Despite being a major capital, Berlin is a relatively relaxed city, and at no time is this more evident than on Sundays. Life slows down, and stores are closed as well. This means that frantic shopping is not an option on Sundays. In its place: the flea market, or Flohmarkt in German.

After a leisurely brunch, Berliners saunter their way to local flea markets to mingle with the masses, hunt for bargains, and just plain hang out.

Stands of used LPs and secondhand clothes sit next to stands hawking the fashions of young designers, and stands featuring antiques. GDR memorabilia and Bavarian lederhosen are two consistent item stand-bys. Plenty of inexpensive eats are on offer as well, from bratwurst to organic juices. At the Mauerpark flea market in Prenzlauer Berg, there is even an outdoor bar or two where you can chill in warm months when you’re all worn out from turning other people’s trash into your treasures.

Even more than good buys, the flea markets offer free, high-quality people-watching for hours of entertainment. Everyone comes out—from haggling grandmothers to hungover hipsters—and many vendors are colorful characters, as well.

We suggest bringing a sturdy bag or two to carry your eventual purchases. You never know what you are going to find. Some of the more well-known markets include those at the Mauerpark, Arkonaplatz, Boxhagenerplatz, and Strasse des 17. Juni.

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