A great way to get a feel for a city from a local perspective is to visit local markets. They form the hub of communities all across the world and Amsterdam is no exception. Although you can find all the international chains in Amsterdam that can be found in every major European city, to get a real feel for the Dutch capital, look no further than the city’s markets. There are several markets spread across Amsterdam, each representing the neighbourhood in which it is held, so there really is something for every taste.

Most of the city’s open-air markets are open year-round and offer the perfect place to do a bit of shopping, try local specialities (markets are the best place to try things like fresh stroopwafels, delicious cheeses, fresh kibbeling or the city’s infamous herring!) and really soak in local culture. Taking a stroll through the market and enjoying the bustling atmosphere enjoyed by local people each day is a great experience.

Here we take you through five of the best markets in Amsterdam and what you can find in them…

1) Albert Cuyp Markt 

The Albert Cuyp Markt is perhaps the city’s most famous market – come rain or shine, the Albert Cuyp is always busy and is a great place to pick up practically anything, from tooth brushes to bike locks. Perhaps the best thing about this market is the traditional Dutch food on offer – only a short distance from the centre of the city, you can enjoy freshly made stroopwafels or some of the city’s best herring. For traditional Dutch fare and a real local atmosphere, the Albert Cuyp Markt is one of the best markets in Amsterdam.

2) Ten Katemarkt 

A little further out from the centre and significantly less touristy, is Ten Katemarkt. In this market, in the middle of trendy west Amsterdam, you’ll find all sorts of exotic fruits, cool vintage clothes and everything inbetween. This market really offers fantastic value for money on pretty much anything you could need and, in my opinion, is also home to the best kibbeling stall in Amsterdam. Kibbeling, for the uninitiated, is a Dutch snack of battered and fried chunks of fish served with Ravigottesaus (mayonnaise mixed with crunchy onion, parsley and sweet pickles – yum!).

 3) Bloemenmarkt 

One thing the Netherlands is famous for is its flowers – specifically tulips. The Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market in English) is one of the most famous parts of the city, with its little shops floating on a row of barges. Although the flowers no longer arrive daily by boat, this colourful market still holds a place in the heart of Amsterdammers and is a popular place to visit for many tourists. This is a great place to pick up some flowers, a beautiful house plants or even a pack of souvenir tulip bulbs so you can bring a bit of Amsterdam to your own garden!

4) Waterlooplein Flea Markt

Waterlooplein is Amsterdam’s largest daily flea-market. Situated in the city’s historic Jewish quarter, this market has a huge variety of stalls selling loads of different things and is a great place to spend a couple of hours looking for a bargain (stalls sell everything from antiques to vintage clothes and you’ll find crowds of locals shopping for everything from furniture to bike parts)!

5) Dappermarkt 

If you’re looking for a different side of the city, Dappermarkt is a cool little market situated in the multicultural east of the city. This is a great place to try some new food and the market is known for its diverse range of stalls serving up fresh and delicious food from all over the world – particularly from countries like Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia and Suriname (communities from which are well represented in this part of the city). For culinary variety and an authentically ( and international) Amsterdam experience, the Dappermarkt is the best market in Amsterdam east (Dapperstraat was even placed in the top 10 shopping streets in the world by National Geographic Traveller!).

Visit the best markets in Amsterdam and immerse yourself in the city’s unique lifestyle…

Whichever part of the city you find yourself in, there’s always a market within a stone’s throw and taking a stroll through these important hubs of Amsterdam culture is the best way to see the city through the eyes of local people. Soak in the atmosphere, grab yourself a bargain and enjoy trying the city’s unique fusion of local and international cuisines. Amsterdam is a city with a truly unique lifestyle and markets are part of this. If you’re interested in Amsterdam lifestyle (particularly fashion) and want to learn more about this from a brilliant local blogger, you can check out FloortjeLoves, for more info.