The Nine Best Flea Markets and Second-Hand Shops in Stockholm

From Monday to Friday, Hötorget is a cornucopia of fruit, vegetable and flower stalls filling the 17th-century marketplace. Hötorgetshallen, an international food hall, overlooks the cobbled square and is a cheap spot where even the fussiest of eaters will find something they like. For those seeking homewares, pottery, books and vinyl, head to the marketplace on a Sunday, when it transforms into a flea market popular with bargain-hunting residents. Note that entrance is free.

Head to T-Centralen metro station and take the train to Norsborg until you hit Vårberg Centrum, where one of the city’s original flea markets occurs daily. The journey (which takes about 25 minutes) is worth it, as furniture and clothes can be found for bargain prices unlikely to be seen elsewhere in the capital. The sprawling expanse is not for the faint of heart – so don’t be shy, get stuck in and set aside half a day for some serious treasure hunting. Entrance is free weekdays, 15SEK (£1.25) on Saturdays and 10SEK (£0.80) on Sundays. The market opens at 10.30am every day and shuts around 5pm to 6pm depending. Be warned, weekends are busy.

If you’re in Stockholm over the summer months, then you’ll want to catch this atmospheric market held every weekend on the waterfront in Södermalm. Alongside the flea market, which is a treasure trove of second-hand and vintage clothing, you’ll find stalls selling antiques and art. If you need some sustenance to keep your rummaging energy levels high, head to one of the market’s many food trucks and pop-up restaurants. Entrance is free and the market is open 11am to 5pm from April to September.

Located 15 minutes south of the city centre in Skarpnäck, this massive second-hand emporium is so popular that customers queue for an hour just to be the first to grab a bargain. Open from Thursday to Sunday all year round, it’s a great stop for anyone looking for homewares, clothes or even a bike – the warehouse holds auctions outdoors during the summer season.

Positioned around the fountain at the heart of this circular park, Karlaplan’s charming flea market is easy to fit in with a day spent shopping in Stockholm’s city centre. Stalls range from bric-a-brac to artisanal design, with plenty of second-hand clothes up for grabs from Stockholm’s chic residents. The market is every Saturday at 11am to 3pm during April to June, and then again from August to October.

Sweden prides itself on its democratic society, and this flea market is no different: open to everyone and anyone selling things they have made, things they no longer need and things they forgot they had. Its central location – by Norr Mälarstrand’s promenade and City Hall – and Sunday hours make it an ideal addition to a weekend trip. Stop by from 11am to 3pm during May, August and September to find things you never knew you needed.

This chain of second-hand shops first opened in Gothenburg about a century ago. The Swedish Salvation Army retailer is now commonplace throughout the country, with multiple locations in Stockholm. Full of vintage and second-hand clothing, homeware and gadgets, it is a must-visit for savvy shoppers looking for a bargain. The charity shop donates surplus items to social work initiatives and provides tips for living a carbon-neutral life on its website.

A contemporary art gallery and former paint factory (the name literally translates as ‘colour factory’), Färgfabriken is also home to lots of different events – including design fairs for up-and-coming creatives, seasonal markets and a recurring flea market. Although Färgfabriken draws a young, hip crowd, there are still plenty of bargains to be found. When you’re finished rummaging, head to the gallery café for a delicious brunch of eggs benedict, a pancake stack or a freshly baked croissant. Entrance is free, and be sure to check their Facebook page for upcoming dates and times.

For those who know the thrill of waking up at 6am to go to a car boot sale, this drive-in flea market is sure to excite. Just a 30-minute drive north of Stockholm, you’ll be on the outskirts of Täby, where residents sell clothes, homewares and curiosities from the trunk of their cars. There are food trucks selling hot dogs – with vegetarian and vegan alternatives available – plus coffee to fortify bargain hunters. The market is open every weekend from May to October.