It is one of those Berlin Sundays that are really fun: The sun is shining wonderfully warm and so do the people, because no one here thinks about Mondays. In summer time, when the Mauerpark flea market opens its doors on Sundays, the former Berlin railroad marshalling park is upside down. On Bernauer Straße in front of the park, where cars only play second fiddle today, people crowd towards the entrance. The air is light and the ever-increasing smells and sounds of the approaching flea market attract visitors like a magnet. From the ridge on the east side of the park, you get a good overview of the grounds and the hustle and bustle in the park. When you finally dive into the maze of stalls, small workshop areas and street food carts, you feel like you've been beamed to a faraway place in the hustle and bustle. Complemented by various music performances every few meters and the most colorful people in the capital, it is already an experience to look for a good vantage point with a refreshing cold drink and watch what is happening.

The huge range of products offered by retailers is particularly outstanding: Traditional flea market goods such as grandma's good porcelain, fine collections of ashtrays and old lithographs of butterflies and insects alternate with the influences of the creative scene, which brings their art to the people. Here you can find pretty much everything that is currently chic: from homemade clothing & jewelry, printed bags and pouches to toys & vintage stuff. The weirdest lampshades you've ever seen, crunchy wingchairs that revive the charm of the 50s and 60s in your mind's eye and, of course, records and books over and over again make you struggle to pull out your wallet.

The dealers look happy sitting there in the sun, gossiping and laughing. They probably have reason enough to do so, because even around the later afternoon, people are still standing close together in front of the stands while they inspect the goods and have fun arguing about the prices.

The nice thing about this flea market is that, unlike many other Berlin flea markets, it has direct access to an extensive open space. So if it gets too busy, too hot or too colorful in the hustle and bustle, simply ring out and sits down on the soft grass or for an open karaoke session in the “Amphitheater des Mauerpark”, which has now become legendary. A spectacle that reliably attracts hundreds of people each time, who sing, drink, dance and enjoy life together. Berlin from its most beautiful side.

Add something delicious grilled and a cool drink in hand — that's how flea market goes in Mauerpark!

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