Top 5 markets in Amsterdam
As with any European city Amsterdam has markets aplenty, catering to every whim they are a great place to soak up the atmosphere of the city, find a bargain or unique curio and sample some savoury or sweet delights!
1. Albert Cuypmarkt
Don’t be mistaken by this market – it is one of Amsterdam’s largest and sells everything from food to clothing with everything in between. This is not a tourist market and caters for locals but if you take the time to immerse yourself in this market you are sure to be treated by it’s hidden treasures including great local food and the odd bargain! Flowers can be found here cheaper than in the Bloemenmarkt Situated in the De Pijp area of the Oud-Zuid district of the city the market is on 6 days a week from 0930-1700h Monday to Saturday. Albert Cuyp street market is easily reached from central Amsterdam by tram, coming from Amsterdam Central Station, take tram lines 4,16, 24 or 25 to get there. The area is known as Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter and is home to many an exotic eatery, bohemian café or intriguing handicraft shop – so it’s well worth venturing into the side streets beyond the market too!
2. Waterlooplein Flea Market
One of the oldest and more traditional markets in Amsterdam this market has its origins in a Jewish market which started in 1873 and gradually evolved from then with an interruption during the Second World War with the German Nazi persecution of the Jewish community. After the war the market has flourished selling bric-a-brac, cycle parts, vintage clothing and war memorabilia. With over 300 stalls, this market is probably one of the most interesting especially to those who like a bit of junk rummaging – don’t we all?! It is also perfectly acceptable to barter at this market if you want to get a real bargain! Located behind the Red-light District of Amsterdam it is about 15 minutes walking distance from Dam Platz and can be reached by Trams 1, 2, 5, 13 from Magna Plaza or 14 from Central Station (stop: Stadhuis) or Metro stop Waterlooplein. Open Monday to Friday 0900-1730h and Saturday 0830-1730h.
3. Boerenmarkt
Situated at the Noordermarket in the shadow of Noorderkerk in the Jordaan district this Organic Farmers market has become a hit with locals and tourists alike with a great variety of organic Dutch cheeses, breads, meats fruits and vegetables. The highlight has to be an array of mushrooms picked from Dutch forests and imported from France and Lithuania, a well known speciality of the market. Bring your appetite and enjoy the smorgasbord on offer and sit at one of the benches around the market and watch the world pass by! This incarnation of the market is well known across the Netherlands and is frequented not only by people from the city but from those who make a special visit to sample its wares. The previous pigeon and budgerigar market which had taken place every Saturday morning for a hundred years began to falter and in 1987 a local café owner set up nine food stalls in order to increase footfall to his business. The healthy eating initiative has been embraced by all resulting in a vibrant and unique market. Food stalls are supplemented by the usual souvenir and flea market stalls and the market is often visited by groups of singers and musicians to add to the atmosphere. Open on Saturday mornings only between 0900-1500h and is easily reached on foot being just 10 minutes from the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House and tram 3 & 10, at stop Marnixbad.
4. Nieuwmarkt
Once on the edge of the city this market has taken place since the 17th century when farmers would pass through St Anthony’s Gate to sell their wares. Now the market stands in almost the centre of the city due to the expansion and growth of Amsterdam. During the week it hosts the usual range of goods from (second-hand mainly) shoes, clothes jewellery and hats with an organic market on Saturdays. Located in the Chinatown district of Amsterdam next to the Red-light District the area was once an open canal which was filled in to create a square in the 17th century dominated by the De Weg gate house which has been a Weigh house, Jewish Museum and now a café In de weg. Sunday sees an Antique flea market and offers those seeking shopping on a Sunday some relief as many other venues are closed on a Sunday in the city. Offering more than just antiques with a range of clothes, bric-a-brac and souvenirs this market offers a final stop for tourists wanting to get their last minute purchases. Open May through October 0900h-1700h on Sundays only.
5. Bloemenmarkt
Check out the Bloemenmarkt the worlds only floating flower market can be found on barges on the southern side of the Singel, between Koningsplein and Muntplein selling almost every imaginable bulb and flower including tulips and narcissus it is a feast for the senses with an array of colours and sweet fragrances. Held since 1862 it is a reminder that the flowers were once brought into the city from the surrounding bulb fields by boat. Whilst not the biggest market and a little touristy this market is located in a great area of the city so is easy to pass by and take a look. Stallholders aren’t keen on photographs being taken but if you make a small purchase I’m sure they’d oblige! Open throughout the year with Christmas trees available in December! Open Monday to Saturday 0900-1730h and Sundays 1100-1730h. Getting there is easy by take tram 4, 9, 13, 14, 24 or 25 from Dam Square. Get off at Muntplein (2 stops). Or tram 1, 2 or 5 stop Koningsplein.
