Amsterdam · Market square & church
Noordermarkt & Noorderkerk: The Jordaan's Market Square
At the northern end of the Jordaan, a 17th-century church rises over a square that has hosted markets for nearly four centuries. Come on Monday for the flea market, on Saturday for fresh produce and street food — or on King's Day, when the whole square becomes a party.
By the AllTrips Editorial Team ·
Noordermarkt at a glance
Where: northern Jordaan, by the Prinsengracht. Allow: 30–45 minutes, longer on market days. Entry: free. Market days: Monday morning (flea market) and Saturday (produce, food and second-hand goods). Nearby: the Jordaan, Westerkerk and Anne Frank House.
History of the square and church
When the Jordaan was laid out in the early 1600s, its working families needed a church of their own. Hendrick de Keyser, the architect of the Westerkerk and Zuiderkerk, designed the Noorderkerk, and it was completed in 1623. Unlike the grand churches of the canal ring, it was deliberately simple: a Greek-cross plan with the pulpit in the middle, so that everyone could hear the sermon.
Markets have been held on the square around the church since the early 17th century. The square also has a quiet memorial to the Jordaan's role in the February Strike of 1941, when Amsterdammers protested the persecution of their Jewish neighbours.
The markets
- Monday morning — flea market (Noordermarkt + Westerstraat): second-hand clothes, fabrics, vintage homeware, records and curiosities. Arrive early for the best finds.
- Saturday — Noordermarkt: organic vegetables, cheese, bread, mushrooms and hot food stalls, plus second-hand goods. Locals pair it with apple pie at a café on the square.
Inside the Noorderkerk
The interior is bright, plain and intimate, typical of early Dutch Protestant churches. Today the Noorderkerk is still an active church and a popular concert venue thanks to its good acoustics. Visitor opening times are limited, so check the official Noorderkerk website before you plan to go inside.
Getting there
From Centraal Station, walk about 15 minutes west along the Haarlemmerstraat and turn left at the Prinsengracht. From the Anne Frank House, it is a 5–10 minute walk north along the Prinsengracht.
Practical tips
- Go early on market days — by late morning the stalls are busy.
- Bring cash and a card; some stallholders take only one.
- Combine with a wander through the Jordaan and the Haarlemmerstraat shops.
- King's Day is huge fun but very crowded; expect it to be hard to move around.
- See every stop on our Amsterdam attractions map.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Noordermarkt market on?
There are two main markets: a flea and textile market on Monday mornings, and the Saturday market with organic produce, food stalls and second-hand goods. Stall numbers vary by season, so check locally before a special trip.
Is the Noordermarkt free to visit?
Yes. The square and markets are free to walk around; you only pay for what you buy.
Can you go inside the Noorderkerk?
The Noorderkerk is an active Protestant church and is regularly used for services and concerts. Visitor opening hours are limited and can change, so check the church's own website before you go.
Who built the Noorderkerk?
The church was designed by Hendrick de Keyser and completed in 1623 after his death. It was built for the working people of the new Jordaan district, and its Greek-cross plan places the pulpit at the centre.
What else is near the Noordermarkt?
The square sits in the north of the Jordaan by the Prinsengracht. The Haarlemmerstraat shops, the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk are all within a short walk.