Amsterdam's flea and flower markets, such as IJ-Hallen and the Dappermarkt, are amongst my favourite things in the city. Shopping at the colourful and lively markets is a great way to clinch a bargain while picking up a few Dutch souvenirs, flowers, fancy second-hand clothes and a lot of organic food. In my opinion, the bargain-hunter paradise in Amsterdam is IJ-Hallen flea market. It is not only one of the biggest flea markets in Europe, but also one of the most affordable in the city.
The IJ-Hallen market is located at Neveritaweg 15 (1033 WB Amsterdam-Noord) and is typically held the first weekend of the month from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Getting there is very easy. It took me approximately 25 minutes on bike from my campus at the Jan van Galenstraat, including the 2-minute ferry ride.
What I loved the most about this flea market and what makes it so different and unique from the rest of the markets is its appearance and design. It is held inside the giant old ship yard which makes it even more interesting to explore and it is usually overcrowded with tourists, locals and expats. Moreover, it is a shopping paradise for everyone who loves to look for old fancy and antique items: used clothing, shoes, toys, tools, antiques, kitchen supplies, hidden treasures, and tons and tons of random junk. This market has it all, so if you are interested in soaking up the local culture in the most genuine manner and bargaining like me, don't miss out.
Another great reason for me to visit the IJ-Hallen is delicious Dutch food. Believe it or not, but this place has something special for all foodies. In between the two halls there is an open-air area with several stalls selling traditional Dutch treats and drinks such as fries, home-made soup and traditional poffertjes. Me and my uni friend dug into a plate of yummy and sugary poffertjes followed by a large portion of traditional Dutch fries with mayo.
My experience with the IJ-Hallen was superb. 20 euros bought me a bottle of 1 Million fragrance by Paco Rabanne, a leather jacket, a cereal bowl and a gorgeous coffee cup!
Visiting the IJ-Hallen market was a great opportunity for me to practice my Dutch. I had a few short conversation with vendors without a problem while bargaining. It was a great experience! When I asked for the price in Dutch, the vendors smiled and responded in Dutch immediately. They were willing to put the price down in most cases and have a nice chat with me.
The love for the city’s market culture led me and 5 fellow students from UvA to create an illustrated eBook called “Markets of Amsterdam” that can help travellers, students and new residents of the city to get a one-stop information about the colourful and lively market scene of Amsterdam. It is individual and exclusive series on different types of markets, aimed to showcase places where to shop on a budget – the series 1 being on Flea Markets: Albert Cuymarkt, Dappermarkt , IJ-Hallen, Waterlooplein, Noordermarkt.
What is the best thing you've scored at the IJ-Hallen? Let me know!
The IJ-Hallen market is located at Neveritaweg 15 (1033 WB Amsterdam-Noord) and is typically held the first weekend of the month from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Getting there is very easy. It took me approximately 25 minutes on bike from my campus at the Jan van Galenstraat, including the 2-minute ferry ride.
What I loved the most about this flea market and what makes it so different and unique from the rest of the markets is its appearance and design. It is held inside the giant old ship yard which makes it even more interesting to explore and it is usually overcrowded with tourists, locals and expats. Moreover, it is a shopping paradise for everyone who loves to look for old fancy and antique items: used clothing, shoes, toys, tools, antiques, kitchen supplies, hidden treasures, and tons and tons of random junk. This market has it all, so if you are interested in soaking up the local culture in the most genuine manner and bargaining like me, don't miss out.
Another great reason for me to visit the IJ-Hallen is delicious Dutch food. Believe it or not, but this place has something special for all foodies. In between the two halls there is an open-air area with several stalls selling traditional Dutch treats and drinks such as fries, home-made soup and traditional poffertjes. Me and my uni friend dug into a plate of yummy and sugary poffertjes followed by a large portion of traditional Dutch fries with mayo.
My experience with the IJ-Hallen was superb. 20 euros bought me a bottle of 1 Million fragrance by Paco Rabanne, a leather jacket, a cereal bowl and a gorgeous coffee cup!
Visiting the IJ-Hallen market was a great opportunity for me to practice my Dutch. I had a few short conversation with vendors without a problem while bargaining. It was a great experience! When I asked for the price in Dutch, the vendors smiled and responded in Dutch immediately. They were willing to put the price down in most cases and have a nice chat with me.
The love for the city’s market culture led me and 5 fellow students from UvA to create an illustrated eBook called “Markets of Amsterdam” that can help travellers, students and new residents of the city to get a one-stop information about the colourful and lively market scene of Amsterdam. It is individual and exclusive series on different types of markets, aimed to showcase places where to shop on a budget – the series 1 being on Flea Markets: Albert Cuymarkt, Dappermarkt , IJ-Hallen, Waterlooplein, Noordermarkt.
What is the best thing you've scored at the IJ-Hallen? Let me know!
