If you’ve ever wondered, “Does Milan have a flea market?” the answer is a resounding yes! Milan may be celebrated for its cutting-edge fashion and design, but beneath its stylish façade lies a thriving vintage and antique shopping scene.
As an average vintage and antique enthusiast, I always find myself on the lookout for hidden gems and unique treasures. In this blog post, I will tell you the best flea markets in Milan, then share my experience and insights into Milan’s vintage and antique shopping scene, and what to expect at each market.
What's inside?
Here’s a list of some remarkable vintage and antique markets in Milan:
Mercatino di Antiquariato in Piazza Diaz
Every first, second and third Thursday of each month except in August, in Piazza Duomo (Arengario) to Via Gonzaga, and every third Sunday of the month under the Arengario in Via Marconi, the historic market stalls that sell antiques and collectibles, vintage and artistic craftsmanship in the heart of old Milan are set up.
On display you will find a selection of high quality products such as, antique furniture from the 18th-19th-20th centuries; authentic collectible American costume jewelery from the 1930s and 1940s, jewelery with fossils and semi-precious stones, unique handmade pieces; fossils, shells, collectible hard stones.
Check up-to-date information on https://www.mercatiniecuriosita.com
Mercatino della Pusterla in Via Olona
A neighbourhood aggregation event, with specific themes such as manual skills, creativity and “Made in Italy“. The market positions iitself as niche alternative to traditional market events.
Every second and third Thursday of the month excluding, July and August; you will find a market of creative ingenuity, vintage and craftsmanship in Via Olona, corner of Via De Amicis, a few steps from the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, and the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio.
The market has on display and sale objects produced with recycled materials, artistic, ethnic, creative ingenuity, craftsmanship, collectibles and design.
Check up-to-date information on https://www.mercatiniecuriosita.com
Fiera di Sinigaglia in Porta Ticinese
Every Saturday from 8:00 to 18:00 in Ripa di Porta Ticinese from Via Pasquale Paoli to Via Barsanti, the Sinigaglia Fair is the only weekly flea market in Milan, a true institution since 1800. The Fair attracts a large and varied audience made up of the curious, enthusiasts, connoisseurs. It is difficult not to find the object of desire.
Old vinyl records, clothing (vintage, trendy and used), modern antiques, second-hand goods, ethnic and tribal items, old and new books, DVD films, organic cosmetics, collectible coins, rare cacti and herbaceous plants, and much more can be found on display.
Stay updated on the news on the “Fiera di Sinigaglia Milano” Facebook page.
Little Market in Piazza Sant’Eustorgio
The Little Market is held every first and second Saturday of the month except in January, July and August. You can find Made in Italy craftsmanship, design and collectible products.
Every second Saturday of the month, from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm, a cultural and recreational itinerary of wooden games called “Grandparents’ Games” holds. This activity aims to disseminate popular traditions, in particular with the theme of gaming, by providing stations with skill and team games entirely made by hand following the patterns of the past.
Check up-to-date information on https://www.mercatiniecuriosita.com
East Market in Mecenate
Milanese vintage yearly event dedicated to private individuals and professionals, where everyone can buy, sell and exchange.
Hundreds of selected exhibitors from all over Italy showcase thousands of unusual and extravagant objects. From the most sought-after vintage clothing to the most refined craftsmanship, from the rarest vinyl records to colorful furnishing accessories.
Some other items you can find the East Market include: collectible items, modern antiques, design, books, comic books, poster, magazines and prints, electronics, militaria, games and video games, various oddities, dishes, and porcelain.
A food & beverage areas accompany the market. East Market Diner, where the cafeteria and bakery with sweet and savoury baked products are located. Numerous trucks are available to the public with an ever-changing offering of international cuisine and street food, without forgetting the Italian tradition and also many options for vegans, celiacs, and kids.
Check up-to-date information on https://www.eastmarketmilano.com
Il Mercatone dell’Antiquariato in Navigli
One of Milan’s most famous vintage and antique markets is the Il Mercatone dell’antiquariato in Navigli, also called the Navigli Vintage Market. The Navigli district, known for its picturesque canals and vibrant atmosphere, transforms into a treasure trove of vintage goods on the last Sunday of every month. This market is a true hidden gem for collectors and antique enthusiasts.
Along the entire first stretch of the Naviglio Grande, from Viale Gorizia to the Via Valenza bridge, on a route of almost two kilometers all overlooking the banks of the oldest canal in Milan.
Furniture, watches, porcelain, silver, jewellery, dolls, games, collectibles, books, glasses, radios, modern antiques, sticks, bronzes, glass, comics and prints are carefully displayed.
During the event, all the shopkeepers in the area, as well as all the numerous refreshment areas and art ateliers, remain open to make the day’s visit to the exhibitions pleasant.
Check up-to-date information on https://www.navigliogrande.mi.it/mercatone-dellantiquariato/
What Time Does Navigli Vintage Market Open?
Arriving early in the morning is key to getting the most out of my visit to the Navigli Vintage Market. The market typically opens at 9:00 AM, and I learned that it’s best to arrive shortly after opening to beat the crowds and have the first pick of the treasures on display. It’s not uncommon to see dedicated collectors and fashion aficionados eagerly scouting for that one-of-a-kind find as the sun rises over the canals.
bASAr in Porta Ticinese
At bASAr in Via Arena 25, you can find new, used and vintage items every second Saturday of the month from 10am to 6pm, except in August.
At the market you can find a bit of everything: new books and used items at advantageous prices, objects, used and new clothes, bags, hats, shoes, and often fabulous deals at modest prices.
Check up-to-date information on “Asa Milano” Facebook page.
Il Bagagliaio in Novegro Exhibition Park
Il Bagagliaio Market is an outdoor event dedicated to private exhibitors. An immense quantity of merchandise is scattered in the various stands: from the most usual accessories for the home to clothing, books, and furniture, to the strangest and most disparate objects.
Real collectors often wander around the stalls looking for some great deals in the second-hand market.
Discover all the news on the parcoesposizioninovegro.it website
Mercato in Abbiategrasso
Excellent deals in Abbiategrasso every third Sunday of the month at the modern antiques, hobbies, craft, and antiques market.
Every third Sunday of the month (excluding January, July, and August) the pedestrian area of the Visconteo Castle hosts a market suitable for all needs.
Mercatini in Piazza San Nazaro in Brolo
In the heart of old Milan, first and third Wednesdays in the month except in January, July and August the stalls overlook Corso di Porta Romana. Street market stalls with vintage, artistic craftsmanship and creative ingenuity are open from 8.00 to 19.00.
Mercatino Antiquariato in Cusago
Since 1996, in the historic center, next to the Medieval Castle, every second Sunday of the month, excluding January, July, and August, the Mercatino Antiquariato hosts around 70 exhibitors.
Furniture, curious collectibles, ancient iron and branches, ceramics, silver, lace, frames, coins, ethnic antiques, books and prints, modern antiques, and everything else crowd the streets.
For some years, there have also been stalls selling high-quality organic foods: cheeses, sausages, fruit preserves, rice, honey, and many other carefully selected foods, offered directly by the producers.
During the events you can often taste typical specialties of the Lombard tradition, lard and salami from the Cusaghesi farms, sometimes risottos or tripe or grilled sausages, always all washed down generously with Lombard red wine.
Mercatino Arte e Cultura in Gorgonzola
Every first Sunday of the month from March to December, excluding the summer months. An unmissable event for enthusiasts and the curious with art and culture, artisans, antiques, and modern items, Passalibro and the Coldiretti (National Confederation of Direct Farmers) corner.
Check up-to-date information on the organiser’s Facebook page – “Pro Loco Gorgonzola“
Mercato del Brocantage
Brocantage – Monza antiques market takes place every second Sunday of the month in via Bergamo, except in August. In the months of January, April, October, and November the market offers an additional edition on the fourth Sunday of the month.
An event not to be missed for enthusiasts of crafts and antiques, where stalls sell historical pieces, which attracts antiques and crafts enthusiasts from all over Lombardy.
L’Antico Baule in Lodi Vecchio
Antiques, modern, and hobby exhibitors crowd the main square of the town for a traditional event dedicated to enthusiasts and the curious.
The market takes place on the third Sunday of every month and approximately from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm, except on Christmas and Easter days. The market area is Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, unless a different location is decided with a specific act issued by the City Council.
Here, you can find antiques dating back to at least 50 years, and modern objects from the 1940s, 1950s and so on, up to relatively recent times.
Happy vintage hunting and shopping in Milan!
