vintage enthusiasts, with a growing number of stores and markets offering unique finds. Hungary is quite affordable compared to Western Europe.

• Ecseri Flea Market: A large market on the outskirts of the city, where you can find a vast selection of antiques, vintage items, and second-hand goods.
• Szputnyik Shop: Blending new designs with vintage pieces, this shop offers a unique shopping experience with a wide range of styles.
• Retrock: Located in the heart of Budapest, Retrock offers a diverse selection of retro and vintage clothing, making it a go-to spot for fashion-forward thrifters.

Budapest is very affordable for thrifting, with many bargains to be found. It’s an excellent place for those looking to find unique pieces at reasonable prices.

9. Paris, France

Paris is a paradise for vintage fashion lovers, with many renowned spots where you can find timeless pieces and chic accessories. France can be expensive, especially in the capital, but there are still affordable thrifting options.

• Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen: The largest antique market in the world, offering an extensive array of vintage and antique items. It’s a must-visit for any vintage enthusiast.
• Kilo Shop: With multiple locations across Paris, this store sells clothes by weight, making it a fun and affordable way to shop for unique pieces.
• Thanx God I’m a V.I.P.: A chic boutique offering high-end vintage items, perfect for those looking for luxurious and stylish additions to their wardrobe.

Paris can be quite expensive, but there are still many affordable thrifting options if you know where to look. Markets and kilo shops can offer great deals.

10. Malaga (and Seville), Spain

In Seville and Malaga (although they’re not really that close to each other they have similar options when it comes to thrifting), you’ll find a blend of traditional Andalusian charm and modern thrifting. The city’s vibrant culture and rich history provide a unique backdrop for a fantastic thrifting experience. Like Madrid, Seville and Malaga are both quite affordable.

• Flamingos Vintage Kilo: A must-visit for affordable vintage clothing sold by weight, making it easy to score great deals on unique items.
• Humana: Part of an international chain, Humana’s stores in Seville offer a wide variety of second-hand clothing, with proceeds supporting social projects.
• Mosaico (Malaga): We found some really amazing deals here as they have once a month a day where you can get everything in the store for just 1 euro (we went wild there).

Seville and Malaga is an affordable city for thrifting, with plenty of markets and shops where you can find unique items at reasonable prices.

11. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s creative vibe is reflected in its vintage and thrift scene, with a variety of stores offering unique and stylish finds. Spain remains relatively affordable, especially for second-hand shopping.

• Els Encants Vells: One of the oldest flea markets in Europe, offering a wide range of vintage and second-hand items. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to discover unique treasures.
• Holala! Plaza: A huge store with a diverse range of vintage items, from clothing to home décor. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• Flamingos Vintage Kilo: Offers a large selection of vintage clothes sold by weight, making it a fun and affordable way to shop for unique pieces.

Barcelona is relatively affordable, with many budget-friendly options for vintage and second-hand shopping. You can find great deals if you explore the markets and shops.

12. Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is an underrated gem for thrift shopping, with a mix of vintage and second-hand stores that reflect the city’s eclectic style. Bulgaria is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe.

• Ladies’ Market: A vibrant market offering a variety of second-hand goods, from clothing to household items. It’s a great place to find bargains and unique pieces.
• Magpie: A boutique offering a curated selection of vintage items, with a focus on high-quality, stylish pieces.
• Humana: Humana is a chain that offer great deals and is something like the US version of Goodwill

Sofia is very affordable for thrifting, with plenty of options to find unique items at budget-friendly prices. It is an overall incredibly inexpensive city to visit.

Check out our blog post about Bulgaria here to learn more about thrifting locations: 10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Sofia | Exploring the Unique Things in Bulgaria’s Capital City

13. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s vibrant and alternative culture makes it a hotspot for vintage and thrift shopping. Germany can be moderately expensive, but Berlin offers a range of affordable thrifting options.

• Mauerpark Flea Market: A famous Sunday market offering a vast array of vintage clothes, antiques, and unique finds, set in a lively and creative atmosphere.
• Humana: With several large stores across Berlin, Humana offers a wide variety of second-hand clothing at reasonable prices.
• Made in Berlin: A well-known store offering a curated selection of high-quality vintage fashion, perfect for those seeking unique and stylish pieces.

Berlin offers a mix of prices, with many affordable thrifting options available, especially in the numerous markets and second-hand shops.

14. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam’s blend of historic charm and modern creativity makes it an excellent destination for vintage shopping. The Netherlands can be on the pricier side, but Amsterdam offers plenty of affordable thrifting options.

• IJ-Hallen: The largest flea market in Europe, held monthly, offering an extensive range of vintage clothing, antiques, and unique items.
• Episode: A popular chain with several locations in Amsterdam, offering a diverse selection of vintage and second-hand clothing.
• Waterlooplein Market: A daily flea market with a variety of vintage items, from clothing to accessories, set in a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

Amsterdam can be moderately expensive, but there are many affordable vintage and second-hand shops to explore, especially in the markets.

15. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s elegant and historic setting provides a unique backdrop for vintage shopping. Austria can be relatively expensive, but there are still plenty of affordable thrifting options.

• Naschmarkt Flea Market: Held every Saturday, this market offers a wide range of vintage clothing, antiques, and collectibles, set in a lively atmosphere.
• Bootik 54: A well-known vintage store offering a curated selection of high-quality clothing and accessories.
• Polyklamott: A boutique offering a mix of vintage and contemporary second-hand clothing, with a focus on stylish and unique pieces.

Vienna tends to be more expensive, but affordable options can still be found, especially in the markets and some second-hand stores.

16. Tel Aviv, Israel

Though not technically in Europe, Tel Aviv’s vibrant culture and eclectic style make it a fantastic destination for vintage and thrift shopping. Israel can be moderately expensive, but Tel Aviv offers a range of affordable thrifting options.

• Givon Market: Located near the famous Sarona Market in city, Vintage Givon offers hundreds of booths with vintage and second-hand clothing, jewelry, trinkets, and so much more.
• Flashback: A great store in the center of the city with both men’s and women’s vintage clothing.
• Aderet: A vintage shop with a smaller selection of goodies, but with reasonable prices, it’s fun to explore here.

Tel Aviv can be moderately expensive, but there are many affordable thrifting options available, especially in the vibrant markets and second-hand shops, you just have to know where to go. And there are so many options for places as well, the three above hardly are the tip of the iceberg!

Looking for more fashion or travel inspiration? Check out the Fashion and Travel pages on our website.

Lots of love and safe travels and shopping,

Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters