Top markets in Amsterdam for food, art and fashion
From food and flowers to furniture and fashion, the markets in Amsterdam are the best places to grab a bargain, unearth one-of-a-kind treasures and fill up on delicious bites from buzzing street stalls. Here, we've rounded up the city's must-visit indoor and outdoor markets.
Food and flower markets
Albert Cuypmarkt
Albert Cuypmarkt is the largest and most popular outdoor market in the Netherlands, with 260 stands selling everything from typical Dutch treats such as raw herring or freshly made stroopwafels. Situated in the heart of De Pijp, the surrounding cafes and terraces make Albert Cuyp a lively spot for a day of shopping and people-watching.
When: Monday-Saturday
Dappermarkt
An institution in Amsterdam Oost, Dappermarkt boasts 200 stalls selling appliances and clothing, plants and fresh produce, including meat and fish. Traders from the Middle East, North Africa and Suriname offer specialty foods. Be sure to discover something new here and head to Oosterpark for a tasty picnic.
When: Monday-Saturday
Ten Katemarkt
Ten Katemarkt is a deceptively small street market selling fruits and vegetables, freshly baked bread and more. Lined with cafes and interiors stores, and adjacent to Foodhallen and trendy culture centre De Hallen, you’re sure to find something homegrown and delicious here.
When: daily
Bloemenmarkt
A permanent fixture in downtown Amsterdam, this floating flower market is not to be missed. Situated on a stretch of the Singel canal, Bloemenmarkt's glass houses are filled with vibrant colours and the smell of fresh flowers.
When: daily
Pure Markt
One of the newer markets on the scene, Pure Markt brings artisanal produce and creativity to locations in and around Amsterdam and boasts a mix of Dutch and international cuisine from Suriname roti to freshly chucked oysters. Drink it down with an organic beer served in luscious green surroundings.
When: Park Frankendael every last Sunday of the month; Amstelpark every second Sunday, Amsterdamse Bos five times a year
Traditional cheese markets
What is a trip to the Netherlands without sampling some great Dutch cheese? And there’s no better place for it than at a traditional cheese market complete with cheese weighing ceremony, 19th century costumes and folk dancing. The Old Holland villages of Alkmaar, Edam, Hoorn, Gouda and Woerden all host cheese markets, so put on a straw hat and your stretchiest trousers for an afternoon of fine Dutch dairy.
When: check the markets’ individual websites for market days
Vintage and flea markets
Waterlooplein
Amsterdam’s largest daily flea market on Waterlooplein is the place to pick up a bargain among pre-loved and vintage clothing, bikes, antiques and general knick-knacks. It's right beside Amsterdam City Hall and surrounded by attractions such as the Rembrandt House Museum, Dutch National Opera & Ballet and the River Amstel.
When: Monday-Saturday
IJ-Hallen
You might need an extra suitcase for the goodies you’re bound to find at IJ-Hallen. A short (and free!) ferry ride away, the biggest flea market in Europe is full to the brim with furnishings and clothing looking for a new home. Get an early start, wear warm clothing, bring cash and backpacks for your haul!
When: one weekend a month
Noordermarkt
A flea market and farmers’ market in one, Noordermarkt’s Saturday stalls are a haven for delicious, organic produce including honey, cheese and homemade cakes, as well as antiques, books and vintage fashion. To avoid the weekend crowds, head there on Monday morning for a second flea market – and it’s worth stopping for a comforting apple pie at the famous Winkel 43 nearby.
When: Saturdays and Mondays
Sunday Market Westergas
Head to Westerpark for Sunday Market Westergas, where the Westergasterrein and market hall fill with stalls, food trucks, live bands and plenty of opportunities to shop for unique gifts from some of Amsterdam’s finest makers, from ceramics and affordable art to vintage fashion.
When: the first Sunday of the month
Art and book markets
Art Plein Spui
Original art makes a wonderful, lasting souvenir and Art Plein Spui is the place to pick up an affordable piece from professional Dutch and international artists. As well as paintings, there’s sculpture, jewellery, ceramics and graphic art to inspire you.
When: every Sunday
Boekenmarkt Op Het Spui
Book lovers will revel in the rows of second-hand and antique books at Boekenmarkt on Spui square. Aside from books on any subject imaginable, you could unearth prints, posters, documents or magazines in Dutch, English, French, German and other languages.
When: every Friday
