Jumble sale trails: a chance to amble your way around Cologne’s neighbourhoods
Second-hand skates, unused waffle makers and jeans that don’t fit any more – the idea behind jumble trails is as simple as it is brilliant. Neighbours organise a sale in their gardens or yards and sell preloved items that are too good to throw away. With whole districts taking part, visitors get to see the neighbourhoods and all their enchanting courtyards from a completely different perspective with the chance to pick up an array of rare gems along the way.
Upcoming dates
The next trail will be in the neighbourhood of Vogelsang on 31 May 2025. There’s another one in Bickendorf on 1 June, then in Flittard and Stammheim on 7 June and then again in Riehl on 14 June. For all other dates, take a look at the Hofflohmärkte Köln website.
Flea market at Bumann & Sohn: hip vibes in the Ehrenfeld district
The flea market at Bumann & Sohn shifts the focus from mass-produced goods to second-hand, adding delicious drinks and chilled sounds to the mix. It’s the place to go for anyone who prefers a gentle browse to the shop-til-you-drop experience. Vintage clothing from labels you’ll love, designer knick-knacks or even just a bit of people-watching – this market blends the local, laid-back vibe with creative chaos.
The event is held in the club’s courtyard, which is partly covered so rain isn’t a problem. With food trucks next door and DJ tunes in the air, this place exudes the ultimate lazy Sunday feeling.
Bumann & Sohn, Bartholomäus-Schink-Straße 2, 50825 Cologne
Upcoming dates
The next Bumann & Sohn flea market will be held from 12 noon to 5pm on 9 June. For further details, check the website.
Alter Feuerwache flea market: a vintage setting in the Agnesviertel district
The setting alone is reason enough to visit the second-hand market at Alte Feuerwache in the Agnesviertel district. The large courtyard, with its brick buildings dating back to the 1890s, has a unique atmosphere that echoes to the stories of past decades. This quaint ambience makes Alte Feuerwache a popular meeting place. The centre hosts numerous intercultural get-togethers, a number of Sommerblut Kulturfestival events and the popular flea markets. Taking place once a month – and sometimes twice – they attract new visitors every time. The focus is on second-hand, vintage, books, arts & crafts and antiques – often sold by the local community.
Alte Feuerwache, Melchiorstraße 3, 50670 Cologne
Upcoming dates
The next Alte Feuerwache flea markets will be on 29 June, 6 and 20 July, 23 August, 14 and 27 September and 5 October.
Bric-a-brac, book and collectors’ market in Riehl:a paradise for bookworms
If you love books, make sure you take a trip to Cologne’s Riehl neighbourhood. Held several times per year, this second-hand market on Riehler Gürtel, right next to Cologne Zoo, attracts more than 150 vendors of books, stamps and other collector items. With its backdrop of a pretty, tree-lined avenue, the whole thing has something of the French charm of the famous Paris bouquiniste book-sellers along the banks of the Seine.
Bric-a-brac, book and collectors’ market, between Amsterdamer Straße and Stammheimer Straße (side entrance to Cologne Zoo), 50735 Cologne
Upcoming dates
The bric-a-brac, book and collectors’ markets are always held on Sundays. The next ones are on 15 June, 13 July, 10 August, 14 September, 12 October and 9 November.
Girls’ second-hand market: good vibes & girl power in the Kalk and Ehrenfeld neighbourhoods
Not into clothes off the peg? Then the girls’ second-hand market in Cologne is the perfect place for you! Fashion enthusiasts gather regularly at these “by girls, for girls” events in the city’s Kalk and Ehrenfeld neighbourhoods to rummage through the stalls in search of cool vintage pieces, brand-name clothing, designer wear and hand-made items. There’s an admission charge of 4 euros and then it’s off to find a garment or two to add to your wardrobe!
Girls’ second-hand market at Pattenhalle, Christianstraße 82, 50825 Cologne
Upcoming dates
The next girls’ second-hand markets will take place on 31 May, 14 June, 28 June, 19 July and 23 August (always 12 noon to 5pm).
Wilhelmplatz flea market: a bargain hunter’s heaven in the Nippes neighbourhood
The bric-a-brac and collectors’ market on Wilhelmplatz square in the neighbourhood of Nippes is fantastic for late risers. Whilst most second-hand markets open early in the morning, this one doesn’t start until 11am. It still makes sense to get there early though because it’s no secret that the best finds are the first to go. More than 150 vendors sell household items like crockery, lamps, pictures and small items of furniture. But you can also pick up second-hand clothing, toys and the odd rare record here too. There’s only one thing you won’t find here and that’s new goods.
Flea market on Wilhelmplatz square, 50733 Cologne
Upcoming dates
The next dates in 2025 are 22 June, 20 July, 17 August, 21 September, 19 October and 30 November (always on a Sunday).
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