If you only do one thing in De Pijp, make it the Albert Cuyp Market. It's one of the largest street markets in Europe, and it has been the beating heart of the neighbourhood for over a century. Here's how to make the most of a visit. (For more ideas on exploring the area, check out our De Pijp summer guide).
What is the Albert Cuyp Market?
The Albert Cuyp Market is a daily street market running the length of Albert Cuypstraat in De Pijp. Hundreds of stalls line both sides of the street selling food, flowers, fabrics, clothing, and household goods. It's open Monday to Saturday — generally from 09:30 to 17:00, though hours can shift with the season, so it's worth checking before you go. It's closed on Sundays.
What should you eat at the Albert Cuyp Market?
This is the real reason to come hungry. A few things you shouldn't leave without trying:
- Stroopwafels — the warm, fresh kind, pressed in front of you. Nothing like the supermarket version.
- Kibbeling and haring — Dutch fried fish and raw herring, the local way.
- Poffertjes — fluffy mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar.
- Cheese — wedges of aged Gouda you can taste before you buy.
You'll also find Surinamese, Turkish, and Indonesian street food reflecting the neighbourhood's mix. Bring some cash — a few stalls still prefer it.
What can you buy besides food?
Plenty. Flowers and plants at a fraction of tourist-shop prices, fabrics and sewing supplies, clothing, accessories, and the kind of everyday household bits that make the market feel genuinely local rather than staged for visitors.
When is the best time to visit?
Go on a weekday morning if you want room to move and first pick of the fresh food. Saturdays are the liveliest — full of energy, but also the most crowded. Late afternoon can be a good time for deals as stalls wind down, though selection thins out.
How do you get to the Albert Cuyp Market?
It's easy to reach from central Amsterdam. Take Metro 52 to De Pijp station, a short walk from the market, or a southbound tram toward Albert Cuypstraat. From the city centre it's also a pleasant 20-minute walk.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Albert Cuyp Market free?
Yes — it's free to walk through and browse. You only pay for what you buy.
What days is the Albert Cuyp Market open?
Monday through Saturday. It's closed on Sundays. Check current hours before visiting, as they vary by season (typically 09:30 to 17:00).
Is the Albert Cuyp Market worth it?
For street food, local atmosphere, and a real slice of Amsterdam life away from the canals' crowds, yes — it's one of the best free things to do in the city.
After the market, Carmona is a few minutes away in the heart of De Pijp — a relaxed spot near the market to sit down and take a break once you've eaten your way down Albert Cuypstraat. [Find us here.]