Amsterdam has numerous markets, some general and some specialist, but each with its own particular character and atmosphere. The markets are mainly outdoor events, and are scattered throughout the city centre. In fact, visiting a selection of markets is also a great way to explore old Amsterdam. Your tour will bring you to locations such as the Red Light District, the Pijp, the Jordaan and the old Jewish Quarter. Below, we highlight some of Amsterdam's main markets with a brief description of each.

Location: Albert Cuypstraat, the Pijp District, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Daily except Sunday

The Albert Cuyp market is probably the best known and one of the best loved of Amsterdam's general markets. It is also one of the cheapest. The market is over one kilometre long, and stocks everything from food, flowers, spices and household wares to clothing, hardware and the occasional exotic find.

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Location: Elandsgracht 109, the Jordaan District, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Daily except Fridays

This is one of Amsterdam's few indoor markets. It stretches through a vast labyrinth of stalls full of an intriguing range of wares. This market was founded over 30 years ago to facilitate antique dealers who were too small to have their own shops. The result today is a wide array of curios, antiques, silverware and paintings, with a distinct collectors theme to it. Discover a charming antique corkscrew collection for example, or a model train collection, antique dolls, old coins, clocks and much more too numerous to mention. It is well worth taking a stroll through. There is also a cafe if you fancy some refreshments.

Location: Spuiplein (Spui square), the Old Centre, Amsterdan, NL
Open: Sundays

Art Plein is an open air arts market exhibiting original oil paintings, water colours, ceramics, jewellery and hand painted textiles, in a variety of styles. What makes this market particularly interesting is that the pieces are generally sold by the artists who created them. While around 60 Dutch and international artists are represented, only 25 participants exhibit at any one time, ensuring there is always something new to see. A visit to this delightful market, in the centre of town, is your opportunity to communicate directly with the artists, who are always keen to elaborate on their work.

Location: Noordermarkt, the Jordaan district, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Saturdays

Every Saturday morning a small corner of the Jordaan becomes a foodies haven, the organic farmers market is held from 8.00 until 16.00...but you're advised to come early for the best range of foods. The array of foods, all organic, is breathtaking, with everything from seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese and dairy, breads and much much more. If you're looking for the ingredients for a fabulous meal, or to stock your larder for the week you can surely find most of the fresh ingredients here. Of course it's also a great place to just go for a stroll and catch a glimpse of real Amsterdam life - this market is a great favourite of Amsterdammers.
The market itself occupies a triangular market place directly in front of the Noorderkerk where the Westerstraat meets the Prinsengracht. Farmers and producers from the countryside around Amsterdam travel into the city with their produce...the food is so fresh often picked only hours before it appears on the stalls. For anyone in Amsterdam on Saturday, this most charming of markets is simply not be missed!

More on the Noordermarkt farmers market...

Interview with Dutch Food Designer Marije Vogelzang at the Noordermarkt...

Location: Singel (Muntplein end), the old Centre, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Daily

Amsterdam's famous floating flower market is an eye-catching display of colour. The stalls are in fact made up of a series of moored barges in the Singel Canal. You will find an enormous range of flowers, plants, bulbs, seeds, garden accessories here as well as the inevitable souvenirs. It's a great place to pick up tulip and other bulbs. Watch out for the crowds!

Location: Oudemanhuispoort (or Oudezijds Achterburgwal), the Old Centre, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Daily except Sunday

Located near the University in a little arcade on the edge of the red light district, this little book haven makes for a charming visit. In addition to an unusual selection of books, you can also expect to find engravings and some charming prints of old Amsterdam. There is also a particularly well-stocked cook book stall, where you can pick up a hardback copy of Larousse Gastronomique, among other delights, as well as an interesting selection of books on music. Great for a leisurely browse!

Location: Lindengracht, the Jordaan district, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Saturdays

This is a well respected general market, with a wide range of food, clothing and household goods. The market runs the full length of the Lindengracht, situated in the heart of the Jordaan. It is a regular Saturday visit for numerous Amsterdammers, who pick up shoes, toys, bags and accessories, leather and much more. The fish stalls are worth a special mention. It's also a great place to pick up second hand bicycles and more importantly in Amsterdam, a good lock to go with it. Prepare to queue as this market tends to get very busy.

Location: Noordermarkt, the Jordaan district, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Monday mornings and Saturdays from 9.00 until 16.00 (near the Farmers Market)

On Mondays and Saturdays, the charming Noordermarkt square hosts a flea market, which is rather reminiscent of a car boot sale at first sight. But in fact, there is more to it on closer inspection. While there are some antique stalls, also expect to find interesting furniture in particular 20th Century chairs, second-hand clothes (sometimes a matter of picking through a bundle on the ground), a specialist button stall, toys, bric-a-brac, silverware, books, the odd painting and war memorabilia. The neighbouring Westerstraat market, also on Monday mornings, ensures a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, the Old Centre, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Wednesdays and Saturdays

One of the Amsterdam's smallest markets, blink and you'll miss it! Having said that, it is highly specialised, and if you are a stamp collector, or you are looking for old coins, postcards or medals, this little market in the heart of the city centre, complete with its 'old world' feel, is well worth a visit.

Location: Waterlooplein, the old Jewish Quarter, Amsterdam, NL

Open: Daily except Sundays

Located in the old Jewish quarter, this is Amsterdam's most famous flea market with a vintage twist. Full of atmosphere, it is a delight for collectors and bargain hunters, with lots of antiques, bric-a-brac, curios, clothing, body jewellery and a few surprises. 

More on the Waterlooplein market...

Location: Westerstraat, the Jordaan District, Amsterdam, NL
Open: Monday mornings

If you missed the Lindengracht on Saturday, you can always catch this market on Monday morning. In some ways, similar to the Lindengracht market, with a range of food, clothing, shoes, flowers and household goods, it differentiates itself by having more of an emphasises on clothes than food, with a particularly fine assortment of textiles and fabrics, in all colours and all materials from all over the world. If it's fabric you are after, this is the place to come. Follow it up with a visit to the Button stall at the nearby Noordermarkt Antiques market (also Monday mornings). Come early as the Westerstraat market closes at noon and be prepared for the crowds.

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