![The very best markets in Amsterdam (1) The very best markets in Amsterdam (1)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/106094772/750/562/image.jpg)
Photograph: Shutterstock
Looking to window shop or splash some cash? These markets have you covered
Written by Derek Robertson
Contributor, Netherlands
Advertising
We get it, there’s plenty of things to do in Amsterdam. Your itinerary for a weekend here might be crammed full already. But if Amsterdam’s best markets aren’t on your list yet, we’re afraid there’s a little bit more to add.
Here in the Dam you’ll find markets to suit every taste; works bylocal artists, one-of-a-kind antiques, rails and rails of vintage clothing and of course, the foodie markets of your dreams (yes, there’s cheese). Whether you’re window shopping or ready to fill that suitcase to the brim, here are the best markets in Amsterdam.
RECOMMENDED:
🍴 The best restaurants in Amsterdam☕ The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam🍸 The best bars in Amsterdam🏨 The best hotels in Amsterdam
This guide is byDerek Roberston,a writer based in Amsterdam. Original photos by Amsterdam-based photographer Joao Costa.At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Best markets in Amsterdam
- Shopping
- Markets and fairs
- Pijp
If you only visit one street market while you’re here, make it ‘the Cuyp’. Going since 1905, it’s a one-stop-shop for fresh meat, fish, fruit and veg, clothes, jewellery and just about everything else. It is well worth wandering simply to soak up the atmosphere. If you’re peckish, do try the roast chicken or herring;stroopwafelswill do the trick for those with a sweet tooth. And make sure to hang out at the intersection between Albert Cuypstraat and Eerste van der Helststraat – it’s awash with cafés, bars and cool little boutiques.
Neighbourhood: De Pijp
- Shopping
- Markets and fairs
Tulips are synonymous with the Netherlands, and if a visit to Keukenhof is out of the question, Bloemenmarkt is the next best thing. The world’s only floating flower market consists of a huge number of stalls strung togetheron one of the centre’s longer canals, selling all manner of blooms. Tulip bulbs are an obvious gift, but you can also find roses, orchids, seeds and intricate bouquets for every occasion.
Neighbourhood:Centre
Advertising
- Shopping
- Markets and fairs
Originally known as the ‘Jewish market’ because of its location in the former Jewish district,Waterloopleinhas drawn stallholders since 1885. More than 300 now trade here, focusing on vintage clothes, cheap bric-à-brac and secondhand goods. Bargains are plentiful – particularly when it comes to bikes, antiques and jewellery – and you’ll find plenty of locals hanging around what’s thought to be the biggest and best flea market in Amsterdam.
Neighbourhood: Centre
4.Antiek Centrum
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (10) The very best markets in Amsterdam (10)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263660/750/422/image.jpg)
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (11) The very best markets in Amsterdam (11)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263660/750/562/image.jpg)
On Sundays from May to October, the site of Nieuwmarkt turns into a haven for budding Lovejoys. Ornaments, furniture and assorted bric-à-brac jostle for attention in stalls crammed full of curios, and there are plenty of vintage clothing vendors too. The Antiques Market Antiek Centrum isn’t quite as eclectic as the Waterlooplein Market, but the standard of goods sold tends to be higher – you can dig out some dazzling period pieces here. The pace is also somewhat more relaxed, with a definite ‘Sunday vibe’ encouraging idle browsing.
Neighbourhood: Centre
Advertising
5.Noordermarkt-Boerenmarkt
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (12) The very best markets in Amsterdam (12)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/106094764/750/422/image.jpg)
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (13) The very best markets in Amsterdam (13)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/106094764/750/562/image.jpg)
A haven for foodies, Jordaan’s plush Noodermarkt showcases the region’s finest organic produce every Saturday. It’s not cheap, but everything here is of premium quality and utterly delicious. Check beforehand what’s in season – asparagus in May, mushrooms in October – or simply ask what’s good; stallholders are more than happy to advise.
Neighbourhood: Jordaan
6.Boekenmarkt Op Het Spui
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (14) The very best markets in Amsterdam (14)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263691/750/422/image.jpg)
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (15) The very best markets in Amsterdam (15)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263691/750/562/image.jpg)
Forget about dog-eared copies of old books no one cares about – Boekenmarkt is run by experts who know their stuff. Merchants travel from all over the country to man their stalls on Fridays, selling rare and out-of-print books, vintage maps and postcards, and hard-to-find periodicals. If you’re a collector or after something specific, ask around; chances are, somebody here can help. Or simply browse the beautifully organised stacks of books – they’re all killer, no filler.
Neighbourhood: Centre
Advertising
7.Westerstraat market
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (16) The very best markets in Amsterdam (16)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263700/750/422/image.jpg)
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (17) The very best markets in Amsterdam (17)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263700/750/562/image.jpg)
Vintage clothing will always have a certain cachet, and in Amsterdam, those in the know head to the Noodermarkt site every Monday morning for Westerstraat market(or Lapjesmarkt). Really two markets in one, there is a clothing side – shoes, denim, leather and fur coats are just some of the delights on offer – and a craft market selling fabric, textiles, buttons, ribbons, yarn and anything else you might need to do a spot of sewing.
Neighbourhood: Jordaan
8.Nieuwmarkt
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (18) The very best markets in Amsterdam (18)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263697/750/422/image.jpg)
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (19) The very best markets in Amsterdam (19)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263697/750/562/image.jpg)
It might be smaller than Noordermarkt, but the quality is just as good at Nieuwmarkt. Farmers have been coming here, the site of an old city gate, since the 17th Century, and many still prefer it over its glitzier Jordaan rival. Ultra-fresh organic produce is on offer every Saturday – at wallet-friendlier prices – alongside a few flower and wine vendors. Don’t miss out on the freshly squeezed orange juice stall, and make sure to drop by the stand selling corn on the cob, boiled in front of you and slathered in rich, salty Dutch butter.
Neighbourhood: Centre
Advertising
9.Sunday Market Westergas
A haven for art, fashion, and design, this Sunday Market actually rotates around several locations – all listed on Westergas’website – but the Westergas iteration remains the best. You’ll find houseware, jewellery, and illustrations to quirky kids toys and vintage fashion on display, plus creative workshops, live music, and the option to explore the lovely (and expansive) Westerpark. Organic food and drinks from various indoor and outdoor cafes complete the experience.
Neighbourhood: Multiple locations
10.Ten Katemarkt
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (20) The very best markets in Amsterdam (20)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263693/750/422/image.jpg)
![The very best markets in Amsterdam (21) The very best markets in Amsterdam (21)](https://i0.wp.com/media.timeout.com/images/105263693/750/562/image.jpg)
This is where many Amsterdammers choose to do their grocery shopping. Food is obviously the real star here – great-value meat, fish, fruit and veg – but there are also stalls selling home essentials, clothes and electrical goods. An extra bonus? Ten Katemarktissurrounded by some prettycafés and an array of excellent restaurants.
Neighbourhood: West
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Recommended
You may also like
You may also like
Advertising
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!