The Bloemenmarkt, located on the Singel canal, is the world's only floating flower market, operating 7 days a week. Visitors can buy iconic Dutch tulip bulbs, explore diverse flower species, purchase wooden flowers, and find unique souvenirs. Best visited in spring (March-May) for the full, colorful experience.
What is there to do in the flower market in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam's flower market is a historical and meanwhile colourful place. You can see many flowers of rare species, appreciate the pleasant play of colours of the tulips, while indoor plants, mysterious cypresses, dried flowers and flowers made of wood – real works of art – are also sold.
Bloemenmarkt (flowermarket) is one of the most popular markets in Amsterdam. It's located on the Singel Canal between Koningsplein and Muntplein, which is one of the busiest tourist districts in Amsterdam, so you won't miss it.
What is available at Amsterdam's floating flower market?
TLDR: The Bloemenmarkt is the world's only floating flower market, located on the Singel canal in central Amsterdam. It is free to enter and open 7 days a week. While famous for its history, today it primarily sells tulip bulbs, souvenirs, and garden supplies rather than fresh bouquets.
The "3 x" (XXX) in Amsterdam refers to three St. Andrew's Crosses on the city's coat of arms and flag, symbolizing its history as a fishing town and its connection to the patron saint of fishermen, with theories suggesting they represent valor, firmness, and mercy, or protection against fire, flood, and plague, though the most likely origin is linked to the noble Persijn family who owned land there, with the crosses also appearing on flags of nearby towns they owned.
The best season to visit Bloemenmarkt is during the spring and summer months. While visitors get to witness Amsterdam's famous tulips in the spring months of March to May, a diverse range of flowers can be spotted in the summer months of July to September.
One of Amsterdam's sweetest treats, stroopwafels are a must-buy for any visitor. These thin waffles are filled with sweet caramel syrup and are simply delicious when served warm.
The best month to visit Keukenhof Gardens for peak tulip viewing is mid-to-late April, though the entire season (mid-March to mid-May) offers beautiful blooms, with early season providing crocuses/daffodils and late season seeing roses/lilies. Aim for weekdays, especially early mornings or late afternoons, to avoid large crowds.
Regardless of its origin, 420 has become an integral part of cannabis culture. It's a way for people to signal their appreciation for marijuana without openly discussing it.
Go for something simple and muted; the flowers are so colorful as it is that they'll brighten up your pictures. As for footwear, wear something comfortable, because you'll be getting a lot of steps in while you walk around Keukenhof.
Don't miss Amsterdam's iconic Canal Ring (take a cruise!), major museums like the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum, the charming Jordaan district, the lively Albert Cuyp Market, and relaxing in Vondelpark, plus experiencing unique spots like the Heineken Experience, A'DAM Lookout, and the Red Light District, while also enjoying cycling and local street food.
For men, some dressier shoes and slacks with a shirt is considered dressy, but most places will be fine with just jeans and sneakers so long as they're clean.
You must eat iconic Dutch treats like warm Stroopwafels, crispy Bitterballen, and Patat Friet (fries with unique sauces like Patatje Oorlog), fresh Broodje Haring (herring sandwich), hearty Stamppot, Indonesian Rijsttafel, and delicious Poffertjes, alongside classic Dutch cheese and apple pie. Don't miss trying Surinamese food and snacks from an automatiek like FEBO for a truly local experience.
In the Netherlands, credit cards are not the most commonly used method for payments. In daily life, the Dutch hardly use them. Instead, payments are often made with debit cards. Please make sure to bring cash and ask personnel in advance whether you can pay by credit card.
