The Netherlands does markets differently. Cheese wheels stacked on wooden sleds, tulips floating on canal barges, and antique dealers who’ve been trading from the same spot for generations. If you’re after fresh stroopwafels or just want to wander through stalls with a coffee in hand, the best markets in Netherlands have something worth discovering.
Markets across the Netherlands operate year-round despite the unpredictable weather. In this guide, we have covered 11 markets across major cities and hidden gems throughout the country. Get ready to find out the top shopping markets in Netherlands that combine history, culture, and genuine Dutch character.
11 Best Markets in Netherlands
1. Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market has operated since 1905 on the street bearing its name. Over 260 permanent stands line both sides of Albert Cuypstraat between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat. This market draws locals and tourists alike with its authentic Amsterdam atmosphere.
Famous for offering some of Amsterdam’s lowest prices, shoppers come here for bargains. Fresh herring stands serve traditional Dutch snacks throughout the day. Stroopwafel vendors make the sweet waffles fresh while you watch.
- Highlights: Fresh stroopwafels, raw herring, affordable prices, and diverse international food
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Address: Albert Cuypstraat 101, 1072 VV Amsterdam, Netherlands
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2. Bloemenmarkt Flower Market
Founded in 1862, Bloemenmarkt sits on houseboats permanently moored along the Singel canal. Originally, flower growers sailed their boats from the countryside to sell blooms directly to customers. Today, the market consists of 15 shops selling flowers, bulbs, plants, and Dutch souvenirs.
Colors and fragrances overwhelm your senses as you stroll past the stalls. Fresh tulips, roses, daffodils, and seasonal blooms fill the displays year-round. During December, vendors add Christmas trees to their offerings.
- Highlights: World’s only floating flower market, tulip bulbs, Dutch souvenirs, colorful displays
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Address: Singel 630, 600 Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. Waterlooplein Flea Market
Waterlooplein Market stands as the Netherlands’ oldest operating flea market. The square itself was created in 1882 by filling in two canals. Since 1893, this location has hosted what became Amsterdam’s largest and most important Jewish market until 1941.
After World War II, the market reopened and became a haven for hippie culture during the 1960s-70s. Today, approximately 300 vendors sell secondhand goods Monday through Saturday. The market sits behind the Stopera city hall building and opera house.
- Highlights: Vintage items, antiques, secondhand clothing, haggling culture, diverse food trucks
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Address: Waterlooplein, 1011 PG Amsterdam, Netherlands
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4. IJ-Hallen Flea Market
IJ-Hallen occupies two enormous former shipbuilding halls at NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam Noord. This monthly weekend market features over 750 stands spread across indoor and outdoor spaces. The market has earned recognition as Europe’s largest regular flea market.
Secondhand clothing dominates roughly two-thirds of the available stalls. Vintage fashion, retro furniture, vinyl records, antiques, books, and curiosities fill the remaining space. The industrial setting adds character with graffiti art covering the surrounding warehouse walls.
- Highlights: Europe’s largest flea market, vintage clothing, industrial atmosphere, creative NDSM area
- Timings: One weekend per month, Saturday-Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Check website for dates)
- Address: IJ-Hallen, NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam-Noord
5. Dappermarkt
Dappermarkt received official market status in 1911, though traders had gathered here since the early 1900s. Named after Olfert Dapper, a 17th-century advocate for multicultural society, this market truly reflects Amsterdam’s diversity. Over 250 stalls operate between Mauritskade and Wijttenbachstraat in Amsterdam East.
National Geographic named Dappermarkt one of the top ten shopping streets worldwide in 2007. The market serves the heavily multicultural Dapper neighborhood with products from Turkey, Morocco, Suriname, Africa, and Asia. Fresh vegetables, exotic spices, international snacks, and ethnic textiles dominate the offerings.
- Highlights: Multicultural products, affordable prices, international cuisine, authentic neighborhood feel
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Address: Dapperplein, 1093 GP Amsterdam, Netherlands
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6. Noordermarkt
Noordermarkt dates back to 1618 when it began as a pottery market, making it Amsterdam’s second-oldest marketplace. The triangular square surrounds the Noorderkerk church, built between 1620-1623. Markets operate here twice weekly with different themes.
Saturday mornings feature the Biologische Noordermarkt organic farmers market from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Started in 1987, this was the Netherlands’ first organic market. Monday mornings bring a flea market selling antiques, curiosities, vintage clothing, and secondhand items. The market runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM alongside the Lapjesmarkt on nearby Westerstraat.
- Highlights: Organic farmers market, flea market, historic Jordaan location, artisanal products
- Timings: Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (organic market), Monday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (flea market)
- Address: Noordermarkt, 1015 NA Amsterdam
7. Lapjesmarkt (Westerstraat Market)
Lapjesmarkt, meaning “patch market,” operates along Westerstraat in the Jordaan district. This Monday morning market has served local sewers and crafters for over a century. Around 170 stands sell fabrics, leather, buttons, zippers, ribbons, threads, and haberdashery supplies.
The market extends from Noordermarkt Square along Westerstraat’s length. Originally focused purely on textiles, vendors now also offer vintage clothing, shoes, designer goods at discounted prices, and general merchandise. Quality branded items sometimes appear at a fraction of the original cost.
- Highlights: Fabric and textiles, vintage clothing, designer bargains, Jordaan atmosphere
- Timings: Monday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Closed from Tuesday to Sunday)
- Address: Westerstraat, 1015 MP Amsterdam, Netherlands
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8. Ten Katemarkt
Ten Katemarkt operates six days a week along Ten Katestraat in the Kinkerbuurt neighborhood. This market has served Amsterdam West residents for over 100 years with approximately 130 permanent stalls. The market location sits within walking distance of De Hallen cultural complex.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and cheese form the market’s core offerings. International food stands serve dumplings, Turkish snacks, Indonesian satay, Brazilian specialties, and freshly baked breads. Vendors also sell clothing, fabrics, flowers, plants, and household goods.
- Highlights: Fresh produce, international street food, neighborhood atmosphere, De Hallen proximity
- Timings: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Address: Ten Katestraat 20, 1053 BE Amsterdam, Netherlands
9. Markthal Rotterdam
Opened by Queen Máxima on October 1, 2014, Markthal represents the Netherlands’ first covered food market. The building features a horseshoe-shaped arch structure designed by MVRDV architects. Inside, 228 apartments look down onto the market floor through triple-glazed windows.
Ninety-six fresh food stalls and 20 retail units fill the 100,000-square-meter complex. Vendors offer fresh fish, game, cheese, international cuisine, ice cream, coffee, and specialty foods. A supermarket on the underground level completes the shopping experience. The building attracts 8.5 million visitors annually to its central Rotterdam location.
- Highlights: Architectural masterpiece, Horn of Plenty artwork, diverse food vendors, modern design
- Timings: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Restaurants vary)
- Address: Verlengde Nieuwstraat, 3011 GX Rotterdam, Netherlands
10. Haagse Markt, The Hague
Haagse Markt operates as the largest open-air market in the Netherlands and among Europe’s biggest. More than 500 permanent stands fill Herman Costerstraat four days a week. The market serves The Hague’s diverse population with products from dozens of cultures.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat supply daily groceries for local residents. Exotic spices, Turkish textiles, Surinamese snacks, Moroccan goods, and Asian imports reflect the city’s demographics. Around 35,000 shoppers visit during peak days like Saturdays. The market’s reputation centers on affordable prices and authentic international products.
- Highlights: Europe’s largest open-air market, multicultural products, fresh exotic produce, and affordable prices
- Timings: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday)
- Address: Herman Costerstraat, 2571 PR Den Haag, Netherlands
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11. Alkmaar Cheese Market
Alkmaar’s cheese market dates back to at least 1622, though evidence suggests operations began even earlier. The market takes place on Waagplein square in Alkmaar’s historic center. Every Friday from late March through September, this spectacular tradition draws thousands of visitors.
Cheese carriers wearing traditional white uniforms and colored hats transport wheels using wooden barrows. Each barrow holds up to 160 kilograms of cheese. The ceremony begins at 10:00 AM when a bell rings to start trading.
- Highlights: 400-year tradition, cheese carriers, traditional trading ceremony, historic Waag building
- Timings: Last Friday of March – Last Friday of September, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Also Tuesday evenings, July – August 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Address: Waagplein, 1811 JP Alkmaar
FAQs
What are the best things to buy from the best markets in Netherlands?
Dutch cheese is a must because Gouda and Edam from local vendors taste nothing like supermarket versions. You’ll find stroopwafels and fresh flowers at most local food markets in Netherlands, too. For something uniquely Dutch, handicraft markets in Netherlands have Delft Blue pottery and hand-painted tiles worth checking out.
Are prices negotiable at markets in Netherlands?
Not really. Unlike southern Europe, haggling isn’t part of the culture at traditional markets in Netherlands since prices are usually fixed. Street shopping in Netherlands at flea markets is the exception where negotiating on secondhand items is fine, though Dutch vendors price fairly, so don’t push too hard.
What is the best time to shop at markets?
Mornings between 9-11 AM work best for a fresh selection before things sell out. Weekend markets in Netherlands get crowded by midday, especially in Amsterdam. Seasonal markets in Netherlands around Christmas and King’s Day are worth visiting, but expect big crowds.
Which markets are good for souvenirs?
Albert Cuypmarkt in Amsterdam covers most bases with cheese, flowers, and Dutch souvenirs along one street. The Bloemenmarkt is great for tulip bulbs that travel well. Both rank among the top shopping markets in Netherlands for visitors.
Are wholesale markets in Netherlands open to tourists?
Yes, most wholesale markets in Netherlands let visitors in even though they’re meant for trade buyers. The flower auctions in Aalsmeer and Rotterdam’s Groothandelsmarkt are worth exploring. Just check public hours beforehand since some sections have restrictions.
What should I avoid when shopping at traditional markets?
Tourist-heavy spots like the Bloemenmarkt tend to be overpriced, so compare before buying. Watch out for tulip bulbs that won’t clear your country’s customs, though good sellers stock export-certified options. Keep bags close too, since pickpocketing happens at busy Amsterdam markets.
Which markets offer the best bargains in Netherlands?
Famous flea markets in Netherlands, like IJ-Hallen and Waterlooplein, offer the best bargains in Netherlands markets for vintage clothing and secondhand finds. Clothing markets in Netherlands outside tourist areas have better prices too since vendors cater to locals rather than visitors.
Do antique markets in Netherlands sell real items?
The Dutch antique scene is generally reliable, though reproductions exist, like anywhere. Antique markets in Netherlands, such as Antiekcentrum Amsterdam, have reputable dealers who provide documentation for valuable pieces. Ask questions and request provenance if you’re spending serious money.
Can I find luxury shopping spots in Netherlands markets?
Most luxury shopping spots in Netherlands are on Amsterdam’s PC Hooftstraat rather than open-air markets. That said, some of the best markets in Netherlands do cater to upscale buyers. Noordermarkt on Saturdays has premium organic produce and designer vintage, and night markets in Netherlands sometimes feature high-end artisan goods.
