Waterlooplein Market (Waterloopleinmarkt) is held at the foot of the city hall and opera house, in Amsterdam's former Jewish Quarter. Founded in 1893, it bills itself as the oldest flea market in the Netherlands. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 6pm and entry is free. Second-hand clothes, vinyl records, vintage cameras, knick-knacks, bicycle parts: people come here to rummage for bargains, two minutes from Waterlooplein metro station and the Rembrandt House.
Highlights
The redesigned square
After years of consultation, the square was completely rebuilt in the early 2020s: brick paving, clear walkways and new market kiosks installed in 2021. The market now has 144 pitches (stalls, ground pitches, booths and food stands), fewer than before, which leaves more room to wander.
The Zwanenburgwal side
From the Zwanenburgwal canal and the Jodenbreestraat, the stalls line up under the trees at the water's edge. This is the most pleasant way in if you are coming from the Rembrandt House or the Nieuwmarkt.
Second-hand and vintage clothes
Racks of second-hand clothes, leather jackets, coats and uniforms make up most of what is on offer. The municipal regulations in force since January 2026 give the market a reuse theme: second-hand, repaired, recycled or vintage goods.
No tourist souvenirs
The same regulations exclude souvenirs featuring city symbols, new Delftware, packaged food and cannabis-related items; traders already in place have until 1 January 2028 to comply. For that kind of shopping, head to the Flower Market or the shops in the centre instead.
A little history
The square was created in 1882 by filling in two canals, the Leprozengracht and the Houtgracht. The city gathered the Jewish traders from the neighbouring streets here and, in 1893, the market became a daily one, except on Saturdays, the Sabbath. During the occupation, the deportation of the neighbourhood's residents brought the market to an end in 1941; it was reborn after the war as a flea market.
Around the square
The Stopera, which houses the city hall and the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, borders the market on the Amstel side. On the opposite side, the Mozes en Aäronkerk church closes off the square. The Rembrandt House, the Jewish Cultural Quarter and the H'ART Museum are a few minutes' walk away.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Haggling is part of the game, especially for clothes and items without a price tag: offer a reasonable price and stay polite. Bring some cash, as some traders do not take cards. Try clothes on before buying, as exchanges are rare. Keep your bag closed and in front of you in the busy aisles. Entry is free; prices depend on each trader (prices checked in October 2026).
How to get there
Waterlooplein, 1011 NZ Amsterdam (Centrum). Metro 51, 53 or 54 to Waterlooplein station, whose exits open onto the market; from Central Station (Amsterdam Centraal) it is the second stop. Tram 14, Waterlooplein stop. On foot, allow about 15 minutes from Dam Square or Central Station, via the Nieuwmarkt.
Opening hours
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