Discovering Food Markets in Amsterdam

If there’s one way to learn about the real local culture of a city, it’s definitely through visiting its markets, rubbing shoulders with the locals and learning all about them through the process of diffusion. And there are plenty of markets to visit in Amsterdam, as it’s a city well-known for being multicultural. Its markets offer the most vibrant colours, smells and sights that will drag you from stand to stand across the city. Here is a list of some of the finest organic farmers’ markets you must visit in Amsterdam, some offering more than just food. 

Our Guides’ Favorite Neighborhood Markets

We spend a lot of our free time wandering the stalls of our local markets to find the freshest seasonal produce. These markets are the best places to observe the daily interactions and vibrant energy of different Amsterdam districts. Our selected markets offer a glimpse into the diverse lives of the people who call this city home.

Albert Cuypmarkt

There’s no better place to learn about Amsterdam than at the Albery Cuypmarkt. This is the biggest and most popular outdoor market in the Netherlands, with 260 stands set up down one very long street. The Albert Cuypmarkt has been open since 1905, and attracts all sorts of people, from locals to home cooks and tourists. Its diverse stands sell everything from shoes to fresh foods such as the typical Dutch raw herring or freshly pressed stroopwafels.

Albert Cuypmarkt
Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BL Amsterdam
Open Mon-Sat: 9am-5pm

Nieuwmarkt Market

On the square just inside St Anthony’s Gate stands the New Market Square (Nieuwmarkt), which has been around since the 17^th century. Back then, farmers would come every day with their fresh produce grown in their land plots. Nowadays, the farmer’s market (known as Boerenmarkt) runs only on Saturdays, where you can still come and buy fresh produce and flowers directly from the producers. While walking around the stalls, you can pick up a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and boiled corn on the cob.

Nieuwmarkt Market
Nieuwmarkt, 1012 CR Amsterdam
Open Saturdays 9am-5pm

Farmer’s Market: Noordermarkt – Boerenmarkt

At the edge of the Jordaan district, you will come across the Noordermarkt every Saturday of the month.  The market fills the Noordermarkt square and offers all sorts of fresh and dry food. You can find fruit and vegetable, meat and cheeses, fresh herbs, pasta, grains and different types of olive oil.

Farmer’s Market, Noordermarkt – Boerenmarkt
Noordermarkt, 1015 MV Amsterdam
Open Saturdays 9am-5pm

Selected Street Food Hubs

We love the immediate gratification of eating warm snacks directly from a market stall while exploring the city. Our experts have identified the vendors who serve the most authentic kibbeling, poffertjes, and international street foods. These hubs are essential for any food lover looking for a diverse and affordable tasting experience.

Marqt – The Farmers Market

On the ground floor of an all brick town house you will find the Marqt farmer’s market. It is a newly built and recently opened market, but it has already been highly praised. Almost all of the products you will find there are local Dutch products, with the exception of products that don’t grow or are not produced at all in the country such as lemons and wine. The prices are reasonably low compared to the big brand supermarkets.

Marqt – The Farmers Market
Overtoom 21-25, 1054 HD Amsterdam
Open Mon-Sat 8am-9pm

Ten Katemarkt

Ten Kate Markt hosts some of the country’s finest produce to satisfy everyone’s needs. You can find West Asian grocers, Dutch sandwich vendors, French cheese mongers among many other things. The market has more than 130 food stalls that extend along Ten Kate street in a residential neighborhood in Amsterdam West. Around the market you can also find a number of cafes, ethnic restaurants and exotic grocers.

Ten Katemarkt
Ten Katestraat, 1053 CE Amsterdam
Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm

History of Food Markets in Amsterdam

The Albert Cuyp Market has been a central part of Amsterdam life since 1905 and remains Europe’s largest daytime market. We see the history of the city’s expansion and its growing multiculturalism reflected in the changing variety of goods sold there. Many of our markets originated as specialized trading spots for fish, flowers, or grain before evolving into the general markets we see today. Understanding these origins helps us appreciate the deep-rooted tradition of street trading in our culture.

Dutch Food Market Etiquette

When visiting a busy market, we suggest arriving early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds and get the best selection of fresh goods. It is common to pay with a debit card even at small stalls, though keeping some small change for quick snacks is always helpful. We encourage you to ask vendors about their products, as most are very proud of their craft and happy to share their knowledge. We find that a friendly “dankjewel” goes a long way in building a connection with our local merchants.

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For a complete culinary experience in Amsterdam, join us on one of our food experiences.