Waterlooplein, Amsterdam - Free photo of a street-view in Amsterdam, during the corona threath. The city is very empty and quite. So the biker in red can take his chanche! It is a view over the Waterlooplein witn on the background the church Moses and Aaron - a catholic church, a building in neo-classical architecture style. It is in the light of early urban Spring, with sunlight and sharp shadows. Picture of 27 March 2020; urban photography of The Netherlands. In Dutch: foto van het Waterlooplein met Mozes en Aäronkerk op de achtergrond - tijdens de corona-crisis! Foto 27 maart 2020 - stadsfotografie, Fons Heijnsbroek.
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Waterlooplein

4.4
·402 reviews·Amsterdam, Netherlands

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better finds

CrowdLow
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Waterlooplein, Amsterdam - Free photo of a street-view in Amsterdam, during the corona threath. The city is very empty and quite. So the biker in red can take his chanche! It is a view over the Waterlooplein witn on the background the church Moses and Aaron - a catholic church, a building in neo-classical architecture style. It is in the light of early urban Spring, with sunlight and sharp shadows. Picture of 27 March 2020; urban photography of The Netherlands. In Dutch: foto van het Waterlooplein met Mozes en Aäronkerk op de achtergrond - tijdens de corona-crisis! Foto 27 maart 2020 - stadsfotografie, Fons Heijnsbroek.

Waterlooplein

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better finds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.4
(402 reviews)

"Dive into Amsterdam's oldest flea market for unique vintage finds and a lively atmosphere!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Clothing Galore

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

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

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

Waterlooplein Market is Amsterdam's oldest flea market, a treasure trove for vintage finds. Arrive early for the best selection, and be prepared to haggle politely. It's a vibrant spot, so keep an eye on your belongings.

Navigating Waterlooplein: Hours & Location

This bustling market is open six days a week, closed only on Sundays. With hundreds of stalls, it's easy to get lost in the finds. Check the Waterlooplein market opening hours before you go to maximize your treasure-hunting time.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better finds
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Waterlooplein Market in Amsterdam 👾⚡️ should I post a second part where I show what I got? #vintage #amsterdam #vintageshopping #secondhand
@lilians0phie
645.2K likes • 4M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys

Get there before the crowds for the widest selection of vintage treasures. TikTok

💰 Be Ready to Haggle

Polite negotiation is part of the fun! Start lower than you're willing to pay. TikTok

Here are some of our favourite hidden spots in Amsterdam that you should definitely visit!🤩💖 If you are looking for fun things to do in Amsterdam, these should definitely be on your list!🌈🌟 What are s...
@wondr.experience
109.4K likes • 2.3M views
Wat kost deze jas wel niet?!?! ♻️ En het is gewoon wéér een zonnige dag als Gijske en ik op het Waterlooplein gaan vintage hunten. Richie en ik zijn weer nerveus voor een etentje voor zijn vrienden🍴Li...
roosmarijn_koster
249 likes • 10.1K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking and browsing, so wear comfy shoes. Reddit

🛍️ Bring Your Own Bag

Many vendors don't provide bags, so a reusable tote is a must. Instagram

Getting everything ready for a new day at the Waterlooplein Markt . . . . . . #waterlooplein #waterloopleinmarkt #amstel #amsteldam #amsteldistrict #iams #amsterdamcanal #amsterdamcanals #amsterdambye...
imaginebyespenskar
110 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Buys

Get there before the crowds for the widest selection of vintage treasures. TikTok

💰 Be Ready to Haggle

Polite negotiation is part of the fun! Start lower than you're willing to pay. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key

You'll be doing a lot of walking and browsing, so wear comfy shoes. Reddit

🛍️ Bring Your Own Bag

Many vendors don't provide bags, so a reusable tote is a must. Instagram

🔍 Inspect Items Carefully

Check for any flaws or damage before making a purchase. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(402 reviews)

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

Incredible vintage finds
Bargain prices
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Quality varies

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. Reddit

Yes, the Waterlooplein tram stop is right at the market, making it very convenient. TikTok

Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are usually bike racks available nearby, but they can fill up quickly. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Waterlooplein Market is completely free! You only pay for the items you decide to purchase. TikTok

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. TikTok

It's best to check specific holiday hours, as some may be closed or have reduced hours. Generally, it follows the Monday-Saturday schedule. TikTok

Yes, you can enter the market during its operating hours. However, arriving earlier in the day often means better selection and fewer crowds. TikTok

There are no admission fees to browse the Waterlooplein Market. It's a public space for shopping and exploring. TikTok

🎫 🛍️ 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! TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! Waterlooplein is renowned for its extensive selection of vintage clothing, from jackets and dresses to t-shirts and accessories. TikTok+1

Yes, bargaining is expected and part of the culture at Waterlooplein. Be polite and make a reasonable offer. TikTok

Weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed shopping experience and potentially better finds. Saturdays are livelier but busier. TikTok

While specific stalls change, keep an eye out for vendors specializing in denim, leather jackets, and unique graphic tees, which are popular finds. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

For Indonesian cuisine, Cafe Kadijk is a recommended option about a 10-minute walk away. FuLu Mandarijn offers Sichuan dishes nearby as well. Reddit

There are several coffee shops within walking distance. Coffeeshop Solo and Greenhouse Namaste are mentioned as good, relaxed options. Reddit

Amsterdam has many diverse dining options. Exploring the side streets around Waterlooplein will reveal cafes and restaurants offering various dietary choices. Reddit

You can find street food vendors within the market for quick snacks. Otherwise, numerous cafes and sandwich shops are just a short walk away. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Waterlooplein Market offers a vibrant and colorful backdrop for photography, with its eclectic stalls and bustling atmosphere. Instagram

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, making for cleaner shots. Late afternoons can also be good with golden hour light. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Waterlooplein Market can be a fun outing for families, offering a chance for kids to discover unique toys, books, or quirky items. The open space of the square allows for some freedom to move around. However, it's primarily a shopping destination, so keeping younger children engaged might require some creativity. Consider it an opportunity for them to practice spotting interesting items or even trying their hand at polite bargaining for a small souvenir. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

Waterlooplein Market is a paradise for budget-conscious travelers. Entry is free, and the sheer volume of goods means you can find incredible bargains, especially on vintage clothing and unique trinkets. TikTok Haggling is key here, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices to get the best deals. It's an excellent place to pick up souvenirs or unique fashion items without breaking the bank. TikTok

🛍️ Vintage Enthusiasts

For those who love vintage shopping, Waterlooplein is a dream come true. It's Amsterdam's oldest flea market, boasting hundreds of stalls filled with clothing, accessories, and collectibles from various eras. TikTok+1 You can spend hours sifting through racks to find unique pieces that tell a story. Be prepared to dig deep, as the best finds often require a bit of searching. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Charm of Waterlooplein

Waterlooplein is not just a market; it's a piece of Amsterdam's history. Established in 1887, it holds the title of the oldest flea market in the Netherlands. TikTok The square itself has a rich past, having been the site of the former Jewish Quarter and the birthplace of composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. This historical depth adds a unique layer to the vibrant shopping experience, making it more than just a place to find bargains. The market's resilience and continuous operation over the decades have cemented its status as a beloved local institution. Instagram

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. TikTok+1 The lively chatter of vendors and shoppers, combined with the eclectic displays, creates a sensory experience that is quintessentially Amsterdam. Instagram

Navigating the Waterlooplein Market Experience

Visiting Waterlooplein Market is an adventure in itself. The market sprawls across the square, with hundreds of stalls offering a diverse range of goods. Instagram It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and browsing. Reddit Many visitors recommend arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, to get the best selection before it's picked over and to avoid the largest crowds. TikTok

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. TikTok Remember to bring your own reusable shopping bag, as many vendors do not provide them. Instagram 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. TikTok

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