Set on an extensive stretch of land, straddled by Marine Drive on one side and the cool Atlantic Ocean on the other, the Milnerton Flea Market is one of Capetown’s oldest, largest and most iconic informal fairs. It is also a veritable heaven for irredeemable hoarders and deal seekers. And it’s worth mentioning that the Milnerton Flea Market probably has one of the most spectacular scenery that can be enjoyed at a flea market.
Established more than twenty years ago in Milnerton (the flea market moved more recently to Paarden Eiland), this lively open-air trading space gather every Saturday and Sunday of the week on the edge of Table Bay, a mix of serious collectors, nostalgic Afrikaans elderly, incurable magpies, deal-hungry artisans and curious tourist.
And it seems that it is, in part, the thrill of sifting through the clutter and seeking out that irresistible bargain find, that one rare hidden gem, that keeps the flow of market-goers coming back religiously to the Milnerton Flea Market every week.
Discarded bric-a-brac and antique collectibles
Weekend after weekend, the 250 stands composing the Milnerton Flea Market are filled with an endless array of inexpensive second-hand goods, dusty old odds and ends, discarded bric-a-brac and antique collectibles.
Numerous open car boots laden and make-shift trestle tables showcase a variety of elaborately-decorated antique jugs and tea sets, vintage cameras, porcelain gravy boats, old records, unwanted wetsuits, glass kitchenware, copper door knockers, gold-plated buddhas, and vehicle parts.
One of the secret to making a success of your trawl through the Milnerton market, is to try not to become immune to the overwhelming amount of ‘stuff’ to be had: there are so many stalls that after about twenty minutes one begins to lose the impulse to dig through items. So stay sharp by taking a break at one of the many food stalls or simply by enjoying the view.
The Milnerton Flea Market: a flea market with a view
Located practically on a section of reclaimed land of Paarden Island close to the beaches where the initial white settlers to this country landed, the Milnerton Flea Market truly has more to offer than a broad selection of antiques and knick-knack. And the fresh sea breezes and the ocean sight are only matched by the scenic views of the majestic Table Mountain overlooking the city of Cape Town.
All in all, the Milnerton Flea Market offers a truly unique outing and flea market shopping experience coupled with spectacular Cape Town scenery. Click here to discover other scenic flea markets from around the world.
Where: Marine Drive (R27) and Milner Road Intersection, Paarden Eiland (Cape Town, South Africa)
When: Saturday 8am-2pm, Sunday 8am-3pm, and Public Holidays (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday). The market is weather-dependent. Regulars usually attend the Milnerton Flea Market early on Saturday morning (rather than Sundays). That way, they can enjoy from new stock before the weekend crowds roll in.
What to expect: Antiques, Vintage Items, second hand products, Books, Memorabilia, Collectibles – Burgers, Hotdogs, Ice Cream, Dried Fruit and Nuts – Public Toilets with Wheelchair Facility.
Web: milnertonfleamarket.co.za
