Claiming the title of the world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt is a row of market stalls floating on barges on the Singel Canal. Read on for our tips for visiting Bloemenmarkt including nearby attractions and where to stay.
- Address: Singel, 1012 WP Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Opening times: 9.00 a.m. — 5.30 p.m. (winter) 8.30 a.m. — 7.30 p.m. (summer)
Located in the city of Amsterdam, Bloemenmarkt is a flower market famed for its position floating on the canal. Historically the flowers arrived here by boat from the countryside, but nowadays they are driven in to the much more stationary canal-side market. Bloemenmarkt sells everything from cut flowers of every kind, to seeds, plants and other gardening essentials. It’s not just a must-visit for those with green fingers however; it’s a slice of history just waiting to be explored. Blooming marvellous.
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT BLOEMENMARKT
There are many reasons to visit Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt, not least because it’s an insight into the old workings of Amsterdam. There are 15 market stalls to visit, each offering something slightly different to the last. Bloemenmarkt is the perfect place to buy flowers and other trinkets, and is open year-round. During the winter months, the market transforms into a sea of green as vendors sell Christmas trees and other festive decorations. The summer months are arguably the best time to visit Bloemenmarkt however, as the famous Amsterdam tulips make an appearance in all their glory and the market explodes with colour. That said, wooden tulips are sold most of the time as souvenir pieces too so you won’t have to worry about putting real ones into your suitcase.
#travioortip: Make sure any bulbs you buy to take out of the country have a customs stamp on the packaging.
ATTRACTIONS NEAR BLOEMENMARKT
Once you’ve exhausted all your options at Bloemenmarkt, you can easily walk to other attractions in the area. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Amsterdam which will cover the Bloemenmarkt among other places. We have a comprehensive list of some of Amsterdam’s top cultural attractions but the following are closest to Bloemenmarkt.
Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square)
- Rembrandt Square is a hub of activity. Home to a statue of Rembrandt himself (plus the sculptures of The Night Watch) and a host of cafés, restaurants and nightlife venues, there’s is plenty to keep you busy.
- We recommend: Bruincafé ‘t Centrum for their choice of English breakfasts.
Amsterdam Museum
- Takes visitors through the city’s past, present and future, giving the grand tour of Amsterdam. There are plenty of permanent and pop up exhibitions to choose from, most of which come with a guided tour.
- We recommend: Maurice Boyer — At Home in Amsterdam (16 December 2016–14 June 2017)
Dam Square
- See the Royal Palace and the National Monument in this huge square just a ten minute walk from Bloemenmarkt.
- We recommend: Visiting at dusk. The Palace looks even more beautiful under the ethereal glow of sunset.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR BLOEMENMARKT
It’s probably not worth basing your entire trip around Bloemenmarkt, but there are plenty of places to stay which will enable you to walk past the market most days whilst still being close to many of Amsterdam’s other attractions. If you aren’t fussy where you stay, take a look at our guide to some of Amsterdam’s best hotels.
Flower Market Hotel
- Address: Singel 458, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Highlights: Located in the historic centre of Amsterdam in a traditional canal-side townhouse
- Close to: Next to Club Odeon, ten minutes’ walk from Dam Square and Rijksmuseum
- Price: from €136 per night
Acostar Hotel
- Address: Kerkstraat 45–49, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 GB Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Highlights: Airport shuttle and bike rental for guests with a central location
- Close to: Leidsplein, Vondelpark and around ten minutes from Museum Square
- Price: from €171 per night
Hampshire Hotel Rembrandt Square
- Address: Amstelstraat 17, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 DA Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Highlights: Easy walking distance to plenty of nightlife and attractions, with modern interiors
- Close to: Rembrandt Square, Bloemenmarkt and Waterlooplein
- Price: from €243 per night
Dream Hotel
- Address: Vijzelstraat 73, Amsterdam City Centre, 1017 HG Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Highlights: In the centre of Amsterdam close to the Herengracht and Keizersgracht canals
- Close to: Three minutes from both the Bloemenmarkt and Rembrant Square
- Price: from €305 per night
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Originally published at www.travioor.com.
