While Amsterdam offers plenty of posh boutiques and glam malls to keep shoppers busy, for a real shopping experience and to soak in the city’s multi-cultural vibe head to its colorful and lively markets. Amsterdam’s love for markets dates back to 1783 when merchants first set up stalls in the Jewish quarter. Today, there are over 12 open markets and 15 weekly markets across the city. With so many options to choose from, here are five hip and vibrant Amsterdam markets to start with.
1. Oudemanhuispoort Book Market
In a world where books are downloaded in an instant, Oudemanhuispoort Book Market is refreshingly old world. Cozily snugged under a 17th century passageway surrounded by several historical university buildings, it’s not uncommon to find professors in tweed-patched coats browsing through Socrates and Sartre. Join in, and you’ll find a treasure trove of academic books, second hand fiction and non-fiction books, vinyl, art prints, and maps.
2. Albert Cuyp Market
© Jorge Sanz / Flickr
Stretching for more than a mile, the century-old Albery Cuyp is Amsterdamers’ favorite open market. Like the city itself, this market is a melting pot of cultures. Choose from a selection of Turkish, Indian, Surinamese, Indonesian, Italian, and Dutch products ranging from food to flowers to antiques to vintage wear. Looking for souvenirs? This market will spoil you for choices; it’s got everything – clog slippers, keychains, fridge magnets, cheese, and lots more. While you’re here, try some classic Dutch street food – raw herring served with onions and gherkins, stroopwaffel cookies, kibbeling (fried cod with tartare sauce), and waffles!
3. Waterlooplein Markt
© Incase Designs / Wikicommons
Best known as Amsterdam’s largest and oldest flea market, Waterlooplein market draws thousands of bargain seekers and quirky-goods hunters. Expect to find clothes, vintage kitsch, jewelry, secondhand books, posters, antique bric-a-brac and much more. Named after the Battle of Waterloo where Napolean was defeated, this market dates back to the late 19th century when Jewish merchants sold their goods in this market square. Today, this hipster market is packed with over 300 stalls! Be prepared to splurge!
4. Bloemenmarkt
© VirtualSteve / Wikicommons
An Amsterdam specialty, Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. Since 1860, fresh flowers from all over were sailed to this market. This market is where the Dutch flock to indulge in their passion for flowers. Overflowing with colorful blossoms, this market offers plenty of photo opportunities and is worth visiting, even if you don’t want to buy any flowers. Gardening lovers can even buy some tulip bulbs and seeds to carry back home.
5. Ijhallen Markt
© ijhallen.nl
Shopping in the monthly Ijhallen market is a crazy adventure. A ferry ride across the IJ river will bring you to the eclectic Ijhallen market stuffed with over 1,500 stalls. Don’t let the €4 entry fee deter you. Channel your inner bargain hunter and you’re guaranteed to not come back empty handed. Here you can find everything under the sun, especially secondhand treasures. Browse through piles of vintage clothes, used guitars, antique furniture and what not! The market becomes particularly exciting in summer when it moves out in the open, creating room for more stalls! Don’t forget to carry extra bags and arrive early!
Get your shopping mode on and hit one of the best tourist places in Amsterdam’s.
