If you really want to know the character of a place, its people, their lifestyle and culture, then visit its markets and observe the bustling crowds. Amsterdam is no exception. The sights of yellowing books, colorful flowers, antique goods and smells of local produce – all these are going to excite, amaze and delight you endlessly. There are plenty of small and big markets in the beautiful Dutch capital. You will love visiting them, get some great bargains, sample freshly baked goods and cheese for free, and might even stumble upon centuries-old rare artifacts. Let’s get a glimpse into the diverse markets in Amsterdam and see what all they have to offer to the quintessential visitors.
Famous Daily Markets
Amsterdam has a number of daily markets. Some of the famous ones here include the Albert Cuyp Market, Waterlooplein Flea Market, Dappermarkt and Bloemenmarkt. Consider visiting the Albert Cuyp Market. It is the most vibrant and largest street market in the city. You will find stalls set up along more than one kilometer stretch of the Albert Cuyp Straat. The market can be visited before sunrise from Monday through Saturday every week. Whether you want to buy cosmetics, plants, flowers, accessories, clothes, poultry, meat and fresh produce, you will find all these and much more at great bargain prices. You can also look forward to multicultural street food experiences here. The Waterlooplein Flea Market is open from Monday through Saturday. All kinds of goods such as souvenirs, antiques, handicrafts and bicycle are available at bargain prices. The young and bustling Dappermarkt is popular street market located in the eastern part of Amsterdam. The market, which is open from Monday to Saturday, is renowned for household goods, home fabrics, flowers, fresh produce and delicious foods. The Bloemenmarkt is also quite famous. It is the perennial home of flowers in the heart of the city and is open daily.
Other famous markets worth visiting include the city’s only indoors antique market Antiekmarkt De Looier in the Jordaan (open daily except Friday); the eclectic book market Boekenmarkt located in the University District’s historic Oudemanhuispoort passageway (open Monday to Saturday); and the Ten Katemarkt situated in the shopping street of Kinkerstraat (open Monday to Saturday).
Must-visit Weekly Markets
If you happen to visit Amsterdam on a Saturday, you should consider visiting the hugely popular and the two vibrant weekly markets – the Nieuwmarkt and the Noordermarkt. Get ready to be mesmerized with the street musicians creating a fascinating backdrop while you continue to purchase antiques, books, cakes, bread, fish, meat, vegetables, organic fruit, clothes, and much more. The historical landmark Nieuwmarkt transforms into a bustling market every Saturday. The Noordermarkt is spread in a wide area spanning the various streets and the square near Noorderkerk. Apart from these two popular weekly markets, there are others as well that should be visited. These include the Westerstraat Market (open of Monday mornings), the Postzegelmarkt (open on Wednesday and Saturday), and the Spui Antique and Book Market (open of Fridays).
Monthly Markets worth exploring
Amsterdam is also renowned for its monthly markets. You will be spoilt for choices when you visit the Cultuur Westergasfabriek on the first Sunday of every month. A quirky shopping experience awaits you here. You will find everything that you just might be looking for or dreaming of at amazingly great bargain prices. For those passionate about antiques, the IjHalen is the best place to visit on every first Saturday-Sunday of the month. You can hitch a free ferry ride from Amsterdam Station to visit this amazing largest antique fair in the city at some of the best bargains that you could ever find.
With a plethora of markets of all kinds, Amsterdam is the most sought after shopping destination in Europe. So next time you visit this beautiful city Amsterdam, don’t forget to visit these exciting and liveliest markets!