Hi guys, how are you? Today, I will tell you a little bit about Albert Cuyp Market, the most famous outdoor market in Holland.
First of all, why is that the name of the market? Well, it is a tribute to a 17th-century Dutch artist called Albert Cuyp. As the title of our article says, the Albert Cuyp market became, throughout the years, the busiest market in the country and we can definitely say it is the most famous one in Amsterdam. Almost all of our clients ask us about it and want to see it. Also, if you want to visit it, don’t worry – us at Rota Amsterdam will take you there at the end of our “Amsterdam Private Tours“
This market is located in the Pijp district, a residential area with a very cool and hip vibe. In the midst of the 300 stands, we can find everything: from souvenirs to all kinds of snacks; clothes, shoes, vegetables, fruits, fish, birds, exotic shops, stroopwafels, flowers, Dutch cheeses, and much more!
I recommend that you grab a drink or even a snack at a deck in the Gerard Douplein square, a popular point among the Dutch. This square is two minutes away from the market, so it’s definitely worth checking it out.
But what is the story behind this famous market?
Initially, when it was founded at the beginning of the 20th century, the market targeted street vendors who sold random things in their little carts. The market wasn’t that busy then. It only opened once a week, on Saturday mornings. However, in 1912, the city decided to open the market 6 days a week, and from there, it started to bloom. However, during this time of expansion, there was also very harsh competition among the merchants, because many of them “disputed” a “kraampje” (a cart-stand) to sell their merchandise, but not all of them were able to get one. During World War II, for example, the Jewish were forbidden from selling there.
An interesting fact is that the area where the market is located today, during the Modern Age, in the seventeenth century, was only a water canal with mills around it. But with the increase in population and, consequently, the development and expansion of the city of Amsterdam, this canal was grounded, giving place to the market and its adjacencies with streets and houses. In the picture below, you can have an idea of how it used to look:
The market currently. Tour with our Christmas clients
Currently, the market gets 20,000 visitors weekly, and Saturdays are the busiest days. Their hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. So if you’re coming to the city, make sure to stop by!
Do you want to visit other markets in Amsterdam?
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Bye and see you next time!
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