There's more to Singapore's shopping scene than malls and fancy boutiques.

Whether you’re after handmade trinkets by local artists or vintage pre-owned vintage items, there’s a flea market for whatever you're looking for. Here are six of our favorite recurring markets.

MAAD

MAAD, or Market of Artists and Designers, is held at the Red Dot Design Museum and is one of Singapore’s first markets to focus on original creations by local artists, designers and crafters.
Great for: Small gifts and cool souvenirs for visitors. Think lots of interesting accessories like notebooks, earrings, temporary tattoos and hand-painted ceramics. Plus, there are also performances by local bands and DJs spinning upbeat dance music.
When: Either the first or second Friday of the month, from 5pm to midnight. Check the Facebook page for details of the next event.

Zouk Flea & Easy

This bazaar was the city’s first trendy flea market with great music, a cool venue (the beloved Zouk) and rare finds straight from the hip kids’ wardrobes.
Great for: Pre-loved clothes and books to vintage collectibles across 70 stalls or so.
When: One Sunday every quarter. Check the website for upcoming markets.

Public Garden

Up to 100 local indie businesses and creative brands showcase their wares at this monthly market and workshop series. Venues range from SOTA, the National Museum and even the sun-drench outdoor space at The White Rabbit.
Good for: Not much in the way of pre-owned stuff, but there is an interesting mix of vintage clothes, trinkets, artworks, collectibles, toys and accessories. Bookworms will also be pleased to know that there are often independently printed magazines and books for sale as well.
When: It varies. Check the website for details of the next event.

China Square Central Flea Market

A veteran of the scene, this weekly flea market has the added benefit of being centrally-located and air-conditioned, if you need that sort of thing.
Great for: A wide variety of rare vintage finds here, including books, records, toys, chinaware, stamps, comics, photographs and watches. Some vendors price goods such as old Rolex watches high, but if you look harder, you can still score hard-to-find movie posters and CDs for a few dollars each.
When: Every Sunday from 11am to 5pm.

Boutiques

This fair is considerably more upmarket than the usual flea. It’s now the go-to bazaar to check out creations by local and locally-based independent designers handpicked by discerning curators.
Great for: The 60 or so vendors here showcase a high-end mix of fashionable resort wear, premium leather goods, jewelry and home decor. Many of these brands are difficult to find elsewhere, so it’s easy to go wild with your credit card.
When: Twice a year. For more details on the next event, check the Facebook page.

TGIF Bazaars

These folks have a weekly bazaar at Sentosa boardwalk and regularly hold bazaars at other spots around Singapore like the Marina Waterfront, Clarke Quay and One KM mall in Katong. 
Great for: Everything from new and second-hand clothes to local handcrafted and artisanal products.
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check the website for updates on the next bazaar. 

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