Amsterdam street markets run the gamut from high-end and niche to workaday stalwarts stuffed with every product imaginable. While the famous flower market (Bloemenmarkt) draws the crowds, these six Amsterdam street markets offer delicious food, interesting bric-a-brac and a far more authentic Amsterdam market-shopping experience than the tourist-touted ones.
1. Albert Cuyp Market (my favorite Amsterdam street market)
Amsterdam’s Albert Cuyp Market has a rich history of European pushcart merchants and painters. In fact, by the early 20th century, the area had become so congested with these merchants and artisans that the city organized a private weekly market for them to assembly. Since then, Albert Cuyp Market has evolved into the largest outdoor market in Europe. Over 260 stalls of multicultural-influenced products hawk fresh produce, handmade garments and renowned Dutch Stroopwafels.
Located at Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD in the De Pijp region of the Amsterdam’s Oud-Zuid district, the market can easily be accessed using Amsterdam’s public transportation system. Use the Ceintuurbaan station from Tram 3 and 12 and walk a few blocks north. Coming from Tram 4, exit at the Stadhouderskade stop, and the market is a mere 50-meter walk. Trams 16 and 24 will drop you directly at the market via the Albertcuypstraat stop. Visit the market anytime between 9AM and 5PM, Monday through Saturday.
2. Waterlooplein Market
Becoming a day market in 1885, Waterlooplein Square is the oldest flea market in all of Holland. Affected by WWII, the 1950s saw a resurgence in the market’s popularity. Nowadays, Waterlooplein Market operates Monday through Saturday, 9:30AM through 6PM. For anything ranging from rare second-hand vintage finds and pristine antique furniture to some of Amsterdam’s most delicious edible treats, Waterlooplein Market has you covered. With over 300 stalls open daily, experience Amsterdam’s culture at its apex at Waterlooplein Square.
Located just east of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District at Waterlooplein 2, 1011 AL, the market can be easily accessed by foot or by public transportation. Whether you are coming by tram or by metro, hop off at the Waterloo station, and you are steps away from this beautiful historic market.
3. Noordermarkt
Beginning as a pottery market in 1663, Noordermarkt is nearly as old as The Netherlands. Over the years the market has greatly evolved. Today the market hosts a weekly flea market on Mondays (9AM to 2PM) and an organic farmer’s market each Saturday (9AM to 3PM). People come in from all over Holland for Saturday’s farmer’s market, which features some of the best cheeses, fresh fish, and baked goods in all of Holland. The real treat is the market’s selection of fresh mushrooms, collected from Dutch forests or imported from Lithuania and France.
Located in Amsterdam’s Noorderkerk district (1015 NA Amsterdam), the easiest method of accessing the market on either Monday or Saturday is via Tram 2. Exit at Centraal Station. The market is a short walk.
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4. Amsterdam Book Market at the Spui
The Book Market at the Spui is another unique stop amongst the Amsterdam outdoor markets. As the name suggests, the Book Market at the Spui specializes in vintage and out-of-print books for over 20 years. Offering books in many languages in addition to rare prints and antique pieces, the Spui is one of the most unique of these Amsterdam street markets.
Located at Spui, 1012 KZ in central Amsterdam, you can easily access the book market by tram 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 16 or 24 or if you prefer, the market is about a 1Km walk from Centraal Station. You’ll be able to explore there many books, prints, and pamphlets Fridays, year-round, between 10AM and 6PM. B
5. Pekmarkt Noord
Founded in 1920 and finding its current home in 2014 at EC, Van der Pekstraat in the Noord Amsterdam district, Pekmarkt Noord has been an Amsterdam street market institution for nearly a century. Located just north of the IJ river, take the tram to Amsterdam Centraal, cross the IJ via ferry (Buiksloterveer) and walk north approximately 250 meters.
Three Amsterdam markets operate out of Pekmarkt Noord. Three days a week (Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) you will find one of the best Amsterdam street markets at Pekmarkt Noord from 9AM to 5PM. Discover a range of merchants offering everything from textiles to local produce. Fridays feature a farmer’s market with an emphasis on organic and sustainably produced food. Finally, Saturday’s mixed market is one of the most diverse Amsterdam markets. Filled with music, art and a range of local vendors, Pekmarkt’s mixed market is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
6. Dappermarkt
One of Amsterdam’s busiest outdoor markets, Dappermarkt has been welcoming visitors since 1910. Located at Dapperstraat 1093 BS in Amsterdam’s Dapperbuurt district, the market is easily accessible by tram 3, 7, 9, 10 or 14 and is less than a five-minute walk from the Tropenmuseum.
Open Monday through Saturday 9AM to 5PM, Dappermarkt is rife with international culture. It hosts merchants from all over the world, with Moroccan and Turkish influences especially standing out. Whether you are looking for a handmade Moroccan rug or some of Holland’s famous Tulips, Dappermarkt has you covered.
