Amsterdam · Free market

Albert Cuyp Market: Amsterdam's Most Famous Street Market

Around 260 stalls stretching the length of Albert Cuypstraat in De Pijp — fresh stroopwafels, herring, cheese, flowers and fabrics, six days a week since 1905. Here's what to buy, what to eat and when to go.

By the AllTrips Editorial Team ·

Fruit and vegetable stalls along Albert Cuypstraat at the Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam's De Pijp neighbourhood
Stalls along Albert Cuypstraat, in the heart of De Pijp.

Albert Cuyp Market at a glance

Area: Albert Cuypstraat, De Pijp. Allow: 1–1.5 hours. Entry: free. Open: Monday to Saturday, roughly 9:30–17:00; closed Sundays. Nearby: the Heineken Experience, Sarphatipark and Museumplein.

Why it is famous

The market began as an informal collection of street traders in the late 19th century and was officially established in 1905. Today it is the largest daytime street market in the Netherlands — and one of the largest in Europe — with around 260 stalls running the length of Albert Cuypstraat.

What makes it special is the neighbourhood: De Pijp is Amsterdam's most multicultural district, and the market reflects it. Dutch cheese and herring stalls stand next to Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan and Indonesian food, and the stallholders still call out their prices in the old market tradition.

What to see and buy

  • Fresh produce — fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices, often cheaper than the supermarkets.
  • Dutch cheese — several stalls sell aged Gouda, Edam and farmhouse cheeses, usually with free tastings.
  • Fish — the herring stalls are institutions; try haring the local way, with onions and pickles.
  • Flowers and bulbs — bouquets and, in season, tulip bulbs (check export certificates if you are taking them home).
  • Clothing, fabrics and leather goods — the market's non-food half, with bargain basics and fabrics by the metre.
  • Cosmetics, phone accessories and curiosities — the classic street-market mix.
Shoppers at a fruit and vegetable stall at the Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam, with handwritten Dutch price boards
Handwritten price boards and fresh produce at a market stall.

What to eat

The market is one of the best cheap-eats spots in the city:

  • Stroopwafels — made fresh on a griddle in front of you, still warm with the syrup soft. The market's signature snack.
  • Haring — raw herring with onions and pickles, eaten by the tail or in a soft roll (broodje haring).
  • Poffertjes — small fluffy pancakes with butter and powdered sugar.
  • Kibbeling — battered fried fish pieces with sauce.
  • Surinamese and Indonesian food — roti, bara and satay from the De Pijp community stalls.

Getting there

The market fills Albert Cuypstraat between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat. The nearest metro stop is De Pijp (North–South line), a few minutes' walk away, and trams stop on Ferdinand Bolstraat. From the Heineken Experience it is about five minutes on foot; from Museumplein about 20 minutes.

Official information

Albert Cuyp Market — I amsterdam

Opening hours, location and visitor information from Amsterdam's official city guide. Entry to the market is free.

Visit iamsterdam.com

Practical tips

  • Go before about 15:00 — stalls start packing up well before closing time.
  • Closed on Sundays — plan around it.
  • Bring some cash; most stalls take cards, but not all.
  • Keep an eye on your bag in the crowds, as in any busy market.
  • Combine with the Heineken Experience next door, or a picnic in Sarphatipark at the market's midpoint.

See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Albert Cuyp Market free?

Yes. It is a public street market — entry is free, you only pay for what you buy. Most stalls accept cards, but carrying some cash is still useful.

When is the Albert Cuyp Market open?

Monday to Saturday, roughly 9:30 to 17:00. The market is closed on Sundays. Some stalls start packing up from around 16:00, so late morning to early afternoon is the best time.

What is the Albert Cuyp Market famous for?

Fresh stroopwafels made in front of you, raw herring (haring) with onions and pickles, Dutch cheese, and a very local, multicultural atmosphere in the heart of De Pijp.

How long do you need at the Albert Cuyp Market?

About 1 to 1.5 hours to walk the full length of Albert Cuypstraat and browse. Add time if you stop for lunch at the food stalls or the cafés around the market.

Where is the Albert Cuyp Market?

On Albert Cuypstraat in De Pijp, between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat. It is a short walk from the Heineken Experience and about 20 minutes on foot from Museumplein.

Sources

Reviewed October 2026. Confirm opening days and hours before visiting — the market is closed on Sundays and on some public holidays.