Markets in any country are one of the best ways to truly embrace a new culture, learn more about the locals and use the time to discover the different colours, sights, tastes and smells which makes the city unique. Amsterdam has wonderfully eclectic open air markets, each of which offer something different and unique (for all). If your idea for visiting an open air market to buy the freshest produce for the evening meal – you will find an open air market to cater to your needs – what’s more there are markets for readers, collectors as well as cheese connoisseurs. In fact many expats are amazed by the huge range of goods, foods, books, cheese, and collectibles which are sold at various open air markets in Amsterdam.
Organic farmers’ markets
Boerenmarkt on Noordermarkt
The biologisch boerenmarkt or the organic farmers’ market is the perfect place to find the freshest, best quality fruits and vegetables. In addition to being the top shopping spot for fresh produce, the market is the place to be on a Saturday morning in the Jordaan. Before making a purchase on the array of fresh goods, visitors are given the chance to taste handcrafted cheeses, homemade herb pestos, specialty mushrooms and artisanal baked goods. Beside the chance to select organic veggies and fruits, the market also boasts a large number of flea market stalls, where a variety of trinkets can be found.
The market trades throughout the year and is open on Saturdays from 09:00 until 17:00 and is located in Noordermarkt on the Prinsengracht, Jordaan close to Noorderkerk Haarlemmerstraat.
The Pure Market
The Pure Market is a travelling Sunday market and is the perfect place to find delicious, traditional, local Dutch food. What’s more there are additional stalls (80 stalls in total) which offer fresh produce. The market is made up of sunny terraces, and many visit the market for the music and the entertainment on offer, which is a treat for the whole family. At the Pure Market one can do their weekly grocery shopping or can visit the market to enjoy local snacks and drinks. In addition to the wonderful selection of fresh foods and produce, this vibrant market also has a small choice of non-edible items.
The Pure Market is open on the last Sunday of the month (from the months of March to October, except in July) It is open from 11:00 until 18:00 at Park Frankendael, Oost-Watergraafsmeer
The Pure Market can also be found, every third Sunday of the month (from March through October, except July), at Zuidas, George Gershwinplein, from 11:00 – 18:00
Albert Cuyp Market
In this market, shoppers are able to browse through more than 250 stalls which trade in everything, from cheese to bike chains, fresh produce to fried street snacks, shaving cream and shoes as well as clothes. The huge array of goods on offer has made the Albert Cuyp market one of the busiest market in Amsterdam.
The market trades throughout the year, from Monday – Saturday from 09:00 until 17:00.
Located in Albert Cuypstraat, De Pijp.
Dappermarkt
This open air market received the vote as being one of the best markets in the Netherlands in 2007/2008, and what’s more this open air shopping emporium is considered as Amsterdam’s most affordable and most multicultural market. The market offers samples of exotic foods, and one can find a wide selection of funky outfits. There is also a selection of fresh bread to choose from and of course cheese.
Dappermarkt is open all year round from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 – 17:00
The Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt)
Once the weekly shop has been completed and the evening meal planned, a stop at the flower or Bloemenmarkt is a must. Flower tradition is an age old Dutch tradition and the Dutch love nothing more than to decorate their homes with fresh and fragrant blooms. The market is a canal-side alley and here flower shoppers will be presented with dozens of gorgeous blooms, bulbs and plants. Regardless of the time of year, each of the stalls in the market offers an assortment of seasonal scents and a stunning rainbow of floral choices.
The Flower Market trades throughout the year and is open from Monday to Saturday from 09:00 – 17:30 and on Sunday from 11:00 until 17:00. The market can be found in the Central Canal District.
The Spui Book Market
There is truly a market for everyone in Amsterdam. If you are looking to decorate your home with flowers, find a gift or prepare a scrumptious meal from scratch, the assortment of markets caters to every need. The Spui Book Market is a must for all avid readers and bookworms and the mere sight of the old-fashioned book market located in between the hustle and bustle of a Friday in a modern Amsterdam is just one of the cultural diversities that sets this fantastic Dutch city apart from all others. If you are looking to find old art and photography books – you’ll hit the jackpot when visiting the Spui Book Market.
The book market trades all year round, every Friday from 10:00 – 18:00, at Spui, Old Centrum
There is no doubt that spending time at any of the open-air markets is the ideal way to submerge one’s self in the diverse and fascinating culture of the Dutch. The markets are open and trade regardless of the weather and even if you plan to visit the stalls to do some ‘window shopping’ the markets are the perfect escape for the whole family and the chance to gaze at and discover the interesting and unusual wares on sale!
