Overseas markets seem to be gaining in popularity and waterlooplein market in Amsterdam is no exception.
This flea market is hard to miss if you spend at least two days in the city.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about it.
Waterlooplein market in Amsterdam: article summary
Waterlooplein market: at a glance
The market has around 300 stalls, and most vendors are in the same place every day.
Unlike the Albert Cuyp market in the de PijpThis market offers a mix of second-hand, new, bric-a-brac, antiques, fashion and just about anything else you can imagine.
The prices of many things are negotiable. some stands have fixed prices. It never hurts to ask, but this is not a place where you can practice bargaining to get things for a fraction of the asking price.
The Waterlooplein flea market seems to attract more shoppers and eccentric traders than anywhere else in town, so it can be highly entertaining even for those who have no intention of buying.
Find the clothes you're looking for at the waterlooplein market
Some stalls specialize in second-hand clothes, while others sell "vintage" clothes, the differences usually being price and condition.
Many other stalls sell only new clothes, but they tend to be of poor quality. If you're looking for current fashions and decent prices, it's best to to the Albert Cuyp market.
An abundance of multimedia products
Numerous stands sell new and used DVDs, CDs, video games, books and electronics.
Prices tend to be fairly low, but you won't normally see contraband DVDs and CDs.
As everywhere else in Amsterdam, don't be surprised to see open-air porn DVD boxes next to other films.
Waterlooplein market: finding the perfect gift for smokers
The Waterlooplein Market is the best place in town to buy smoking accessories. You can buy small pipes (sometimes called weekends) from around €3, while the same thing costs €10 in nearby specialist stores.
You can also buy water pipes, vaporizers, marijuana grinders and many other interesting items, all at unbeatable prices.
There are only a handful of stalls selling these things, so the selection is far from complete, but the prices are by far the lowest.
Bring back a curiosity from your vacation
The Waterlooplein flea market has dozens of stalls selling a variety of used household items. You can find tools, TV remotes that nobody ever uses, kitchen appliances, ashtrays and other unusual items.
You can also find bicycles, musical instruments, ethnic souvenirs from other regions, cheap batteries, extension cords and much more.
Where is the waterlooplein market?
The market surrounds the Stadhuis-Muziektheater complex, just a 3 to 4-minute walk east of Rembrandtplein, not far south of the red-light district. The market is very easy to find, because it is exposed and visible from almost any direction as you approach it.
What are the opening hours?
The waterlooplein market opens :
- From 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
- From 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Many stalls start to close earlier, especially on days when there are fewer visitors. I therefore advise you not to arrive late in the day when the venue closes.
Amsterdam is a beautiful place, full of secrets. Spend an afternoon at the waterlooplein market, you can do your shopping in one of the city's typical spots.
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