The best flea markets, antiques & vintage shops in Bologna

Maybe I was born old, but I've always been attracted to flea and antique markets.
At first it was Kinder Surprise, then stamps, later vinyl and furniture.

Here’s my pick of the best flea and vintage markets and second-hand shops in Bologna.

And since walking, browsing, and digging are calorie-consuming activities, I suggest to you what and where to eat near the markets.

Night or day, Santo Stefano is the most beautiful square in Bologna.
Even covered with vintage stalls selling vinyl, antiques, jewelry, furniture and books, its allure remains untouched. Perfect activity for a Sunday in Bologna when most of the food markets and restaurants are closed.

Info
Every month, on the 2nd weekend of August excluded
Piazza Santo Stefano, Bologna
Tel. +39 051 204111

What to eat
Santo Stefano Basilica, 7 churches, and many religious symbols. The street nearby is called Jerusalem Street.

What's better than a pub called L'infedele (The unfaithful) to get a beer and harmonize with the environment? Or take a walk to Cremeria Santo Stefano for the best pistachio gelato of your life.

Need shipping?
Found a mid-century lamp but can't fit it in your carry-on? 
Most street vendors don't ship, but the professional antique dealers in Piazza Santo Stefano often have a physical gallery. Always ask for a 'biglietto da visita' (business card); if they have a shop, they can usually arrange professional crating and shipping for you.

A brand new flea market under the covered Piazza Lucio Dalla.

This is for the ones who love vintage clothes, Hawaii t-shirts, Dr Martens, and co.
Some stalls also sell books, vinyl, CDs and what their basements have to offer.

A good place to make good deals.

Info
On the 1st Sunday of every month.
Piazza Lucio Dalla, Via Aristotile Fioravanti, 37c, 40129 Bologna BO

What to eat
You are in the Bolognina neighborhood, a place to look for international cuisine. 
Yuzuya is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Bologna, but you will also find Greek, African, and Georgian restaurants.

If you're in the mood for pizza, at Bianco Farina you can find one of my best pizza in Bologna. Napoli style, of course.

Piazzola Market in Piazza VIII Agosto is almost more traditional than tortellini in brodo.
But if you visit the square every Thursday, you can find vintage stalls run by collectors' booksellers, specializing in old comics, magazines, satirical newspapers and old postcards.

Info
Every Thursday from 8:30 am to 5 pm
Piazza VIII Agosto, 40126 Bologna

What to eat
There's a magic combo just next door. Pizza&Gelato. Not one of our Bologna food tour, but another great one.

Forno Brisa and Galliera 49 are in front of each other. The first is a cool bakery to get squares of gourmet pizza.
The second serves one of the best gelato of Bologna and a superior granita.

A good excuse to visit Savigno, the village of truffles, is its Sunday flea market.
Go hunting for old porcelain, vintage furniture, and memorabilia around the streets of the village.
And when you find your desired item, make a hole in the heart of the seller to get a discount.

Info
Every second Sunday of every month from March to December.
Savigno

What to eat
Second-hand stuff is good, but the main reason to visit Savigno is the food. Amerigo looks like an old family tavern, but it's one of the few Michelin restaurants in Bologna.

One of the largest flea markets in the Bologna area takes place in the village of Medicina.
+300 exhibitors under the porticoes, in the squares and gardens.

The key to scoring the best deals?
Getting there as early as possible.

Info
On the first Sunday of every month, January, July, and August are excluded.
Tel. +39 339 6288710

What to eat
The legend tells that Medicina took its name from Federico Barbarossa emperor.
Coming from Milan, he felt sick and decided to rest in the village. Here he healed thanks to a snake fallen in his imperial soup.

Miraculous or not, the food in Medicina is pretty great.
Stop at Osteria di Medicina for a good dish of tagliatelle al ragù or at the stunning Locanda Pincelli if you'd like to have a Michelin-style experience.

Buying at a flea market in Italy is a performance. 
If you pay the first price mentioned, you’re missing out on half the fun (and spending too much). 

Here is how to handle the 'trattativa':

• The 20% rule: generally, a 15-20% discount is almost always expected. If an item is €50, asking for €40 is a fair opening move.
• The 'bundle' strategy: found a ceramic vase and an old magazine? Put them together. Vendors are much more likely to drop the price if you’re taking multiple items off their hands.
• Cash is king: while many shops now accept cards, street vendors at flea markets still love cash. Telling a seller "I only have €30 in cash" is often the most effective way to close a deal quickly.
• Smile and walk away: if the price is too high, thank them and start to walk. If they have room to move, they’ll call you back before you’ve taken five steps.

If the markets aren't on today, don't worry. 
Bologna's streets are lined with incredible permanent shops that offer curated collections of '900s design and fashion.

Run by the visionary Maurizio Marzadori, this is more a design museum than a shop. 

Tucked away in a stunning cloister, Freak Andò specializes in 20th-century furniture, Bauhaus pieces, and an extraordinary collection of antique toys. 

Even British dealer Drew Pritchard met him in one of his Salvage Hunters' trips.

It’s the place to go if you’re looking for a statement piece for your home or simply want to be inspired by Italian and international design history.

• Where: Via delle Moline, 14/C, Bologna.
• freakando.com

Located just a stone's throw from the vibrant Via del Pratello, Crocevia is a small but mighty second-hand gem. 

It’s the perfect spot for those who love to browse through a mix of vintage clothes and home decor. If you are traveling light, look here for Italian ceramics and small trinkets that will easily fit in your suitcase.

• Where: Via Santa Croce, 11/A, Bologna
• mercatinocrocevia.it

A favorite among locals, this large space near the 'Maggiore' hospital offers a bit of everything. 

From designer vintage clothing (look closely and you might find some Armani or Prada) to well-organized record crates and books. It’s also great for furniture and quirky objects.

Pro tip: since you are in the area, take a 10-minute walk to visit the Certosa of Bologna, one of the most beautiful monumental cemeteries in Europe. It's an open-air museum of sculpture.

• Where: Via Bruno Monterumici, 36, Bologna.

Whether you are a professional collector or just looking for a sustainable souvenir from your trip, Bologna’s second-hand scene won’t disappoint. 

Take your time, walk under the porticoes, and don't be afraid to haggle a bit. That's what you'll remember the most.