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You are here: Home / Attractions / Flea market finds

Flea market finds

by Liz Ayling
April 23, 2012September 16, 2016Filed under:
  • Attractions

Think flea markets and you’ll probably think of les Marchés aux Puces in Paris or of Pettycoat Lane, London – famed flea markets that always feature in these capitals’ tourist guides. But while Malta has tourism literature aplenty, it’s not often you’ll find mention of the flea market that takes place every Sunday on a gravel area just a few paces up from Couvre Porte and the entrance to Birgu. The reason? Probably because you need to get up very early and go somewhat off the regular beaten tourism track. But it’s a firm date each week for throngs of die-hard bargain hunters, mostly locals.

It’s a cross between flea market and car boot sale. You’ll have to jostle past the jumble sale stalls with hoards of women picking over second-hand clothing. But wend your way up and down the rows of stall holders, who’ve set up pitch at 5am to get pole position, and you’ll find some of the quirkiest, weirdest, kitschiest objects you’ll have ever stumbled upon. Need a whole jazz band from the southern USA (in statuette form)? Or some religious memorabilia? Of course, you’ll also find some rare vintage pieces like those 1960s retro lamps you’ve always wanted. Not to mention army surplus that’s great for the kids’ dressing-up box.

Here are just some of the items that caught our eye. Make a date with Birgu’s flea market next week and you’re bound to go back home with something you never knew you wanted! Happy browsing…

Vintage tin ttoys at Birgu flea market

The stall holder knew the value of these tin toys! No bargains here…

Vintage magazines & books, Birgu Flea market

Something for that Sunday afternoon read perhaps?

Religious bric-a-brac at Birgu flea market

Let’s not forget the religious side to Sunday…and Oxo beckoning the Sunday lunch.

Army surplus, Birgu Flea Market

From peace to war…we came across gas masks and German pilot’s goggles too.

Cigarette cards, Birgu flea market, Malta

Bring out the collector in you…

Retro clocks, Birgu flea market, Malta

Perfect for the bedside table.

vintage doll at Birgu flea market, Malta

Something rather unnerving about the look of this long-forgotten doll. But the Kenwoods might be useful.

Birgu flea market stall, Malta

Stetson man! The people are just as fascinating as the finds!

Directions: See Google map for venue.

Tagged:
  • antiques
  • Birgu market
  • bric-a-brac

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About Liz Ayling

Liz Ayling is a serial blogger, feature writer and self-taught geek who has been an expat in Malta for over 20 years. She founded destination site Malta InsideOut in 2009. You'll find her at at her screen in an old village farmhouse which she shares with her Maltese husband, teenage son and two cats. Liz considers herself an insider nowadays but never ceases to be surprised by all that Malta has to offer.

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Ayling says

    August 30, 2013 at 21:25

    Leva,
    I can’t find hard and fast info about the market dates but I would think it will take place this coming Sunday 1st Sept as the peak summer is now over and traders might be back at work. I’d give it a try! Nothing more to it really apart from being there early. It’s a cross between a car-boot sale and a flea market so some stalls will not be true flea market finds but more second-hand clothing for eg. But I am sure you’ll find a thing or two of interest. Good luck!

  2. Ieva says

    August 30, 2013 at 21:09

    Hello! I plan to visit the flea market this upcoming Sunday September 1st. Can you please, confirm it is operating at this time of the year and if there is anything I need to know about it. I already realize I have to be there early:) LOL Thanks!!!

  3. Elizabeth Ayling says

    June 9, 2013 at 20:17

    Simone,
    To be honest, I am not sure, but I did receive an email from someone who said they’d set up the market in the first place, so perhaps if I let them know we’ve had this enquiry, they can help. I’ll keep you posted asap I can.

  4. Simone says

    June 9, 2013 at 02:00

    Dear Elizabeth, how does one book to come and sell items please? And is there a donation at the door?

  5. Martin says

    May 7, 2013 at 11:44

    Thank you for the information. I will be there next week!

  6. Elizabeth Ayling says

    April 9, 2013 at 13:43

    Justina,
    see you on Sunday then as I hope to make it to Birgu flea market this weekend! Good trip here!

  7. Justina says

    April 9, 2013 at 13:40

    Hey! Thanks for information! I’m going to Malta tomorrow! 😉

  8. Elizabeth Ayling says

    April 9, 2013 at 09:21

    Martin,
    The market is open from very early to around early afternoon. Like any flea market or car boot sale, it pays to be there as early as possible to grab the find and bargains! I tend to get there around 8.30am and find it already bustling. I suggest 7.30, if you can bear to get up that early!

  9. Martin says

    April 8, 2013 at 13:11

    Can you say what hours the market is open?

    Thanks

  10. mario says

    March 23, 2013 at 18:18

    l was the person that started the birgu market,with the help of a trader named lorry,now myself run a stall in valletta market every sunday which used to be the first market in malta and now is in floriana, l can tell you that is very popular with maltese and tourist alike,there is a bit of everything and prices really hope to see you someday too.take care

  11. Elizabeth Ayling says

    July 5, 2012 at 13:44

    Sasha,
    I think it does run in summer too. In fact, I was going to go this coming Sunday (very early I might add) so if I do, I’ll let you know if it’s on still. It’s always something to get up at crack of dawn for, heat or not!

  12. Sacha says

    July 5, 2012 at 10:54

    Is the flea market open every Sunday, even in summer? Thanks…

  13. Elizabeth Ayling says

    June 11, 2012 at 20:13

    Anne,
    Well, it depends on what you’re after and how keen you look! Stall holders do know the value of things though, so real finds might not be bargain basement. Play hard to get and not that bothered and prices are negotiable. Try to get a batch for a job lot price, that helps.I got some nice retro ’50s glassware for a good price.

  14. Anne says

    June 9, 2012 at 17:58

    What about the prices? Are they reasonable or, as very often in Malta, way too high?

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