Albert Cuyp Market

Weaving between the thick crowd, my eyes darted from booth to booth marveling at all the products that were on offer at this bustling market. Here, one could satisfy both shopping cravings and food cravings all at once!  Stalls that line both side of the street sell a wide variety of items from clothes, fabric, suitcases, flowers, incense, toiletries, glasses and movies. While stalls selling food items like meat, cheese, fish, fruit, vegetables, nuts, chocolates, cake, local snacks and fresh juice are all mixed in between.

Located on Albert Cuypstraat, the market is pretty easy to find but a good marker is that it is very near to the Heineken Experience. When you pass the Heineken brewery and continue walking on Ferdinand Bolstraat, you will soon see a sign pointing you towards the market. Otherwise, ask around and you will be sure to find it in no time!  We visited the market twice and did some shopping and sampling of the local snack Stroopwafel both times. Stroopwafel is two thin waffles with caramel syrup filling. These sweet and delicious treats are cooked on the spot and are served piping hot. On the second visit we got ‘fancy’ and tried one choc king size Stroopwafel, which is covered halfway with a rich chocolate spread. Even though I love chocolate dearly, the spread made it too sweet for me so I prefer the plain one.

Chomping on our yummy treats, we watched as both the locals and the camera-wielding tourists navigated the vibrant market. We even saw one of the DJ’s we met previously and after speaking to him we marveled at the fact we saw someone we knew among this large foreign crowd. This market is definitely worth passing through even if it is just to get a bite to eat! Do you guys have a favorite market? For those of you who have been to Europe, what other markets should I visit? 

Stalls sell a wide variety of items from cakes, glasses, clothes and other knick-knacks

A large selection of cheese on display

Vibrantly coloured flowers are sold in several stalls

Meat, herbs and spices

Choices abound in selecting fruit and vegetables. Many stalls offer delicious produce

People frequent the market grabbing up bargains before the 5 p.m. closing time

As the crowd moves through the market, birds perch above, some waiting for leftover food

 Fresh fruit juices 

All types of souvenirs are on offer at the market

Usually a long line awaits hot and tasty Poffertjes, a stack of small pancake looking treats. A woman gets a rare chance of being the only one waiting 

A stand serves up hot Stroopwafels, two thin waffles with caramel syrup filling

Plain and Choc Stroopwafels

Two thumbs up for this tasty treat