All about Amsterdam’s Flower Market
Tulips, geraniums, carnations galore at the world’s only floating flower market
The Amsterdam Flower Market, or Bloemenmarkt, is one of the city’s biggest attractions. The colourful market is a paradise for flower lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to buy some bouquets or single flowers, or you’re searching for unique souvenirs, here’s everything you need to know about the Amsterdam Flower Market.
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What is the Bloemenmarkt?
The Amsterdam Flower Market is the world’s only floating flower market. Dating back to 1862, the market hosts flower stalls on houseboats as a throwback to the days when vendors got their supplies by barge on the Amstel River. The modern-day market has fixed barges with miniature greenhouses on top.
You can find just about any flower you wish at the market, including tulips, geraniums, carnations, violets, orchids and narcissus. They’re sold by single flowers, bulbs, and bouquets, which can even be exported. The market also has traditional Dutch souvenirs, such as wooden tulips, clogs and artisan foods.
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Market location and hours
The Flower Market is located on the Singel canal between the Muntplein and Koningsplein. It’s a permanent market in the city centre, and the stalls sit on boats on the oldest canals in Amsterdam. The market is open every day of the year, from 9 am to 5.30 pm on Monday through to Saturday, and on Sunday from 11 am to 5.30 pm.
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How to get there
You can reach the market easily by car or tram. There are plenty of car parks around, or you can stay nearby and walk. If you want to take the tram, you can reach the market via tram 4, 14 or 24 from Dam Square to Muntplein, or tram 17 to Koningsplein.
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Where to stay
The Flower Market is worth a trip to Amsterdam on its own, but you’ll probably want to take in more of the city on your holiday. Fortunately, many of the city’s attractions are close to the market, so you can stay in the area for easy access to everything.
Old Centrum is the best option because it’s close to the restaurants, shops and canals for boat cruises, and you can stay in the neighbourhoods of Dam, Nieuwarkt, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein or the Canal Belt to be close to the market. If you want to be even closer, you can choose accommodation near Spui, which is also conveniently close to many shops and restaurants.
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Bloemenmarkt tulips
Tulips are an important part of Holland’s culture and history, especially in Amsterdam. Tulips were first imported from the Ottoman Empire during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. These iconic flowers are still a huge attraction for tourists in Amsterdam, and growing them is a massive industry.
Many events offer tulips throughout the year, such as the spring Tulip Festival and FloraHolland flower auction, but the Flower Market is the best place to find tulips year-round.
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Dutch souvenirs
When you’re visiting the market, you can also pick up some traditional Dutch souvenirs to bring home as a memento of your trip. In between flower barges, you’ll find gift shops that offer Dutch cheese, keychains, wooden flowers, postcards, decorations, crafts and much more.
You can also find great gifts in the Christmas Palace, an enchanting store with Christmas gifts and decorations that’s open throughout the year. If you’re planning to bring some traditional gifts home, be sure to choose goods that are packaged and approved for export to avoid getting held up in customs.
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Nearby shopping
The Flower Market is located in the heart of Amsterdam, which means you’ll have access to some of the city’s best shopping locations. From the market, you’ll be within walking distance of places like Spui Square, which is home to art stall, book markets and bookstores.
You’ll also have easy access to Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, two of the top high-street shopping areas. For something a little different, visit the grand Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski for a live performance or film screening surrounded by lavish décor.
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Nearby attractions
The Flower Market’s location puts it close to some of Amsterdam’s top attractions. From the market, you can visit Rembrandtplein, a city square which features great restaurants, cafes and nightlife venues, as well as a statue of Rembrandt. You could also visit the Amsterdam Museum, which chronicles the city’s history with permanent and pop-up exhibitions. Explore the museum yourself or opt for a guided tour with anecdotes and trivia.
Dam Square is also just a short walk away and is home to the opulent Royal Palace and the National Monument. It’s best to visit Dam Square in the evening to see the spectacular buildings under the glow of the sunset.
Ready to plan your trip?
The colourful and vibrant Bloemenmarkt is a must-see attraction on a trip to Amsterdam. Whether you’re visiting for the market specifically or you want to include it on your Amsterdam city break itinerary, you can find great deals on Amsterdam holidays to make the most of your trip.
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