I recently got an email from a fellow Somerset reader. She and her husband were coming to the Netherlands for a vacation and she wanted to know about any flea markets in Amsterdam. Well, there’s nothing I love more than a flea market (especially in a foreign country) so I’m happy to share—
• The Noordermarkt—this flea market is only on Mondays from 9-2, but so worth it for old books, buttons, clothes (my friend found an amazing vintage leather jacket there for a shockingly low price) and antiques. Get there early for the best stuff! If you shop for clothes, be aware that there aren’t dressing rooms, so dress in something you can wear while you try stuff on. Or, don’t be shy—I’ve seen ladies do super-quick whisk-off, whisk-on fast changes, and no one cares because everyone’s too busy digging (yes, digging) for their own treasures. On Saturday from 9:00-5:00, it’s an organic farmer’s market. After you shop, check out Winkel, the café right on the edge of the market…if you can get a seat, order their appeltaart (it’s supposed to be the best in Amsterdam). Location: Noordermarkt (next to the Noorderkerk in the Jordaan.)
• The Boekenmarket—every Friday from 10:00-6:00 there’s the book market on the Spui, where you can find antique books, vintage books, maps, kids’ books and English language books in all different genres. Apparently you must be a disheveled sixty-year-old man who smokes a pipe in order to have a stall here. 🙂 Location: Spui (between Kalverstraat and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal). When you’re done shopping, go have a coffee at the Café Hoppe across the street and people-watch while you look at your new treasures. Your waiter will probably be a disheveled sixty-year old man, by the way. He’s lovely.
• Waterlooplein flea market—on Monday-Saturdays, has all kinds of cool (and some tacky!) flea market finds, from papers and books to records, and some just plain unidentifiable stuff. It’s not on my regular route, but I’ve found some real treasures there and just made a note to check it out again this week. Location: Waterlooplein (near Stadhuis-Muziektheater complex). Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. While you’re in the neighbourhood, you might also check out Rembrandt’s House, just around the corner on the Jodenbreestraat.
All places are easily reachable by tram from Centraal Station.
Enjoy!
