Nieuwmarkt & De Wallen, Amsterdam - Image 1

Nieuwmarkt & De Wallen Amsterdam

4.6
·491k reviews·Amsterdam, Netherlands

Historic squares, vibrant markets, and the iconic Red Light District – Nieuwmarkt & De Wallen offer Amsterdam's most contrasting and captivating exper...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Market buzz and lively cafes

CrowdMedium
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Nieuwmarkt & De Wallen, Amsterdam - Image 1

Nieuwmarkt & De Wallen Amsterdam

Best Time

Weekend afternoons

Market buzz and lively cafes

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic squares, vibrant markets, and the iconic Red Light District – Nieuwmarkt & De Wallen offer Amsterdam's most contrasting and captivating experiences.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A must-visit for its blend of history, culture, and unique Amsterdam energy."

Vertical photo
TIP

Respectful Exploration 🙏

Be mindful and respectful when exploring De Wallen. Photography is prohibited in certain areas.

Vintage Finds 👗

Discover unique designer and vintage clothing at the Nieuwmarkt flea market.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

De Waag

De Waag

Nieuwmarkt Square

Historic weigh house, now a vibrant cafe and restaurant. A true Amsterdam landmark.

Red Light District Charm

Red Light District Charm

De Wallen

Explore the world-famous district, known for its unique atmosphere and historic canals.

Nieuwmarkt Market

Nieuwmarkt Market

Nieuwmarkt Square

A bustling market with diverse goods, from vintage finds to local delicacies.

Franz Gourmet Hotdogs

Franz Gourmet Hotdogs

Near Nieuwmarkt

Indulge in creative, handcrafted hotdogs with global toppings for a unique bite.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Nieuwmarkt & De Wallen

These vibrant Amsterdam districts are best explored on foot. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in De Wallen, and respect local customs. Nieuwmarkt buzzes with cafes and markets, while De Wallen offers a unique cultural experience.

Timing Your Visit

Nieuwmarkt is lively during the day with its market and cafes, while De Wallen truly comes alive after dark. Consider visiting Nieuwmarkt for a daytime stroll and return to De Wallen for its iconic evening atmosphere. Book popular restaurants in advance.

Best Times

When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Market buzz and lively cafes
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
De Wallen's iconic glow
Crowd
High
When
April Feesten
Why
Festive atmosphere & music
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Location verrate ich am Ende 🤫! #amsterdam #designer #fleamarket #flohmarkt
@rominameier
129.6K likes • 1.1M views

Respectful Exploration 🙏

Be mindful and respectful when exploring De Wallen. Photography is prohibited in certain areas. Reddit

Vintage Finds 👗

Discover unique designer and vintage clothing at the Nieuwmarkt flea market. TikTok

🍹April op de Nieuwmarkt = één groot feest, en jij bent uitgenodigd! Wij zijn er klaar voor en onze drie zaken – Spargo, Villa Nieuwmarkt & Tuinfeest – staan op z’n kop van de gezelligheid tijdens de Aprilfeesten. Feestjes, borrels, dansjes én je favoriete dames achter de bar – wat wil je nog meer? Kom langs, trek iets gezelligs aan (of niet, we houden ook van rebels) en vier de Aprilfeesten met o...
villanieuwmarkt
64 likes • 4.3K views
Niet tegen m’n moeder zeggen hoor! 😜 #NieuwmarktLadies #opdeNieuwmarkt #Nieuwmarkt #Amsterdamcentrum #Amsterdamcafe #Amsterdamcaferestaurant #moederendochter #horecabelike #horecalife #horecanederland #horecatijgers #lekkereten #vrouwelijkeondernemers #restaurantAmsterdam #FCCentrum #bitterballen
spargoamsterdam
3.4K likes • 1.1M views

Cafe Hopping 🍹

Enjoy the 'gezelligheid' at traditional brown cafes like Cafe Stevels on Nieuwmarkt. Instagram

Gourmet Hotdogs 🌭

Try innovative hotdogs at Franz, a new gourmet spot near Nieuwmarkt. Instagram

Ik ben niet vaak in Amsterdam, maar voor deze burgers bij Spargo kom ik absoluut terug🫡 #spargo #nieuwmarktladies #amsterdam #nieuwmarkt #eetcafeamsterdam #uiteten #burgers #voorjou #diekokendeindo | gekregen
diekokendeindo
8 likes • 679 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Respectful Exploration 🙏

Be mindful and respectful when exploring De Wallen. Photography is prohibited in certain areas. Reddit

Vintage Finds 👗

Discover unique designer and vintage clothing at the Nieuwmarkt flea market. TikTok

Cafe Hopping 🍹

Enjoy the 'gezelligheid' at traditional brown cafes like Cafe Stevels on Nieuwmarkt. Instagram

Gourmet Hotdogs 🌭

Try innovative hotdogs at Franz, a new gourmet spot near Nieuwmarkt. Instagram

Local Eats 🍔

Don't miss the delicious burgers at Spargo, a local favorite on Nieuwmarkt. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Nieuwmarkt to be a vibrant and historic area with a great market and diverse dining options. De Wallen offers a unique, albeit controversial, cultural experience that many find fascinating, though respect and awareness are paramount. Some find the intensity of De Wallen overwhelming.

What People Like

Historic De Waag
Lively market atmosphere
Diverse food scene

What People Dislike

Photography restrictions
Intense atmosphere of De Wallen

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Both areas are easily accessible by public transport. Tram lines 4, 14, and 17 stop near Nieuwmarkt. De Wallen is a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Many visitors find walking the best way to explore these adjacent districts. Reddit

De Wallen is generally safe, but like any busy area, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Avoid engaging with touts. Reddit

No, photography is strictly forbidden in the Red Light District, especially in front of the windows. Respect the privacy of the workers. Reddit

Nieuwmarkt is best explored on foot, allowing you to discover its charming squares, historic buildings, and diverse cafes. The market days are particularly vibrant. Instagram

Parking in central Amsterdam is expensive and limited. It's highly recommended to use public transport or park at a P+R (Park and Ride) facility outside the city center and take a tram or train in. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, both Nieuwmarkt and De Wallen are public areas and do not require tickets for general exploration. Some specific attractions or events within these areas might have entry fees. Instagram

Nieuwmarkt itself is always accessible. The market typically operates on Saturdays (Noordermarkt) and sometimes on weekdays. Cafes and shops have their own hours, generally from morning to late evening. Instagram

De Wallen is active 24/7, but its unique atmosphere and illuminated windows are most prominent from dusk until the early morning hours. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are available that offer historical context and insights into the district. However, be discerning about tour operators. Reddit

De Waag is a historic building that now houses restaurants and cafes. While you don't need a ticket to see it from the outside, dining or drinking inside will incur costs. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Nieuwmarkt offers a diverse culinary scene. Try the gourmet burgers at Spargo,Instagram enjoy traditional Dutch fare at Cafe Stevels,Instagram or explore international options. Franz offers unique gourmet hotdogs. Instagram

Yes, many restaurants in Nieuwmarkt and surrounding areas offer vegetarian and vegan dishes. Franz, for example, has plant-based hotdog options. Instagram

While De Wallen is known for its nightlife, you can find various eateries nearby, from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. Amazing Oriental supermarket offers a wide range of Asian products. Instagram

Dining prices in Nieuwmarkt can vary. You can find budget-friendly options like hotdogs and market snacks, as well as more upscale dining experiences. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Many of the 'brown cafes' (bruine kroegen) in Nieuwmarkt, like Cafe Stevels, serve a wide selection of Dutch beers. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic De Waag building, the bustling market stalls, and the charming canals surrounding Nieuwmarkt. The architecture and street life offer great photographic opportunities. Instagram

It is strictly forbidden to take photos of the women in the windows of De Wallen. Be respectful and refrain from taking any unauthorized pictures in this area. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for photographing De Waag and the canals. Daytime is great for capturing the market's energy. Instagram

The main restriction is in De Wallen regarding photography of the sex workers. Otherwise, general street photography is permitted, but always be mindful of privacy. Reddit

Yes, there is some street art in and around the Nieuwmarkt area. Feel free to capture it, but be aware of private property. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nieuwmarkt offers a more family-friendly experience with its bustling market and numerous cafes. Kids might enjoy exploring the market stalls for treats and souvenirs. TikTok While De Wallen is not typically recommended for families due to its adult nature, the historic canals and architecture in the broader area can still be appreciated. Consider visiting De Waag for a meal in a historic setting. Instagram

For a more engaging experience, look for family-friendly boat tours that pass through the canals near Nieuwmarkt. Ensure you plan your visit to Nieuwmarkt during daylight hours when the market is active and the atmosphere is more relaxed. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Nieuwmarkt is a great spot for budget-conscious travelers. The market offers affordable snacks and souvenirs. TikTok You can also find reasonably priced meals at some of the cafes and eateries, especially if you opt for local specialties like hotdogs Instagram or market food. Enjoying the atmosphere of the square and people-watching is free! Instagram

While De Wallen is free to walk through, be mindful of your spending. Stick to exploring the streets and canals rather than engaging in paid services. For affordable accommodation, consider hostels or budget hotels slightly outside the immediate city center but with good public transport links to Nieuwmarkt. Reddit

couples

For a romantic evening, a stroll through the illuminated canals of De Wallen can be quite atmospheric, though it's important to maintain respect. Reddit Afterward, enjoy a cozy dinner at one of Nieuwmarkt's many charming restaurants, perhaps at the historic De Waag. Instagram Consider a canal cruise that passes through this area for a different perspective. Instagram

Nieuwmarkt itself offers a lively yet intimate setting with its numerous cafes and bars. Enjoy a drink at a traditional brown cafe like Cafe Stevels Instagram or try some unique gourmet hotdogs at Franz for a fun, casual date. Instagram The April Feesten offer a festive backdrop for couples looking for a lively night out. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring De Wallen: More Than Just the Red Light District

De Wallen, Amsterdam's most famous district, is a complex area with a rich history that extends beyond its well-known windows. It's one of the oldest parts of the city, characterized by its picturesque canals, historic churches like the Oude Kerk, and charming narrow streets. While the Red Light District is its most prominent feature, the area also houses a vibrant community, unique shops, and a growing number of trendy bars and restaurants. Visitors often express surprise at the blend of historical architecture and the district's unique, albeit controversial, industry. Reddit

When exploring De Wallen, it's crucial to approach with respect and awareness. The rules regarding photography are strict, particularly concerning the sex workers, and violating them can lead to serious consequences. Many visitors recommend taking a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the area's history and social dynamics, though it's important to choose reputable tour operators. The district truly transforms after dark, with the iconic red lights illuminating the canals and streets, creating an unforgettable, albeit intense, atmosphere. Reddit

Beyond the main attractions, De Wallen offers a glimpse into a different side of Amsterdam. It's a place where history, culture, and a unique form of commerce intersect. For those interested in understanding the city's evolution, De Wallen provides a fascinating, albeit sometimes challenging, case study. Remember to be a responsible tourist, respect the local community, and adhere to all posted regulations. Reddit

Nieuwmarkt: A Hub of Culture and Cuisine

Nieuwmarkt is a lively square and surrounding neighborhood in the heart of Amsterdam, known for its historic De Waag building, vibrant market, and abundance of cafes and restaurants. The square itself is a focal point, often hosting markets and events, making it a dynamic place to visit. De Waag, a former city gate and weigh house dating back to the 15th century, now houses a popular restaurant and bar, serving as a central meeting point for locals and tourists alike. Instagram

The Nieuwmarkt area is a culinary delight, offering a wide range of dining options. From traditional Dutch 'brown cafes' like Cafe Stevels, which has been a fixture since 1995, to modern eateries serving gourmet burgers Instagram and innovative hotdogs,Instagram there's something to satisfy every palate. The Saturday market, in particular, is a must-visit for foodies, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and international treats. TikTok

Beyond its gastronomic offerings, Nieuwmarkt is a great place to soak in the Amsterdam atmosphere. It's a hub for social gatherings, with outdoor seating at many cafes encouraging people-watching and enjoying the city's energy. The area's proximity to other attractions, combined with its own unique charm, makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a delicious meal, or a relaxed evening out. Instagram+1