Neighbourhood Markets
Visiting open-air markets is one of the best ways to soak up authentic culture in a travel destination. Amsterdam's markten (markets) are alive with the colours, smells and sights that define the local flavour here. Discover our village of neighbourhood markets, most of which are open year-round, rain or shine.
Everyday shopping with the locals
More than 250 stalls sell everything from cheese to bike chains, fresh produce to fried street snacks, shaving cream to shoes and clothes. A feast for the senses, this is Amsterdam's busiest market.
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When: Year-round, Monday - Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
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Where: Albert Cuypstraat, De Pijp
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What's close: Heineken Experience, Sarphatipark
Voted best market in the Netherlands 2007/2008, this is also considered Amsterdam's most affordable and most multicultural market. Sample exotic foods, try on a funky dress, or buy some bread and cheese for a picnic in the park.
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When: Year-round, Monday - Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
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Where: Oost (East)
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What's close: Artis Zoo, Tropenmuseum, Oosterpark
Organic farmers' markets
The place to be on a Saturday morning in the Jordaan is the biologisch boerenmarkt (organic farmers' market). Taste your way through handcrafted cheeses, homemade herb pestos, specialty mushrooms and artisanal baked goods. Several flea market stalls also set up on Saturdays (more on Mondays).
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When: Year-round, Saturdays 09:00 - 17:00
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Where: Noordermarkt on the Prinsengracht, Jordaan
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What's close: Noorderkerk, Haarlemmerstraat
In the shadow of the stunning medieval building De Waag, you'll find organic produce, breads, pastries and all-natural home products.
- When: Year-round, Saturdays 09:00 - 17:00
- Where: Old Centrum
- What's close: Restaurant In de Waag, Red Light District
Flowers flowers everywhere
Those who want to witness the long Dutch tradition of flower trading should visit this canal-side alley full of blooms, bulbs and plants. No matter what time of year, the stalls create seasonal scents and a lush rainbow of choices.
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When: Year-round, Monday - Saturday 09:00 - 17:30, Sunday 11:00 - 17:00
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Where: Central Canal District
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What's close: Tuschinski Theatre, 9 Streets (shopping)
Curiosities, clothes and collectibles
A bargain-hunter's or junk collector's paradise, this sprawling flea market is worth a visit just for the spectacle. Some stalls specialize in bric-a-brac and used goods, others in new clothes and cheap toys.
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When: Year-round, Monday - Saturday 09:00 - 18:00
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Where: Central Canal District
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What's close: Muziektheater, Rembrandthuis, Portuguese Israeli Synagogue, Moses and Aaron Church
Monday Mornings at Noordermarkt
While some stalls offer a smaller selection on Saturdays (alongside the farmers' market), in-the-know shoppers come to Noordermarkt on Mondays to find lovely antiques, unique collectibles and racks of vintage clothes. Get there early for the best choices.
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When: Year-round, Mondays 09:00 - 13:00
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Where: Noordermarkt on the Prinsengracht, Jordaan
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What's close: Noorderkerk,Haarlemmerstraat
Just around the corner from Noordermarkt, this long lane turns into a hub of textile trade on Monday mornings. Find slightly defective designer clothes and bolts of fabric in myriad textures and colours.
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When: Year-round, Mondays 09:00 - 13:00
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Where: Westerstraat, Jordaan
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What's close: Noorderkerk,Haarlemmerstraat
The sight of an old-fashioned book market amidst the hustle and bustle of a Friday in Amsterdam is one of the cultural contrasts to love about this city. Old art and photography books are easy to find here, as are maps and prints.
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When: Year-round, Fridays 10:00 - 18:00
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Where: Spui, Old Centrum
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What's close: Begijnhof, Amsterdam Historical Museum
An unusual find these days, this small market is a treat for collectors of rare stamps, unusual coins and old postcards.
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When: Year-round, Wednesdays and Saturdays 10:00 - 16:00
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Where: Sidewalk at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 276, Old Centrum
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What's close: Royal Palace, Begijnhof, Amsterdam Historical Museum
Artful Sundays
This is a perfect place to find a unique souvenir or gift. Local and regional artists offer everything from acrylic paintings and handmade ceramics to watercolour children's art and intricate etchings of Amsterdam scenes.
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When: Sundays (March to December) 10:00 - 18:00
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Where: Spui, Old Centrum
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What's close: Begijnhof, Amsterdam Historical Museum
Browse the work of about 20 contemporary artists on this quiet, shady square tucked between a stately canal and busy Rembrandtplein.
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When: Sundays (last in March to last in October) 10:30 - 18:00
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Where: Thorbeckeplein, Eastern Canal District
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What's close: Rembrandtplein, Museum of Bags and Purses
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