The 20 must-see vintage markets in Italy

Vintage is a term that is related to the world of collecting, antiques and home accessories.

Vintage is now trendy, it is avant-garde because it gives that retro touch that is very fashionable; it has become a phenomenon especially in young people who love fashion and trends, but also by collectors and lovers of unique pieces.

The trend of using vintage clothing showed itself during the 1960s, when Hippie culture emerged with great fervor. Hippies were anti-consumerists and hated waste, which is why they wore second-hand or handmade clothing.

Also, during those years, vintage i.e., "antique" items and garments, took on value and were not just considered as second-hand garments or items.

If you love vintage and antiques, we at Visit Italy will show you the 20 must-see vintage markets in Italy based on your tastes and favorite products.

This article will travel the length of the boot in search of the 20 must-see vintage markets in Italy, so you can take advantage of proximity or an already planned trip to make some wonderful purchases or give special, unobtainable items as gifts to your loved ones.

Known as the Balon, its real name is the Porta Palazzo Flea Market; it is the largest and most exciting vintage market in the regional capital, Turin, and enriches its central streets: Borgo Dora, Lanino, Mameli and Canale Molassi.

The Balon market is a real attraction for vintage and antique lovers with items of all kinds ranging from used books, vinyls, ceramics, furniture items such as sofas or sought-after coffee tables at truly inviting prices. The special thing about this vintage market is that, every second Sunday of the month, it transforms and becomes "Gran Balon" ready to host furniture lovers; you can find truly unique pieces of furniture at equally inviting prices!

Can't get to the Balon in Turin? Starting this year, you can buy vintage items from the comfort of your couch thanks to their revamped website.

With this name that harkens back to antiques, vintage, and objects that tell stories, Vicenza's "I'm No Age" is a very charming antiques, collectibles and vintage market. With its 240 exhibitors invading the city's historic center, the market attracts people from all over Italy both for the choice of items that can be purchased and for the good fortune of visiting the historic center while admiring the 16th-century palaces and the main squares: piazzetta Palladio, piazza Castello and piazzetta Palladio. The information points will help you, with the market map, to make the most of your time by suggesting that you visit Vicenza's historic center and enjoy its cuisine thanks to affiliated restaurants.

It takes place every second Sunday of the month from September through July. Exhibitors will be waiting for you from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and, during the winter months, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We change genres with this market; it is not a vintage market with its antiques and garments, Pavia's Next Vintage is the realm of vintage fashion. The proposed garments, with a refined character, will get a second life so as to evoke past trends that always come back in vogue. The classic nature of the location, namely the Castello di Belgioioso, will make this experience even more magical; you will find sought-after garments, ceremonial, runway but also many accessories and casual and always fashionable garments such as the leather stud, for example.

You will be able to visit the Next Village from Oct. 13 to 16, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the beautiful Belgioioso Castle in Pavia. you can buy the ticket at their website or directly at the Castle ticket office.

This small town in the province of Padua hosts, every last Sunday of the month, the Antiques Market, one of the most scenic and beautiful markets in Europe. Here you can find various antiques, from military items to nineteenth-century items that belonged to nobles and gentlemen of other times; you can indulge yourself by furnishing your home with wonderful antiques. The special feature of this market is bargaining: the streets of Piazzola sul Brenta come alive with people bargaining to "grab" their favorite item at the cheapest price.

This market takes place in the center of the town and in the beautiful Villa Contarini.

Who hasn't heard of Milan's Navigli, the hub of Milan's movida, where the young people who make everything party meet? On the last Sunday of the month, however, the atmosphere changes: from the hustle and bustle of Milan's movida, we go back to a few centuries ago, when there was a bohemian air in the Navigli.

Milan's Mercatone dell'Antiquariato stretches for 2 km along the Naviglio Grande with approximately 400 exhibitors, carefully examined by the market organizers. These are in fact professionals in the field who scrupulously choose the items to be sold.

The antiques on offer at Milan's Mercatone dell'Antiquariato range from gifts to furniture, all characterized by uniqueness and refinement. For lovers of jewelry and watches, this market will satisfy buyers' appetites. There is no shortage of books, vinyls, comics and much more.

The Mercatone's side streets, Via Corsico and Via Paoli, are dedicated to less sought-after vintage, but charming furniture and clothing can be found at affordable prices.

Milan's Mercatone dell'Antiquariato opens from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio.

The Montagnola Park and nearby Piazza VII Agosto host Bologna's most historic vintage market; every Friday and Saturday, from dawn to dusk, more than 400 stalls will invade the city's streets. The market is "divided" into two parts: in the street adjacent to the square, you'll find stalls with vintage clothing from highly sought-after brands such as Prada, Burberry and Levi's and evergreen items such as furs and leather studs. Another part, however, is dedicated to second-hand clothing from the 1960s/70s, characterized by punk and hippie styles.

 You'll be able to find sweatshirts from rock bands, gothic clothing, and clothing from cultures as diverse as Japanese. The town square, on the other hand, is reserved for ready-to-wear fashion, clothing stores renting out their space to make "excursions" from their boutiques, selling the garments at a reduced price.

The Montagnola Market is not only famous for its very careful selection of clothing, but is also known for its affordable items, such as ethnic items. What is special about this market is that it also renews its appointment during the holidays. So why not visit it during the holiday season for example?

Among the 20 must-see vintage markets in Italy, the Chiavari Exhibition Market is one not to be missed! Located in the city's historic center, it stretches over Via Martiri della Liberazione, Via Vittorio Veneto, Via Bighetti and Via Vecchie Mura every Sunday of the month and every Saturday preceding it from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and, during the summer period (July and August), extends until 11 p.m.

At this market professional booksellers display books, antique prints, maps and very special botanical plates. You'll find, without a shadow of a doubt, very distinctive furnishings, from small ceramics to furniture. For lovers of vintage electronics, the market offers retro TVs, vinyls, record players and games of various kinds.

The special feature of this market is that only on Sundays a space is set up in Mazzini Square dedicated to artists who want to exhibit and sell their works.

An old-fashioned fair in Arezzo, held every first Sunday of the month and the Saturday preceding it. It opens to the public at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. (except Saturday, which closes at 7 p.m.). Antiques, modern antiques and arts and crafts invade the streets of the historic center, Piazza Grande and Piazza San Francesco, a very atmospheric location that, with the fair's 500 exhibitors, seems to have been catapulted into another era. This detail makes it the most atmospheric fair in Italy.

Awaiting you will be objects of various kinds such as scientific and musical instruments, collectibles such as coins, jewelry, works of art; furniture, old-fashioned linens, fabrics and much more.

We at Visit Italy recommend you take a look at the windows of the ateliers and workshops in the historic center, most of which were born and grew up thanks to this fair!

Another must-see vintage market in Italy is the Mercatino del Pidocchietto, in the historic center of Passignano sul Trasimeno a stunning town overlooking the equally stunning lake, located in the heart of Italy, in Umbria.

This event floods the entire historic center, between Piazza Baldoni and Via Adua, with 40 exhibitors belonging to hobbyists, art collectors and artists. It takes place from April to October every third Saturday and Sunday of the month from 8 a.m. to midnight; from November to March, however, it takes place every third Sunday of the month from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Pidocchietto Market is made especially for lovers of collectibles and unobtainable and special items: you will find numismatics and philately, prints, postcards and used books. You can find unique pieces made by the operator from wicker, straw, bamboo, wood and even recycled materials, handmade crocheted or hand embroidered items.

Porta Portese has now become a fixture for the citizens of the capital, every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Trastevere district, which, from Porta Portese extends to Via Portuense, Via Ettore Rolli and the small adjacent streets.

Here we are talking about 1,000 exhibitors of all kinds, from costume jewelry to sought-after made in italy to 19th-century antiques. This is a real flea market, where you have to look carefully to grab the best deal. You will come across sartorial garments, very prestigious fabrics but also very cheap stalls where you will find ladies intent on looking for the best garment. You will truly be able to buy anything, even a bicycle!

And what better occasion to taste some Roman street food? Street food stalls are also present, with delicious Ariccia porchetta, classic coppiette and steaming sheep arrosticini!

After exploring the capital's most famous market, why not linger and visit the Eternal City as well? Click on the link below for more information about visiting Rome's most beautiful monuments.

Explore Rome with Visit Rome Pass❯

The Resina Market is the most famous market in Italy because here you can truly experience true vintage, that is, give clothes and heirlooms a second life. It is located in Herculaneum, a town in the province of Naples, in beautiful Campania. It takes place every day of the week, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Resina Market is a paradise for vintage clothing; you can find furs, 1960s jeans from big brands such as Chanel, Prada and Versace; in addition to the highly manufactured exhibitors, there are also those with cheap clothing, vintage costume jewelry but also fake jewelry. You will find leather handbags, designer accessories, jewelry and hats.

Since Herculaneum is only a few kilometers from Naples, why not take advantage of it to have lunch with a tasty pizza or a local fish dish! You can also reach the city easily if you rely on public transportation. Just take the circumvesuviana that connects Herculaneum to Naples.

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For more than 70 years, the Flea Market has been held near Palermo Cathedral between Piazza del Papireto and Piazza Peranni. Stores and permanent tin shacks are active every day until sunset but on holidays until 1 pm.

This market is mostly a market for furniture antiques, a permanent exhibition of Italian and Sicilian antiques. You will also find pieces of modern antiques, Art Nouveau and of course vintage! What's special about the Market is that you will be able to admire, while you shop, glassmakers who work with glass, painters who immortalize the alleys of downtown Palermo through their talents...

In the heart of Rome's San Giovanni neighborhood is the famous vintage market on Via Sannio. It takes place every day of the week except Sundays and holidays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you are a lover of sought-after vintage, this market is for you! Strictly reserved for clothing lovers, the 100 stalls on Via Sannio hold many surprises among accessories, casual wear and evening gowns. Leather is the must-have at this market: leather jackets, nails, gloves and belts of the highest quality. In the 1960s it was very usual for famous artists to commission clothes and accessories for their social evenings from the artisans of Via Sannio. Lovers of extravagant, vintage, biker clothing, camouflage clothing, military paraphernalia such as caps, medals, amphibians, compasses, and so on will also be pleased.

Lucca will await you every third Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will be filled with 200 exhibitors from all over Italy, Via del Battistero, Piazza San Giusto, Piazza San Giovanni, Piazza Antelminelli, Piazza Bernardini and Piazza San Martino.

Quality is the adjective that distinguishes this market, antique collectibles, jewelry, furniture, vintage furnishings and pottery. You can enrich your kitchen with antique and modern tableware, unique pieces of prints and posters. Crystal glasses to look great at your dinner parties or for a gift to some friends, game tables, accordions and so on.

Let's stay still in Tuscany with the Florence flea market, open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Piazza dei Ciompi (Santa Croce area) now housed in a fixed structure in Largo Annigoni.

All kinds of antiques such as antique prints, furniture, as well as modern antiques and famous Florentine handicrafts will be waiting for you. There will be no shortage of collectors' items such as coins and books. For those who are looking for unique pieces for their homes, they will be pleased to find various furniture items such as old lamps and tea sets. Music lovers, on the other hand, will find various vinyl publications from the 1950s.

This market is different among all the ones mentioned above because it is a social aggregation market that uses the flea market format to introduce artisans, hobbyists and emerging artists to everyone. They display small handmade creations such as jewelry, vintage accessories and even clothing. In addition to the exhibitors and beautiful creations, the Popcorn Garage Market will also delight its visitors with live music always by emerging artists, and there will also be a food court where you can stop for a break between purchases with a fresh craft beer. The location that will host the market is the Giardino delle Culture in Milan. During the month of November, the Garden gets dressed up for Christmas with the Christmas version of the Popcorn Garage Market! The items in this month change: they are still unique pieces made by emerging artists, but they will be Christmas-themed! Indulge then to buy all the gifts for this wonderful holiday.

The Vintage Festival is held in Lugo di Romagna and is one of the must-attend vintage markets mentioned in the most popular fashion magazine, Vogue. Each year 300 exhibitors host items and clothing that are nothing short of fabulous. The festival awaits you in the spring and fall, and this year the date is set for April 14 and 15.

The Lugo Vintage Festival is now populated by kids, given the boom in vintage fashion, in fact you can find 80s and 90s Nike sweatshirts, vintage nails and collegiate-style jackets; you'll also find accessories and items from yesteryear such as turntables, vinyls.

To entertain guests, there will also be many musical events during these 2 days.

This vintage market takes place every fourth Sunday of the month under the Portici Ercolani in Senigallia, a beautiful city in the Marche region of Italy; it is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will not be present in July, August and December. 

It is called "Antiques at the Old Filanda" and features vintage, collectibles and many rare and curious pieces. Precisely, it is a market exhibition of handicrafts and collectibles where you can bargain animatedly with the owners of the stands.

It proposes only the excellences of Italian craftsmanship through exhibitions of antique dealers and collectors; among the items sported by the latter you will find mirrors and rural instruments many antiques, very rare items, fine furniture.

The antiques market takes place in Valeggio sul Mincio, a beautiful village in the province of Verona, every fourth Sunday of the month in the main square of the village, near the town hall and the towers of the Scagliero Castle.

This is an antiques market very rich in vintage items with 100 exhibitors waiting for you full of incredible objects, from antique and modern furniture to very particular and sought-after curtains and fabrics, to English ceramics from the 1800s.

You can also indulge in browsing the displays of costume jewelry, knick-knacks of all kinds, and collectibles.

We conclude the list of 20 must-see vintage markets in Italy with the Cherasco antiques markets. Located province of Cuneo, there are six of them and they always take place on the first Sunday of the month in April, May, June, September, October and December.

The characteristic historic center of this town is filled with 600 exhibitors flooded with grandmother's furniture and crockery, but you can also find precious and unique objects that are absolutely not to be missed!

As part of the furniture you can also buy curtains, fabrics and household utensils; collectors will also be pleased with the wide selection of vintage stamps, vinyls, prints, rare posters and odd items to grace your shelves.