A Japanese legend says objects, after a hundred years, become tsukumogami - in other words objects with a soul that can have a positive or a negative influx. Who knows how many stories intersect at those incredible places: flea markets!

 

In the past few years, passion for vintage second-hand items has increased everywhere, thus making the fortune of little forgotten shops and flea markets. This is a nice alternative for those who boycott fashion and collect unique pieces following a special or bizarre personal taste, or who simply love meeting people.

 

Moreover, buying second-hand items is part of those good green policy norms people talk about so much these days. Here are some suggestions on where to find some interesting articles.

Fiera di Sinigaglia (Sinigaglia Market)

On Saturdays, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

 

The history of Milanese vintage shopping was made here. If you are in for tradition, there are no other markets like this one. It was set up for the first time at the end of the nineteenth century and it is now possible to find almost everything: designer clothes and trinkets, very old postcards, collectors' vinyl and stylish necklaces with a rave culture flair.

 

Customers belong to various categories: from old punksters to Russian models, from young trappers to magnificently bejewelled ladies. Everything can be found, for all budgets, market segments and types of consumer. This market will not leave anyone unsatisfied.

Naviglio Grande antiques market

Last Sunday of each month
 

This market takes place once every month along the Naviglio Grande, from the Darsena to Via Valenza, with different stands selling jewellery, glasses, paintings, clocks and watches. Prices are not necessarily cheap, but among the merchants are true artists, master artisans and vintage collectors.

 

You will feel like you are taking a dive into the past, into the vintage atmosphere of the old Naviglio.

 

Milano East Market

Once per month (check openings on the official website)
 

 

The East Market moved to its new expanded location after leaving its historical site in the Lambrate district. Here clothing mixes with accessories, jewellery, vinyl records, old professional cameras, tableware, furniture pieces, posters and trinkets of all kinds. Everything is methodically ranged in the stalls and each becomes a counterculture hub. As you go from stand to stand, try some the notable street food. This is also a perfect place to take some new pictures to post on Instagram.

Mercatino Penelope (Penelope Flea Market)

From Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM; on Sundays from 3:00 PM to 7.30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
 

 

This is a playland of sorts, with armchairs, lamps, bookshelves and all the useful pieces of home furniture that you can conceive of. This is also a place where good deals can be made.

Tra noi e voi flea market

From Monday to Saturday 10AM to 12.30 AM / 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  Mondays 10:30 AM to 7.30 PM. 
 

 

Gather up patience and take some time. This market located in the old basement of a big building in the Repubblica area looks like Alice in Wonderland’s White Rabbit Hole. Mirrors send back your reflection all over the place, among chairs from the ‘70s, solid dressers that seem to come directly out of a Little House on the Prairie set, Coca Cola glasses next to first-rate crystals, bar carts and some bizarre sunglasses. 

 

This is what you can expect when you enter this parallel reality where the immortal ‘70s are alive again.