Best Markets in Amsterdam

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Dom Bewley
amsterdam markets

Even if you're vacationing abroad, markets can be the perfect place to pick up some fresh groceries, presents for your loved ones, or even something for yourself! Amsterdam is full of markets that run throughout the week, but which is the best? Well, we've collated this handy list of our favorites just for you, so no matter what you're in the market for, you'll find what you want! These are our picks for the best markets in Amsterdam!

Including:

  • Markets in Amsterdam North
  • Markets in Amsterdam East
  • Markets in Amsterdam Central
  • Markets in Amsterdam West
  • Markets!
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Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp)

De Pijp is one of Amsterdam's coolest neighborhoods, where much of the expat community congregates. So it's no wonder that you'll find one of the city's most diverse and exciting markets there. The 'Cuyp', named after the famed Dutch painter of the same name, actually predates the modern expat avalanche, with the market going strong for over 100 years.

Not only is Albert Cuyp surrounded by De Pijp's cool bars, boutiques, and restaurants, but it also offers a ton of amazing produce, prepared nibbles, and charming handcrafted jewelry and clothing. So, do yourself the greatest favor anyone can do themselves ever, and head down there to see what we're talking about.

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Waterlooplein (Centre)

Predating Albert Cuyp by around 20 years, Waterlooplein definitely has a more local market vibe to it. Setup in the formerly Jewish part of town, you'll find hundreds of traders setting up stalls there.

Bargain-hunting is the name of the game here, with plenty of peddlers willing to negotiate their prices. If you're in the market for a cheap bike to get you around the city, or looking for some unique accessories to adorn your withered body, Waterlooplein is the perfect destination for those of you with the savvy to barter.

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Nieuwmarkt (Centre)

Predating the other markets on this list by hundreds of years, Nieumarkt's name might be deceptive. But its offerings are anything but! This is a farmer's market through and through, where growers have sold their wares for centuries, back when the site used to be the city gate.

So, expect plenty of amazing organic produce straight from the field, alongside flowers, wine, and a variety of cooked snacks for you to munch on while you browse.

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De Hallen (West)

Let's swap the outdoors for the indoors now. Amsterdam's weather can be a touch unpredictable, what with the windswept clouds turning sun to rain in a matter of minutes. So, why not check out this undercover food extravaganza should the worst happen?

De Hallen is a mega-complex of sorts, built in the husk of an old train depot. Inside its walls, you'll find a cinema, events space, and the holy grail of street food - Foodhallen. Nestled inside this football-field-sized space, you'll discover delicious food from all over the world. Mexican, Italian, American diner, authentic Dutch, and many more cuisines call it home. And, with an island bar through the middle, and plenty of tables to eat on, you could spend all afternoon there sampling bits and pieces from each truck. While not a conventional market, Foodhallen is easily one of the best in Amsterdam.

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Bloemenmarkt (Centre)

If you like flowers and you like boats, then boy is this next one going to blow your measly mind. Bloemenmarkt is a floating flower paradise, where you'll find a whole host of flower stalls that sit on one of Amsterdam's many canals.

So, if you're in the market for an apology bouquet, want to surprise your partner, or simply love flowers and want them displayed proudly in your house, head down there and pick from a myriad of different species. Of course, they have tulips; they're about as Dutch as it gets. But you'll also find roses, orchids, and many more on the water!

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IJ Hallen Flea Market (Noord)

If you're in the market for some vintage items or second-hand knickknacks, TJ Hallen Flea Market might be the perfect place for you to peruse.

Over 500 stands dot the converted warehouse, which was used to build ships. And speaking of ships, you'll need to board one to cross the river. Don't worry; they're free, and run every 5-10 minutes until pretty late! Back to the market, anyone can go along, set up a stall, and flog anything they want to sell. And one person's loss could be your gain, so why not go check it out and see what deals lie in wait for your keen buying brain? And, when you're done, feel free to explore the cool urban landscape that's Noord. You'll find bars, restaurants, and a boat-load of street art!

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Noordermarkt-Boerenmarkt (Jordaan)

If you're looking for high-quality produce at a premium price, then Noordermarkt is the one. The large collection of stalls congregate by the river, and many people spend their day there, sampling bites and sipping fine wines once their grocery shopping is done. The sellers are always on hand to recommend products to match your palate, so don't forego striking up a conversation! They won't bite, for the most part.

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Boekenmarkt Op Het Spui (Centre)

If food is off the menu, and you're looking for a good book to add to your collection, then head to Boekenmarkt in Central. Sellers arrive from across the Netherlands to sell out-of-print editions, old magazines, and other paper-related artifacts from times gone by.

Ideal for collectors or those interested in the finer things, feel free to head down there and ask if you're looking for something specific. You never know what they might have behind the stall.

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Lapjesmarkt (Jordaan)

Swap paper and pears for t-shirts and twine at Lapjesmarkt! This delightful material-focused market has a whole host of clothing on sale, from vintage pieces to more up-to-date second-hand items.

Alongside the clothing stalls is the craft market, where you can pick up fabrics, textiles, and other building/mending materials to create your own masterpieces, or simply sow that hole in your favorite jeans! For the fashion crazy, it's one of the best markets in Amsterdam!

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Artplein-Spui (Centre)

In the market, wink wink, for some fine art pieces? You'll find nothing but the best at Artplein-Spui, where local and international artists have been selling their pieces for over two decades.

Bargain-hunters will find paintings, sculptures, prints, jewelry, and many other pieces at one of its many stalls. They even have installations on show, if you want to kill a few hours exploring.

And those are our picks for the best markets in Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Windmill and colorful bulb fields in the Netherlands
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Keukenhof Guide: Amsterdam's Main Spring Attraction

Tulips are as synonymous with the Netherlands as windmills, clogs and stroopwafels. The Keukenhof botanical garden in Lisse, an easy day trip from Amsterdam, allows you to tick off as many as three of these national emblems in one fell swoop – they’re not quite so big on clogs here, in case you were wondering. Read on for our expert guide to visiting this essential Amsterdam spring attraction, including when to visit, how to get there, and what to see in the gardens (disclaimer: may include tulips)...  Keukenhof Guide: The Gardens in Brief Keukenhof is a sensory fiesta, where great carpets of brightly colored blooms dazzle the eye and the air is heady with intoxicating floral aromas. At around 79 acres, Keukenhof is one of the biggest flower gardens on the planet, with something in the order of seven million bulbs planted here every year. We’re talking tons of tulips of course, but that’s not all. You’ll also find many other spring favorites growing here, including daffodils, irises, hyacinths, crocuses and orchids. This ‘Garden of Europe’ is open between March and May when spring’s best blooms are at their sensational best, and you could easily spend a day here, exploring the themed flower shows, wandering the manicured woodland-style paths, boating silently along canals flanked by great flamboyant fields of tulips, and snapping Keukenhof’s Insta-perfect windmill. Keukenhof Guide: When to Visit Dates vary a little year on year, but as a general rule Keukenhof's floral fiesta runs between the spring equinox in March and the middle of May. It’s open every day throughout this period from 8AM to 7.30PM so there’s plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in its painterly landscapes and to pack a picnic and make a whole day of it. Popularity of this Amsterdam spring attraction peaks over the Easter holidays and through April, when the flowers are at their absolute blooming best, a one-day flower parade takes place mid-month, and busloads of flower-loving tourists arrive hourly from Amsterdam, Leiden, Haarlem and beyond. Keukenhof Guide: Don’t Miss… Flower Shows This is where Holland’s expert growers really come into their own, with eye-popping themed zones and pavilions that showcase the nation's best blooms. Themes change year on year to keep things bud-fresh, but previous years have paid homage to 1960s flower power, graffiti art and tropical beaches. Art at Keukenhof As if the glorious displays of flowers weren’t eye candy enough, Keukenhof also boasts several cool visual art pieces including sculptures and installations that juxtapose beautifully with the vibrant blooms.  Canal Cruise Hop aboard an electric-powered whisper boat behind Keukenhof Windmill for a relaxing 45-minute cruise through the bulb fields that surround the gardens. Cameras at the ready for buttery yellow daffodils by the dozen, tulips by the truckload and sweet-scented hyacinths in a rainbow of colors. An audio guide will fill you in on the history of the region as well as helping novices to distinguish their tulips from their crocuses. An extra charge applies for cruises, on top of the standard Keukenhof entry fee. Keukenhof Windmill Bag that quintessential Netherlands selfie in front of Keukenhof Windmill, afloat on its ocean of vibrant spring tulips, before taking a peek inside this 19th-century treasure. It’s not just photogenic from the outside, you know: climb to the top for stunning views across the technicolor gardens. Keukenhof on Two Wheels You can rent bikes (and tandems!) right outside the entrance if you want to explore the bulb fields and canals that surround Keukenhof at your leisure. But note that you can’t cycle through the gardens, only around them. Kids’ Stuff Once the little people in your life have been suitably wowed by the flowers and windmill, let them lose themselves in the hedge maze, let off steam in the playground and say hey to the peacock, pigs, goats and rabbits in the animal meadow. Stroopwafels! We teased you with these sweet syrup-filled treats way back at the beginning of this blog so it’s only fair we elaborate further here. There are several restaurants throughout the park, serving hot and cold meals (including options for kids) all day. You’ll also find a variety of snack and coffee vendors scattered around the gardens and its these you should make a beeline for if you’re in the market for a classic Dutch stroopwafel, as well you should be. Keukenhof Guide: Ticket Options Keukenhof is no different to most popular attractions, in that you’re likely to bag the best prices by booking online in advance. For example, a pass bought direct from the ticket office on the day will set you back €23. The online price meanwhile is €19.50, saving you a tasty €3.50 to put towards those delicious stroopwafels. You can also pay for parking as well as pre-booking bicycle rental and rides on the whisper boat via the official website here. You can also find plenty of tour operators offering one-price tickets that include return coach transfers and entry to the gardens. Alternatively, pick up a Go City Amsterdam attraction pass, which includes return transfers and entry to Keukenhof as well as access to many more Amsterdam attractions, tours and activities, including the Rijksmuseum, Madame Tussauds, and the famous Amsterdam canal cruise. Find out more about the Amsterdam pass options here. How to Get to Keukenhof There’s a plethora of ways to get to Keukenhof from Amsterdam, from the straightforward (coach+entry package) to the rather more complicated (train+bus) to the adventurous (cycling 25 miles from the city center to the bulb fields, anyone?). There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and how you get there will likely depend on budget and personal preference. We take a deep dive into the various transport options here – check it out! Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Amsterdam bridge and canal houses surrounded by fall-colored trees
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Amsterdam in November

If you're looking for a great time to visit the Netherlands off-season while still having the chance to experience the best that the city has to offer, then a trip to Amsterdam in November could be ideal. Combining the best of both worlds of off-season quietness and the beginnings of the holiday season buzz, November has something to offer for just about all types of traveller. Visiting Amsterdam in November Average Temperature: 39 - 48°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/month • Average Sunshine: 2 hours/day With fall coming to a close, Amsterdam prepares to welcome a brief wave of holiday-season tourists. How busy the city may be will therefore largely depend on when in November you plan to visit the Dutch capital. A trip early in the month will allow you to still benefit from the low-season tourism rate of fall, and the more straightforward access to attractions and lower accommodation fees that come with it. Toward the end of the month, while the city still isn’t likely to be too busy, you’re bound to come across more tourists than earlier in the month. With many Dutch festive celebrations starting as early as mid-November, many international visitors and Dutch residents alike flock to the city to enjoy the holiday season. The tail end of fall brings with it fairly cool, wet and gloomy weather for Amsterdam. With temperatures falling between the high-30s and high-40s, you’ll typically want to wrap up warm if you plan on spending a lot of time exploring the city’s charming squares. Be sure to pack an umbrella or waterproof clothing, too, as you’re likely to encounter at least one day of rain per week. Things to Do in November With the not-so-cheery weather in fall, you wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to orient your trip to primarily around indoor activities. Fortunately, while Amsterdam may be famous for its iconic architecture, bridges and canals, it’s also known for its rich bounty of culture and history. With that, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam any time of the year is to explore its wealth of world-class museums and art galleries. For a variety of both, head to the Rijksmuseum, home to a vast collection of over 8,000 pieces chronicling the history of both the Netherlands and Dutch art. To retrace the steps of history, you’ll want to make your way to the likes of the Amsterdam Museum and the Maritime Museum, each offering key insights into the respective histories of Amsterdam as a whole and the nautical pursuits of the Netherlands. Also popular is the Anne Frank House, where a biographical museum now stands in memory of the Jewish wartime diarist. If you have an eye for art, then topping your list should be the Van Gogh Museum, which houses an impressive collection of over 1,400 of the renowned Dutch painter's works. Right next door is the MOCO Museum, where you'll get your fix of modern and contemporary art, with exhibitions dedicated to artists such as Banksy, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. If you’re an avid cyclist or just feel like taking a more active approach to your trip, there are few better places for it than Amsterdam. With more bikes than people, there are few better ways to see the Dutch capital than on your own two wheels. There’s a plethora of bike rental stores scattered throughout the city offering reasonable day rates of around €10/day. If you happen to be visiting toward the latter half of the month and don’t mind getting a little chilly, then you may find Ice*Amsterdam a wonderful way to spend some time. Taking over the Museumplein, this event centers around a huge ice-skating rink and offers everything from festive market stalls to winter bars where you can warm up with a hearty cup of hot chocolate milk. Events in November PAN Amsterdam For a week in mid-November, the RAI Amsterdam convention center hosts PAN Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ leading art, design and antiques fair. Bringing together over 40,000 visitors each year, the fair serves as a platform for designers and art lovers alike to share insights and inspirations in every discipline from photography and contemporary art to antique furniture and interior design. IamExpat Fair Somewhat of a more niche event, the IamExpat Fair takes place in The Hague, just a short train ride away from Amsterdam. This one-day event offers a forum for long-stay internationals to come together and learn about life in the Netherlands. The event consists of presentations, workshops and information stalls offering insights into the likes of professional life, education, housing and banking for those who otherwise may find themselves lost amid all the new systems of their host country. Expats can make connections with one another and find the right organizations to help them get settled. Visitors with an interest in relocating to the Netherlands may find some value from the information and insight on offer. International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) Each November, much of Amsterdam’s city center transforms into a veritable paradise for film and documentary lovers. Since 1988, the IDFA has evolved to become the world’s largest documentary festival, and offers a vast program of events including guest lectures and workshops. At the core of the festival is its huge range of documentary films offering unique perspectives on every imaginable aspect of life around the world. Typically running for a little over a week, festival screenings take place throughout the city, including outdoor screenings beneath the night sky. Many of these movies are in English or offer English subtitles, making them accessible to as large an audience as possible. Sinterklaas’ Arrival Should you be visiting Amsterdam any time from mid-November, you’d be hard pushed not to notice the festive celebrations beginning to unfold. On the first weekend after November 11, the Netherlands welcomes the arrival of Sinterklaas on his iconic steam boat. In the lead-up to the day of Sinterklaas on December 5, most major cities throughout the Netherlands will host parades in which Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Pieten (Peters) greet the onlooking families by throwing festive candies and treats out to the crowds. Throughout this period, you’ll also find festive treats lining the shelves of most stores and bakeries. Among the most common Sinterklaas treats are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes. Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with an impressive light displays by designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city. One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals.
Robert Heaney
Snowed-covered bicycle leaning against a bridge over an Amsterdam canal
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Amsterdam in December

Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in December, you’ll find the city transformed in an embrace of the festive season. You’ll see the streets decorated with all manner of lights and holiday displays, and many of the city’s key squares become host to a number of festivals and markets. Visiting Amsterdam in December Average Temperature: 36 - 43°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/month • Average Sunshine: 1 hour/day While many other cities see a significant dip in tourism by the winter period, this is not so much the case for Amsterdam. In contrast to destinations like Barcelona, where much of their appeal is dependent on their peak summertime weather, Amsterdam’s charm comes entirely from its evergreen historical and cultural value. Of course, you can still expect a noticeable drop in visitors, with many tourists and families visiting exclusively in summer. Naturally, that also means you may benefit from lower accommodation than in summer. However, Amsterdam in December is far from quiet, particularly given its festive appeal around the holiday season. Amsterdam’s festive appeal comes in part from the weather in December. With average temperatures resting between 36°F and 43°F, you can expect a winter chill, but little chance of snow. Be sure to pack both warm and waterproof clothing, as you’re likely to encounter at least one day of rain per week. Things to Do in December Pair the colder and wetter weather with limited sunshine and shorter days, and you’ve got a recipe ideal for either embracing the outdoor winter spirit or keeping warm indoors. Fortunately, Amsterdam caters to both preferences in droves. Those looking for a piece of Amsterdam’s famous holiday festivities should head to Ice*Amsterdam on the Museumplein. Between mid-November and January, this popular square transforms into a veritable winter wonderland, with an impressive ice-skating rink at its core. You’ll also find a number of market stalls and festive bars where you can grab a cup of hot chocolate and a winter snack. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, then the Amsterdam Winter Paradise is the event for you. Complete with fairground rides, ice-skating rinks, snow tubing and cross-country skiing across real snow, as well as all of the market stalls and carnival games you’d expect from any Christmas event, this is an event for all ages to enjoy. If you’d prefer to keep warm and dry, then Amsterdam’s wealth of renowned museums should be more than enough to keep you busy. Explore more than 8,000 artworks and historical artefacts at the Rijksmuseum, and awe at the 1,400-strong collection of Van Gogh’s works at the Van Gogh Museum. Or for your modern art fix, head to the MOCO Museum to discover the popular works of Banksy and his contemporaries. Events in December Sinterklaas Should you happen to visit Amsterdam in the first week of December, you’ll be instantly aware of the ongoing festivities taking place throughout the city. In the lead-up to Sinterklaas on December 5, the Netherlands is host to a series of parades welcoming Sinterklaas himself (Saint Nicholas) to the country. You’ll find stores filled to the brim with all manner of Sinterklaas-themed treats alongside all of the other festive fare. Among the most common of these are pepernoten and kruidnoten (tiny gingerbread cookies), large solid chocolate letters, schuimpjes (foam-like sugary candies), speculaas cookies and various marzipan-based cakes. If you get the chance, be sure to attend one of the festive parades, where Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as Pieten (Peters), greet the onlooking families and visitors by throwing candies and treats out to the crowds. Don’t fret if you don’t have anybody to celebrate with on the day of Sinterklaas, as it isn’t a public holiday, so most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open if you want to share in the festivities! Christmas Markets As you’d expect from just about any major European city, Amsterdam is no stranger to its fair share of festive events and Christmas markets. If you’re looking for traditional markets, then the Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is the event for you, offering just about everything you’d expect – mulled wine, local artisan crafts and unique festive gifts galore. In the same vein, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market also offers up two festive-themed editions of its Westergasfabriek market throughout December. The first runs alongside or slightly ahead of Sinterklaas, and the other takes place shortly before Christmas Day. Alongside their regular assortment of stalls, these editions of the Sunday market are also host to various holiday treats and gifts made by local artists and designers. Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with impressive light displays by designers, artists and architects from around the world. Taking place throughout December and January, the festival typically showcases around 30 unique art installations, bringing an even more magical touch to an already festive city. One of the most popular activities of the Light Festival is to take a canal cruise in the evening. These boat tours offer a chance for visitors and locals alike to see the city from a different perspective, offering unique insights into the history of prominent neighborhoods while also exploring the artworks lining the banks of the canals. New Year’s Eve As one of the most popular European cities for tourists to ring in the new year, Amsterdam offers a whole host of events to cater for all manner of preferences. You’ll find everything from black tie events to buzzing raves to rooftop parties taking place throughout the city. Many restaurants and bars also offer special bookings as a more intimate way to see out the year. Among some of the most widespread New Year’s traditions in the Netherlands is the consumption of oliebollen (fried dough balls) dipped in icing sugar and washed down with a hearty glass of champagne. You’ll find street stalls selling these treats all over Amsterdam on December 31. If you’re feeling really adventurous, head to the likes of Zandvoort aan Zee just west of Amsterdam early on January 1, where thousands of locals and visitors alike get ready to take part in the New Year Swim in the North Sea. This freezing dip is considered a refreshing way to celebrate the New Year, after which you can grab a hot cup of pea soup to restore your shivering spirits.
Robert Heaney

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