Best Markets in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
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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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
Fireworks over the iconic Amsterdam canal houses
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Christmas in Amsterdam

The festive period sees the historical streets of Amsterdam transform almost entirely, embracing the festive period in any way it can. Should you find yourself in Amsterdam around the holidays, you’ll see the streets lined with all manner of light and art displays, and many busy squares occupied by different holiday-themed events, festivals and markets. As the Netherlands celebrates more than just Christmas Day, the festive atmosphere is all the more electric in Amsterdam all through December. If you’re looking for somewhere to truly embrace the holiday spirit, then Christmas in Amsterdam could be the trip for you. Sinterklaas Should you find yourself spending the holiday season in Amsterdam, you may be in for a treat, with not just one but two Christmases to celebrate. This is the reality for children throughout the Netherlands who, in addition to celebrating Christmas Day, also look forward to a visit from Sinterklaas on December 5. In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is the main day for gift-giving, while Christmas is more commonly reserved as a day to celebrate with family over a traditional dinner. Unlike Santa Claus, who elsewhere visits in secret on the night of the 24th, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) makes a very public and grand entrance in mid-November. Arriving in the Netherlands on his iconic steam boat, Sinterklaas and his helpers, known as ‘Pieten’, parade through the country’s major cities, throwing candies and festive treats to the onlooking children. These festivities continue all the way up to the day of Sinterklaas on December 5, when children across the country wait excitedly to hear a knock on their front door. If they’ve been good that year, they should find their gifts on the other side. It’s also traditional for children to leave a shoe or boot by the fireplace or door, which they may find filled with small gifts when they wake the next day. Unlike Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Sinterklaas isn’t recognized as a public holiday. As such, don’t fret if you have nobody to celebrate with, as most cafés, bars and restaurants will still be open should you want to share in the festivities! Christmas Markets It’s become somewhat of an unspoken rule for major European cities to offer up a vast selection of Christmas markets and festive celebrations throughout the holiday period, and Amsterdam certainly doesn’t disappoint. Where Amsterdam departs from the European trend is in the absence of German-style Christmas markets. While you’re bound to find some similarities, Amsterdam’s Christmas markets are traditionally Dutch through and through. Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt The Amsterdamsche Kerstmarkt is perhaps the most emblematic Christmas market in Amsterdam. Held over the course of a few days shortly before Christmas Day, the event is host to various stalls selling all manner of festive fare and local artisan crafts. In addition to the market stalls, you’ll also find an ice skating rink, various children’s activities, cultural events and workshops, as well as food stalls and winter bars, all often accompanied by live festive music. Be sure to check for updates from the organizers to find details as to the location and dates of this event. Sinterklaas & Funky Xmas Sunday Markets Early in December, Amsterdam’s monthly Sunday market transforms into a more holiday-themed market in celebration of Sinterklaas. Head to the Westergasfabriek to find a selection of handmade crafts and gifts, alongside all manner of festive treats and food. This market makes a return later in the month for the Funky Xmas market when, as per its name, it takes on a more groovy and Christmassy theme. Often taking place shortly before Christmas day, this is a chance to find those last-minute, quirky gifts made by local artists and designers to bring home to your loved ones. Of course, you’ll still find all of the typical staples of the Sunday market present at these special editions. For some traditional Dutch street food, be sure to try out the likes of kibbeling cod bites and poffertje pancakes. Christmas Treats If sweet Dutch treats are something you’re keen to try, there’s no better time to visit Amsterdam than during the festive period. Throughout November and December, stores and bakeries will be brimming with Sinterklaas- and Christmas-themed candies. 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. You can also expect to find many festive European staples on offer throughout the city, such as smoked sausage (rookwurst), mulled wine (gluhwein) smoked sausage and warme Chocomel (hot chocolate). Be sure to try oliebollen (fried dough balls) and appelbeignets (fried apple slices) dipped in icing sugar, too! Christmas Activities & Events Ice*Amsterdam If there’s anything that best reflects Christmas in Amsterdam, it's the Ice*Amsterdam festival. Taking over the busy Museumplein, this event typically starts in mid-November and lasts all the way until late January. With an ice-skating rink at its core beneath a replica of the well-known Skinny Bridge, people of all ages flock to the area to share in some festive fun. The rink is accompanied by a healthy selection of winter bars where you can grab a hot cup of chocolate milk and a Christmas snack, alongside various market stalls selling all manner of seasonal gifts and products. Amsterdam Winter Paradise Those looking for that little bit of extra excitement should head for RAI Amsterdam which, from late December, becomes host to a huge indoor and outdoor holiday festival. Alongside the usual smattering of seasonal market stalls, street food and winter bars, the Winter Paradise offers an impressive array of festive activities. You can expect fairground rides to accompany the giant Ferris wheel overlooking the city, alongside various carnival games and activities. There are also indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks, curling lanes and competitions, as well as an area filled with real snow for tubing, skiing and snowball fights. If you’re the competitive type, be sure to join in on the Winter Games, too. Amsterdam Light Festival Running alongside the holiday season, the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the Dutch capital with an impressive array of light displays from 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

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