Top Three Markets in Amsterdam

Top Three Favorite Markets in Amsterdam:

Noordermarkt (Mon 9:00 a.m.-13:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.-16:00 p.m.) 

Lindengracht Market (Sat 9:00 a.m.-16:00 p.m.) 

Albert Cuyp Markt (Mon-Sat 9:00 a.m.-17:00 p.m.)

Noordermarkt 

My favorite market in Amsterdam has to be Noordermarkt located near the Jordaan neighborhood in the North Western corner of the city. The festivities of the market take place in a little triangle surrounding a church and leaving a plot of space for children to scurry around at the playground in the center. It has a very quaint feeling which I love the most, and it's always densely populated with locals. This to say, going to Noordermarkt makes me feel like a true, lived resident of the city. The base of the triangle begins with easily thrifted vintage clothing items, rustic jewelry and trinkets. Then more toward the center starts the stalls of bread, pastries on pastries, meats, cheese and produce. And in between, you can usually get a ready made meal that’s prepared right in front of you! Noordermarkt is a great place to take friends and family if they come for a visit. The last time I was there, I ate fresh Gozleme from a Turkish street food stand, and my friend ordered pumpkin gnocchi from Focaccia Club Noordermarkt; one of my favorite stands! There’s also so many delicious options around the area waiting patiently for hunger to strike. Every time I visit, I wish I could eat all of them all at once. Right now though, I settle for a rotation. Margo’s is a scrumptious vegetarian bakery and sandwich shop located on a charming corner in the middle of Jordaan. They have the best seasonal lattes which are hard to come by! Saint-Jean, an instagram worthy vegan bakery, is also just minutes from the action of Noordermarkt. Of course, I can’t forget Winkle, the famous brunch location known for their apple pie, and Weldaad, a cozy interior design shop that I stroll through every time I’m in the area. 

Lindengracht Market 

The Lindengracht Market takes place just about two streets over from Noordermarkt! When I went for the first time, I thought it was at Noordermarkt. As it turned out, they are two totally different markets that just take place during the same time on Saturdays. Lindengracht has the same offering as Noordermarkt, and an even better offering of made-to-food. Lindengracht spans several full blocks, and at the end, you’ll be greeted by areas to sit with food trucks lining either side. I’ve eaten huge pitas stuffed with eggplant and other veggies, and have been dying to get to the pulled pork truck. Pulled pork is one of my favorite foods, and I personally feel like it’s an American classic, so I’d like to see how it’s done here! 

Albert Cuyp Markt

Albert Cuyp Markt is located in the heart of De Pijp, very close to the lovely surroundings of Museumplein and the quiet and comfort of residential neighborhoods. It’s a bit more touristy, however that means it’s a great market for a food tour! All in one place you can try french fries with various dips, like peanut sauce and ketchup and curry. Spanning the market you will also find Poffertjes, small Dutch pancakes, and tons of Stroopwafel stands. I prefer Poffertjes, but the Stroopwafel is a must-try Dutch sweet. It’s a thin waffle crisp layered with hot caramel between another waffle crisp. At Rudy’s original stroopwafels in the market, you can get one as big as your head! You can pick them up at the grocery store for a little snack with tea or coffee, but I also enjoy them fresh in front of me. Close by are some other great spots to take friends or stroll solo. I love stopping for a sandwich at Zero Zero; they have the most mouth-watering Italian sandwiches made to go so you can eat on the move or outside on a bench. For brunch, there’s a cozy spot down the street called Oeuf, less trendy than its neighbors Bakers & Roasters, and LOCALS. When in doubt, Oeuf is the old standby and attracts more residents than sightseers. Around the corner from Oeuf sits my favorite place to get a latte. It’s called La Boutique del Caffe Torrefazione and I’ve never tasted better espresso than in their shoppe!

Other great market options: 

De Hallen (indoors!) 

Ten Katemarkt (9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Mon-Sat)

Waterlooplein Market (9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon-Sat)

Dappermarkt

Sunday Market (rotating locations across the city!)

IJ Hallen: The largest flea market in Europe