One of the best ways to spend a day in Amsterdam is by exploring the local markets here. Do you know that this is one of the best ways to understand the soul or real flavor of the city? Even though these markets contribute only to a small microcosm of Amsterdam city life, these are the best places to enjoy a distinct urban rhythm. Plus, you can mingle with locals coming from different walks of life and enjoy the outstanding strategies and tricks used by market sellers to boost their sales.
Additionally, you are likely to get great deals on many items including books, furniture pieces, clothing, decors etc when purchasing from the city markets. Some of the best markets that you may explore on your Dutch capital visit are listed below.
IJ – Hallen
IJ Hallen is regarded as the largest flea market in Amsterdam; in fact, in Europe. No wonder, this is the best option for all the economic shoppers out there. Note that you are most likely to get a good haggle at this flea market if your bargaining skills are quite commendable. Over a weekend in every month, more than 750 sellers tend to set up stalls in the giant warehouses on the NADM wharf to sell different products.
While most of the sellers here are certified vendors, you can find many private sellers and artisans as well in the market whose objective is to de-clutter their wardrobe, stores, and apartments while earning money. You can find a huge range of products here including centuries-old german stuff, rare vinyl, vintage clothing, furniture pieces, home decors, and what note.
Since there are many options to wade through, shopping from IJ Hallen is likely to be a bit of a sport. Needless to mention, you will have to spend almost your entire day in the market. However, you are likely to find many fabulous stuff and bag a deal at this market if you have got a sharp collector’s eyes and patience.
Noordermarkt
Noordermarkt is one of the ancient flea markets in Amsterdam boasting a rich history of over 400 years. Begun as a 17th-century pottery bazaar, this is the place to find a versatile range of secondhand and vintage goods in Amsterdam, especially on Mondays. Needless to mention, you are likely to bag products at amazingly cheap rates from this market depending on your bargaining skills.
On Saturdays, the giant market will divide itself into an organic farmers market and an antique market. From the former, you can purchase organic products sourced from each farmer’s or seller’s land. Plus, they are likely to give you some useful tips and even some unique recipes as you purchase their yields.
You can also sample a wide variety of cheeses, mushrooms, fruits, nuts, honey, and whatnot at this place. When it comes to the antique market, centuries-old home decors and unique furniture pieces are the main highlights.