Fab four: your ultimate guide to the world's greatest flea markets

It's moved location a few times, but Chatuchak, which claims to be the world's largest outdoor market, has been in operation continuously since 1938. You'll need seriously comfy shoes and a fair bit of stamina to get around to even a fraction of its 15,000 stalls, spread across 14 hectares, but the market is helpfully divided into numbered sections, with each soi, or side street, dedicated to specific goods; from antiques and art to handicrafts and furniture. And should you fall in love with something you can't fit in your suitcase, it's possible to have your find couriered home at a pretty reasonable price. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 6pm, Chatuchak (also known as JJ Market) gets very hot and crowded by afternoon, so best to arrive early. chatuchakmarket.org

You might recognise Portobello Road from its cameo in the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts movie Notting Hill. While the market's open all week, it's on Friday and Saturday when almost 1000 antique traders join the fruit and flower sellers and food stalls that it comes into its own.

Browse stacks of rare books and old records, antique furniture, jewellery and kitschy bric-a-brac, but don't expect a bargain; prices tend to be at the higher end. Fashionistas should head to the Portobello Green end of the market for vintage clothes on Friday and a showcase of the work of emerging designers on Saturdays. If you find yourself in need of refreshment, there are plenty of classic pubs around in the area, including The Castle, directly across from that famous "blue door". visitportobello.com

Not to be confused with the weekday produce market, the Feria de San Telmo takes place in the city's oldest barrio every Sunday from 10am to 4 pm. There are about 300 stalls centred around Plaza Dorrego, where certified dealers sell mid-century furniture, art and just about every niche collectible you could conceive of; from model cars to musical instruments, military regalia, antique clocks, furniture and glassware.

A collection of 11 covered markets as well as stalls and stores in five surrounding streets, Marche aux Puces (flea market) de Saint-Ouen in the 18th arrondissement has been here since 1870 and claims to have the highest concentration of antique dealers and second-hand sellers in the world.

Designers, renovators and collectors come early on Saturday or Sunday morning to view dealers' stock, which is generally more upscale than the descriptor "flea market" might suggest, but among the antique furniture, objets d'art, silverware, vintage clothing, old postcards and jewellery, it's always possible to find a bargain. The artistically arranged stalls and chic fellow hunters mean it's worth visiting for the photo opportunities alone - just keep your valuables close. pucesdeparissaintouen.com