Flea markets are popular places. All you have to do is to try and find a parking place in order to discover how true that is. So what is it that attracts such big crowds to these lines of tables?
Flea markets are similar to a giant garage sale with all the items organized on different tables. You never know what you'll find at a flea market but you can be guaranteed that the products will cover a wide spectrum. You'll find clothes, housewares, décor items, tools, toys, books, antiques and crafts. A whole mini-mall made up of vendor tables. What is found on those tables one week will be totally different than what you might find another week.
Collectors of all types of items will be found roaming through flea markets. For auto enthusiasts it may be a hood ornament or another original piece for their current restoration project. Dinnerware collectors are looking pieces to finish out their sets. Art collectors are looking for that rare piece of pottery or a painting of great value that has yet to be discovered.
Flea markets are one of the few places where you sometimes barter with the vendors. You might have something that the vendor would be interested in taking in trade for one or more of his items. Vendors at these markets are accustomed to people offering to pay a lower price than what is marked on items. Flea market shoppers who are comfortable with dickering on a price can come away with some great deals.
Some people who attend flea markets enjoy watching people do their thing as much or more than the shopping. From the wealthy penny pinchers driving up in their Cadillac's to the homeless guy on his bicycle looking for a cheap pair of boots, the flea market is synonym of variety.
Markets in Amsterdam
Shopping in Amsterdam's colorful and lively markets is a great way to clinch a bargain while picking up a few Dutch souvenirs for your friends and family.
The city's market culture dates back to the early 18th century with the first stall set up in the Jewish Quarter in 1783. Today, there are 12 daily outdoor markets, 15 markets which are open one or two days of the week and several markets which open on a certain day of the season. Most are open during normal shopping hours so weather permitting, you can shop to your hearts' content. Of course while you are pursuing through the items, always keep your eye on your belongings, as markets are every pocket-picketers paradise.
There are some great markets to choose, located mostly in the center of town. Whatever you are into, you are most likely to find it at one of the many markets- whether its general domestic appliances and other household goods or specialty produce such as cheeses or bread. All items are individually priced but if you are really daring, go down to the Waterlooplein Flea Market, one of the few markets in Amsterdam where haggling is commonplace, for your flowers or plants visit the Flower Market – Bloemenmarkt, and for your biological food check the Farmer's market - Boerenmarkt (on Noordermarkt).
The most important Amsterdam´s markets are:
Albert Cuypmarkt
Amsterdam's largest and busiest market.
Specialty: General goods, food produce, exotic herbs and spices.
Antiekmarkt Amsterdam
Antiques and curiosa market - one of the few covered markets in Amsterdam.
Specialty: furniture, jewelry, silverware, collectables.
Art Plein Spui
Market where artists sell their works of art.
Specialty: Original prints, small oil paintings.
Bloemenmarkt - Flower Market
The only floating flower market in the world.
Specialty: Flowers, seeds, bulbs and rare flowers such as black tulips.
Boekenmarkt - Book Market
Very popular book market.
Speciality: Books, cards, maps, engravings.
Farmer's Market, Noordermarkt - Boerenmarkt
(Biological Fresh Food Market - Biologische versmarkt).
The most popular Amsterdam market at the moment.
Speciality: Mushrooms, biological food, cheese, fresh fish, herbs.
Located: Noordermarkt, 1015 MV.
Dappermarkt
Amsterdam's cheapest market.
Speciality: Clothes, food, general goods.
Lindengracht market
Usual weekend shopping place for people who live in Amsterdam. Also bicycles, cosmetics and small objects you might need at home.
Marqt – The Farmers Market
Fresh fish, cheese directly from a local farmer, traditionally baked bread, fresh fruits, good local vegetables plus French wines at reasonable prize.
Nieuwmarkt Market
Saturday farmer's market with organic fare as well as an antiques market during the summer selling ornaments, knick knacks and clothes.
Postzegelmarkt
A collector's market for stamps, coins, old postcards and commemorative medals.
Waterlooplein Flea Market
Flea market, an unique 300-stall outdoor bazaar is full of curiosa, general bric-a-brac, second-hand clothing, CDs, DVDs, appliances and other brand new and used goods.
Speciality: Second-hand clothes, curiosa.
Westerstraat market
Best market for clothes and small objects. Often the products from the shops which went bankrupt are sold here. Speciality: Clothes and shoes (often by big names in fashion), small objects, general goods, textiles.
Sources: www.amsterdam.info, municipality of Amsterdam.
By Claudia Schalkx
Claudia is a multilingual consultant fluent in Spanish, English, Italian, and Dutch with over 25 years international experience in communications, public relations & marketing. She was born in Venezuela from Dutch parents, has lived and worked in Venezuela, Colombia, Curacao, St. Maarten, USA, Italy and The Netherlands where she resides. She is Colors Chief Editor. Her duties include content selection, revision & editing, finding and attracting collaborators, and identifying new business opportunities for Liberty Publications. More info
Pictures: Flickr: Jimderda / Udo Geisler
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