Markets in Amsterdam

There are a number of street markets around the city of Amsterdam which could be of interest to the visitor. Markets are always a great place to observe and participate in local life.

The following article reviews each street market plus we also list some special market events happening in Amsterdam.

Albert Cuyp Market

This is the largest street market in the Netherlands, located a short walk south of Amsterdam centre in the trendy De Pijp neighbourhood. Established back in 1905, it runs along the Albert Cuypstraat and is open Monday to Saturday 0930-1700.

There are some 260 market stalls which sell all sorts of food and non-food items. You can find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and nuts. Try out a raw herring (haring) from the fish stall. Non-food items include souvenirs, textiles, toiletries, clothes, shoes, bags, bedding, cycle accessories and small electrical items. Some stalls are linked to a shop behind with a wider selection of goods.

Prices are reasonable as the market is mainly frequented by local residents. It is well worth visiting the colourful neighbourhood with many other interesting shops, cafés and restaurants – from traditional Dutch to more ethnic varieties. At Eerste Sweelinckstraat you will see a statue to the late Amsterdam folk singer André Hazes.

Albert Cuyp market can be reached from Amsterdam Central by tram 4 (stop ‘Albert Cuypmarkt’ on Van Woustraat) or tram 12 or metro line 52 (stop ‘De Pijp’).

Dappermarkt

Calling itself Amsterdam’s “world market”, it is located on Dapperstraat in the working class Amsterdam Oost (east Amsterdam) district.

This general market has around 250 stalls and runs Monday to Saturday 0900-1700. It has a lively atmosphere with many multicultural sellers including those from the well established Turkish, Moroccan and Suriname communities. Prices for goods are on the cheap side – so head here if you’re on a budget.

The Dappermarkt can be reached by trams 1/3/7/14. Amsterdam Muiderpoort train station is also a short walk away.

Nieuwmarkt

The square in the centre of Amsterdam hosts a small number of market stalls during weekdays 0900-1800 selling food and flowers. During the summer months there is a flea market held each Sunday.

Ten Katemarkt

This general street market has over 100 stalls selling food and non-food items. It is located just west of the city centre at Ten Katestraat just off the main shopping street Kinkerstraat and close to De Hallen. You will find plenty of Dutch and ethnic fare on offer. Open Monday to Saturday 0900-1800.

Get there by trams 7/17/19.

Waterlooplein Market

This large flea market runs Monday to Saturday 0930-1800 and you can find a whole host of curious items – from designer bags and T-shirts, second-hand clothes and books, music, arts and crafts, to the more eclectic stuff like military helmets, badges and uniforms…and quite a lot of old junk. Also good for second hand bikes and cycle accessories.

Located just east of the centre, take metro 51/53/54 to the Waterlooplein stop.

Lindengracht Markt

This is a popular general market with over 230 stalls every Saturday 0900-1700 running along the Lindengracht street in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district. The market has been running since the year 1894.

A decent range of items are found on sale including fresh food, clothes, leatherware, household products and cycles. There are street food sellers and some good local cafes in the area.

Westerstraat Markt

The Jordaan area also hosts a general market (with around 200 stalls) along Westerstraat every Monday 0900-1300. It sells food and non-food items though it is known as the Lapjesmarkt, specialising in fabric and textiles including new and vintage clothing.

Summary of regular Amsterdam Markets by Day

Organic Farmer’s Markets

There are organic farmer’s market (boerenmarkt) held weekly in Amsterdam.

Noordermarkt

This is held in the picturesque square of the Norderkerk church in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district, just round the corner from the Lindengracht market. It runs every Saturday 0900-1600. With a friendly atmosphere, the Noordermarkt hosts organic (bio) food producers/specialists selling a wide variety of tasty and sustainable products – fruit and vegetables, meats, cheese, fish, bread and more.

There is also a small flea market running alongside which offers all manner of bric-a-brac – from designer furniture, vintage clothes, jewellery to old books and records. The flea market is also open Monday 0900-1300.

Boerenmarkt Haarlemmerplein

The midweek farmer’s market at Haarlemmerplein market is held at the square at the end of Harlemmestraat with high quality food products on offer. It runs Wednesday 1000-1700.

For more info see our organic shopping in Amsterdam guide.

Zuidermrkt

This is a weekly market on Saturdays (0930-1700) in the small square on Jacob Obrechtstraat and Johannes Verhulststraat close to the Concertgebouw on Museumplein. You can find a good variety of products, much of which is sustainable and/or organic.

Flower Market in Amsterdam

The Netherlands is a world leader when it comes to flowers. The floating Bloemenmarkt (open Monday to Saturday 0900-1730, Sunday 1130-1730) is located right in the heart of Amsterdam on the south bank of the Singel canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein.

The market is actually very touristy and often crowded and you will find mainly bulbs, seeds and other souvenirs on sale here. Most of the real flower sellers have left the market.

Markets at Spui

This square in the heart of Amsterdam hosts a couple of weekly markets. The Spui book market (Boekenmarkt) specialises in a variety of second-hand books and is attended by around 25 book dealers from around the country. You will find a mix of old, rare and out-of-print books – mainly in Dutch but also some in English, French and German – as well as prints, posters and documents. Books are traditionally expensive in Netherlands so don’t expect a great bargain. Every Friday 1000-1800.

The surrounding Spui area houses quite a number of popular Amsterdam bookshops – including ABC, Athenaeum and Waterstones.

Also at Spui square every Sunday (1000-1800, Mar-Dec) is the ArtPlein Spui art market which has 25 stalls from a pool of around 60 Dutch and international artists. On sale can be found different mediums – paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery – where artists can exhibit their work and connect with buyers directly in an informal atmosphere.

Oudemanhuispoort Book Market

This small book market at Oudemanhuispoort is held in a covered passageway that connects two buildings of the University of Amsterdam. Open Monday to Saturday 0900-1700, it sells a variety of second-hand books, prints, photographs and sheet music.

Antiekcentrum Amsterdam

The Antiques Centre Amsterdam (previously known as De Looier) is the largest indoor antiques market in the Netherlands covering 1,750m², opened in 1978.

Located at Elandsgracht 109 (a short walk from Leidseplein), it has 55 dealers stands offering a diverse range of antiques for sale. You will find glassware, ceramics, porcelain, gold, silver, paintings, prints, ornamental pieces and more.

Open Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri 1100-1800, Sat/Sun 1100-1700, closed Tuesdays. 3 days a week (Wed/Sat/Sun) people can rent table space to sell their antiques.

Coin and Stamp Market (Postzegelmarkt)

On Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal outside the stamp shops there are a few traders and collectors who set up shop on Wednesday and Saturday 1000-1600. These enthusiasts trade in stamps, coins, postcards and phone cards.

Monthly Markets in Amsterdam

IJ-Hallen Flea Market

Considered one of the biggest flea markets in Europe with 400-750 stalls of private sellers. Held over a weekend about once per month at the IJ-hallen at NDSM wharf.

Standard entrance costs €6, children up to 11 pay €2.50.

Pure Markt in Amsterdam

This is a regular market event with high quality produce, music, food stalls and other activities. Held monthly on a particular Sunday (1100-1800) at each of 3 locations in the south of Amsterdam – Amsterdamse Bos, Amstel Park and Park Frankandael. Entrance is free.

Sunday Market

Market events held at 2 locations in the west of Amsterdam. It has a mix of fashion, design, arts, food and kids stuff. Runs one Sunday (1200-1800) a month at Westergas and one Sunday (1100-1700) a month at De Hallen. Entrance is free.

It also runs the Museum Market held at Museumplein one Sunday (1000-1800) a month.

The Maker Market

This weekend market features creative handmade products including jewelry, art and live music. Runs monthly in the covered passage of De Hallen Amsterdam – over a Saturday (1100-1700) and Sunday (1200-1700). Entrance is free.

For specific dates on when these monthly markets run please see our What’s On in Amsterdam monthly pages.

This article was originally published in 2010. Last updated 8 April 2024.