Find the best
markets in amsterdam
Find the best
markets in amsterdam
ALBERT CUYP MARKET & CO
MARKETS & FLEA MARKETS IN AMSTERDAM
Whether in a small village or a metropolis, markets have always been the pulsating heart of a settlement. This is where people not only run their errands, but also meet to exchange ideas. Amsterdam is no different.
So if you want to get a feel for the real Amsterdam and its people, you should definitely visit one of the many markets. Amsterdam’s markets are like the city itself: colourful, lively and a little exotic.
The city has always been a magnet for traders from all over the world. The displays on the sales tables still reflect this today. Here you will discover useful, but also curious, well-known and unknown, high-quality products and junk.
Each market has its character. Whether flea market, organic market or art market, you are guaranteed to find your favourite.
CONTENTS
THE MARKETS
ALBERT CUYP MARKET
find out more
WATERLOOPLEIN MARKET
find out more
IJ HALLS Market
find out more
NOORDERMARKT
find out more
ART Market
find out more
Flower Market
find out more
1. AMSTERDAM FLEA MARKET
ALBERT CUYP MARKET
Founded in 1905, the Albert Cuyp Market is said to be the largest street market in Europe. It is located in the popular district of De Pijp and you should visit it anyway because of its many bars, restaurants and small boutiques.
The details
at a glance
ALBERT CUYP MARKET
WHAT IS ON OFFER HERE?
In addition to typical Dutch products, there are countless international goods on offer. The Albert Cuyp reflects Amsterdam’s cosmopolitanism. As you go on a journey of discovery, you get the feeling that there is simply everything here.
Besides fresh food, you’ll find accessories and clothes, but also flowers and fabrics. The Cuban flag for the balcony? The neon green wig for the next motto party or the curd soap to finally get that nasty stain out of your favourite blouse? You need it? the Albert Cype market has it!
A highlight of the market, at least from a culinary point of view, are two stalls where you can have the famous Stoopwafel freshly prepared. This is simply a must!
In addition to typical Dutch snacks, there are also international dishes that will take you around the world in terms of taste. Smakelijk!
By the way, it’s only a stone’s throw from the Albert Cype market to the Heineken Experience. The Museumsplein with the Moco Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum is also just a few minutes’ walk from the market.
2. FLEA MARKET AMSTERDAM
WATERLOOPLEIN MARKET
This market has its origins in the 19th century and was the market of Amsterdam’s Jewish traders. In the 1950s, Amsterdam’s merchants mostly sold old furniture here, making Waterlooplein Market the oldest flea market in Amsterdam.
The details
at a glance
Waterlooplein Market
What is there to buy?
Even today, second-hand and vintage are the big themes here. Up to 300 stands turn everyone into “hunters of the lost treasure”. The offer is as diverse and international as its traders and visitors. Besides clothes, you’ll find antiques, books and records, but also jewellery, textiles and souvenirs. If you don’t feel like walking home or back to your hotel, you can also buy a bicycle here.
The presentation of the goods varies greatly and is what makes the world-famous Waterlooplein Market so charming.
While one trader neatly drapes his goods on clothes rails or sorts them on velvet-covered sales tables, other sellers simply heap mountains of clothing onto the paving stones covered with tarpaulins. As a visitor, you should already be a fan of rummage tables.
Various food trucks provide the necessary energy after so much effort, or you can fortify yourself in one of the restaurants in the neighbourhood. By the way, it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Waterlooplein to Rembrandtplein, Rembrandt House or the Waag on Niewmarkt.
3. Amsterdam Flea Market
IJ-Halls
The IJ-Hallen is the largest and most unique flea market in Europe – and at a unique location: the NDSM shipyard in Amsterdam. The IJ Halls are especially recommended for bargain hunters and flea market lovers!
The details
at a glance
Ij-Hallen
What do you get here?
Due to the 400 to 500 stands, supply and demand are perfectly balanced. 😉 Everyone has the chance to find what they are looking for. You’ll find furnishings, clothing, art and all kinds of curiosities!
You can also visit the NDSM shipyard and the STRAAT Museum! Of course, we have already visited them, unlike the market!
4. Organic market & more
Noordermarkt
The Noordermarkt has its origins in the 17th century. Today it is equally popular with residents and tourists and is considered one of the most beautiful markets in Amsterdam. You’ll find it in the former working-class district of Jordaan.
The details
at a glance
Noordermarkt
What can you get here?
The people of Amsterdam combine their weekly shopping with a quick chat with neighbours or a visit to one of the many cafés or restaurants. Terraces along the canals invite you to linger. The market is divided into different areas.
On the one hand, a farmers’ market with organic products awaits you. Fresh fruit, vegetables or eggs can be bought here directly from the producer, but Dutch cheese is of course also on offer. The smell of freshly baked goods fills the air with the voices of the traders and their customers. In such surroundings, appetite is not long in coming. The best thing is to get a small, freshly prepared snack directly from the stalls.
On the other side of the church, in keeping with the tradition of this market, you can buy utensils and household items, but also leather goods, textiles, jewellery and antiques. Who knows, maybe one or the other item has already changed hands at this very market in the last 400 years. Rummaging around is guaranteed to be fun. On Saturdays, the Noordermarkt is extended to include the Lindengracht Market.
The Noordermarkt is an ideal starting point for exploring the city or visiting the Anne Frank House.
5. art
art market: ART AMSTERDAM SPUI
The Art Market or Art Plein is located in the city center of Amsterdam. Located on a beautiful square, surrounded by cafés and restaurants, it invites you to stroll.
The details
at a glance
Art Market
Art market
Within walking distance of the Kalvertstraat, the flower market or the Amsterdam Museum, which is currently being renovated, you can combine your visit to the market with culture or shopping.
The concept behind this small but nice market is to offer artists and art lovers the opportunity to come into direct contact with each other without a dealer or gallery. This is what makes the market so special. The fact that you have the chance to talk to the artist about his or her work is an unusual experience, and this also creates a very special connection with the exhibits on offer.
A total of 60 organised contemporary national and international artists, 25 of whom are present, offer their treasures at the market. The exhibitors change weekly. The offer is versatile. You can buy paintings, pictures and photographs, but also handicrafts and ceramics. The works on offer are of high quality. By the way, you don’t have to carry your newly acquired treasure around Amsterdam. The exhibitors are happy to deliver to your hotel.
On the official market website, you can find out in advance which exhibitors will be there on the following Sunday.
6. Flowers
Bloemenmarkt - Flowermarket
The floating flower market is located on the Singel Canal – between the Koningsplein and the Muntplein, and we even have a standalone review of it on our site. There we discuss whether it’s a top or a flop…
The details
at a glance
Bloemenmarkt
What can you find here?
The flower market has been on Singelgracht since 1862. It is called a floating market because its stalls are on pontoons.
Contrary to the name, you won’t find much fragrant, colourful flowers here. It’s more like a tulip bulb market! Here and there, blooming flowers and souvenirs are sold, but it’s all about the bulbs.
Unfortunately, there are also some traders who are not cautious about the bulb varieties and species, which led to many negative reviews on TripAdvisor. However, this does not seem to be the case on Google: The market has a 4.3 rating there!
The visit is free and very central: just go and see for yourself!
Conclusion
The central location in the various parts of the city and the easy accessibility by public transport, by bike or on foot speak in favour of the markets as a starting point for any exploration tour of Amsterdam.
Before you set off on your treasure hunt, you can fortify yourself in one of the many cafés or restaurants that are always in the immediate vicinity. But don’t fill your belly too much because you should also try the street food on offer at the markets.
Take your time. Talk to people. Browse the offerings and discover things you didn’t know you wanted. The markets are a great place to buy a small souvenir or a special gift.
It’s worth mentioning that you can pay without cash almost everywhere. If it rains, your visit to the market doesn’t have to be cancelled. Most of the stalls are covered.
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2022 – 2024
With the support of Boris Hermann.
