Waterlooplein
Amsterdam's oldest flea market, a vibrant hub for vintage clothing, antiques, and unique treasures. Explore hundreds of stalls and hunt for bargains.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better finds
Waterlooplein
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better finds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Amsterdam's oldest flea market, a vibrant hub for vintage clothing, antiques, and unique treasures. Explore hundreds of stalls and hunt for bargains.
"Dive into Amsterdam's oldest flea market for unique vintage finds and a lively atmosphere!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Get there before the crowds for the widest selection of vintage treasures.
💰 Be Ready to Haggle
Polite negotiation is part of the fun! Start lower than you're willing to pay.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Clothing Galore
Throughout the market
Score unique retro outfits, jackets, and accessories. A true paradise for fashion lovers seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.

Eclectic Collectibles
Various stalls
Discover antique trinkets, quirky home decor, old books, and more. You never know what hidden gems you'll unearth.

Local Amsterdam Vibe
The entire square
Soak in the lively atmosphere of Amsterdam's oldest flea market. It's a fantastic spot to people-watch and experience local life.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hunt: Tips for Waterlooplein Market
Navigating Waterlooplein: Hours & Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Get there before the crowds for the widest selection of vintage treasures.
💰 Be Ready to Haggle
Polite negotiation is part of the fun! Start lower than you're willing to pay.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking and browsing, so wear comfy shoes.
🛍️ Bring Your Own Bag
Many vendors don't provide bags, so a reusable tote is a must.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys
Get there before the crowds for the widest selection of vintage treasures.
💰 Be Ready to Haggle
Polite negotiation is part of the fun! Start lower than you're willing to pay.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking and browsing, so wear comfy shoes.
🛍️ Bring Your Own Bag
Many vendors don't provide bags, so a reusable tote is a must.
🔍 Inspect Items Carefully
Check for any flaws or damage before making a purchase.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Waterlooplein Market as Amsterdam's ultimate vintage treasure trove, praising the vast selection of unique clothing and collectibles. While the atmosphere is lively and the prices can be great with haggling, some find the market can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, and the quality can vary significantly between stalls.
"Good market to find mostly clothes, shoes and jewellery. I love coming here and looking through the piles of clothes at some stalls!"
mir
"Area of historic importance lots of history . Lovely place to visit. Cute flea market (just a heads up a lot of the jewellery is very cute but shipped in form China so can buy it anywhere)."
I B
"I like ^"
Moe Ashayer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waterlooplein Market is centrally located and easily accessible. You can take tram lines 14 or 4 directly to the Waterlooplein stop. It's also a pleasant walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station, taking about 20-30 minutes.
Yes, the Waterlooplein tram stop is right at the market, making it very convenient.
Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are usually bike racks available nearby, but they can fill up quickly.
The nearest metro station is also called Waterlooplein, served by lines 51, 53, and 54. It's just a short walk from the station to the market.
From Schiphol Airport, you can take a direct train to Amsterdam Centraal Station and then transfer to a tram or walk. Alternatively, you can take a train to the nearby Science Park station and then a tram.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Waterlooplein Market is completely free! You only pay for the items you decide to purchase.
The market is typically open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Sundays. Always double-check the Waterlooplein market hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary.
It's best to check specific holiday hours, as some may be closed or have reduced hours. Generally, it follows the Monday-Saturday schedule.
Yes, you can enter the market during its operating hours. However, arriving earlier in the day often means better selection and fewer crowds.
There are no admission fees to browse the Waterlooplein Market. It's a public space for shopping and exploring.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Finds
You'll find a huge variety of vintage clothing, accessories, antiques, books, records, jewelry, home decor, and unique collectibles. It's a true flea market experience!
Absolutely! Waterlooplein is renowned for its extensive selection of vintage clothing, from jackets and dresses to t-shirts and accessories.
Yes, bargaining is expected and part of the culture at Waterlooplein. Be polite and make a reasonable offer.
Weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed shopping experience and potentially better finds. Saturdays are livelier but busier.
While specific stalls change, keep an eye out for vendors specializing in denim, leather jackets, and unique graphic tees, which are popular finds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the market is primarily for shopping, you can often find small food stalls selling snacks like stroopwafels or fries. For full meals, there are many cafes and restaurants surrounding the square.
For Indonesian cuisine, Cafe Kadijk is a recommended option about a 10-minute walk away. FuLu Mandarijn offers Sichuan dishes nearby as well.
There are several coffee shops within walking distance. Coffeeshop Solo and Greenhouse Namaste are mentioned as good, relaxed options.
Amsterdam has many diverse dining options. Exploring the side streets around Waterlooplein will reveal cafes and restaurants offering various dietary choices.
You can find street food vendors within the market for quick snacks. Otherwise, numerous cafes and sandwich shops are just a short walk away.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Waterlooplein Market offers a vibrant and colorful backdrop for photography, with its eclectic stalls and bustling atmosphere.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, making for cleaner shots. Late afternoons can also be good with golden hour light.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is fine. However, always be respectful of vendors and shoppers, and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
You can capture close-ups of unique items, wide shots of the market's expanse, candid portraits of vendors, and the general lively street scene.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both details and wider scenes. A prime lens like a 50mm can be good for portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Vintage Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Charm of Waterlooplein
The atmosphere at Waterlooplein is a significant draw. It's a place where you can find anything from vintage clothing and antiques to quirky souvenirs and everyday items. The sheer variety ensures that every visit can yield a new discovery. Many visitors describe it as a treasure hunt, with the thrill of unearthing a unique item being a major part of the appeal. The lively chatter of vendors and shoppers, combined with the eclectic displays, creates a sensory experience that is quintessentially Amsterdam.
Navigating the Waterlooplein Market Experience
Haggling is a common practice here, and while not always successful, it's part of the market's charm. Approach vendors politely and make a reasonable offer. Remember to bring your own reusable shopping bag, as many vendors do not provide them. Inspect your potential purchases carefully for any flaws before committing to a buy. The market is a fantastic place to find unique souvenirs, vintage fashion, and interesting collectibles, making it a must-visit for many tourists.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit