The Saturday Farmers Market at Noordermarkt

One of the joys of city life is the weekend Farmers Market. Ironic perhaps, but all major cities seem to have wonderful markets filled with produce from the country, from the farmlands.  Amsterdam is no exception and the Boerenmarkt op de Noordermarkt (Farmers Market in Noordermarkt) is one of these exceptional markets.

An Organic Farmers Market

Bread from Noordermarkt Farmers market

Started in 1987 to bring customers to a local café, the Farmers Market on Noordermarkt has grown from a local neighborhood event to attract people from all over Amsterdam each and every Saturday. Even rain didn’t stop the crowds.

The market stresses organic produce and provides delicious options. On the banks of a 17th century canal, the square and market holds a most friendly vibe. On my visit, I started conversation for my first purchase with some of my only Dutch I knew “Hallo.” (hardly advanced). The vendor switched and returned volley with an English “Hello,” and then off we went discussing quantity and price in my native language.  And language was never a barrier in this local market and neither was the fact I wasn’t Dutch. I felt at home. I felt as if I was in my native New Amsterdam.

In total I spent about an hour tasting and sampling. In the end I made some purchases; I left with my backpack filled with organic breads, meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, homemade dips, and eggs. All delicious.

say cheese at the farmer's market in Norrdermarkt Amsterdam

say cheese.

Flea Market at Noordermarkt

Also a flea or antique market seemed to blend with the farmers market to make one market in the square. And I picked up a few items here too.

shopping at Noordermarkt on Saturdayleather journals at the Noordermarkt Flea Market First, I purchased a postcard for my collection with nearly no writing but postmarked from early 1940. With the date so close to the beginning of World War II, it made wonder about the then immediate future of the sender and receiver. Did the postcard hold a special message seventy years ago?

I also picked up a journal; I often do. I love to purchase journals “on-location.” I believe it gives them character not to mention it makes for my favorite travel souvenir.

Where is the Boerenmarkt op de Noordermarkt?

Although I traveled to visit the floating flower market in Amsterdam, the Farmers Market required no walk or tram for me. The market, located in a square on Noordermarkt, was directly outside my apartment (I did an apartment swap).

Yes, on Saturday I wake up to the sounds of commerce just outside my window. I quickly dressed and walked down the steep spiral staircase to find some lunchtime items. I was lucky.

lunch is served purchased in the Noordermarkt Farmer's Market

lunch prepared from my purchases and with a view of the market

But if you are not staying in Noordermarkt then you can either take the 3 or 10 tram to Marnixbad. Also, it is just a 15 minute walk from Central Station and located on the 3rd “gracht” canal, the Prinsegracht in the north west corner of the city. And if you are in Amsterdam on Saturday, it is worth a visit, especially if you are hungry.

Stay adventurous, Craig.

this post is part of the European Summer Series. 

 

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  • http://mjdresselbooks.wordpress.com/ Mary

    I envy your job. Need I say more? Fabulous X 10! :-) 

  • http://twitter.com/jettingaround Jetting Around

    Farmers markets are simply fantastic and visiting them is one of my favorite activities when traveling. I really like the pictures you included here, especially the bread and journals. Great experience, Craig!

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

       Glad you enjoyed the experience and always appreciate compliments on the photography… thanks. Stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://twitter.com/ilivetotravel Raul

    Quite the table setting there, Craig! Those types of markets are the best. And the Dutch are among the friendliest people to visitors I’ve experienced!

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

       Raul, I think I am always surprised in Amsterdam how friendly everyone is…. but I agree, great people those Dutch. Stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://twitter.com/jschn Josie Schneider

    Hey Craig,
    So right, the markets are so great. Love your pics — especially the one of your prepared meal. Nice!
    ~Josie

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

       thanks Josie. Always appreciate compliments on my photography. stay adventurous, Craig

  • http://twitter.com/L_e_a_h Leah Travels

    Visiting markets when I travel is a must. I love sampling the various local foods and people watching. It looks like you had some great ones to choose from. I love the apartment swap idea too.

    • http://www.stayadventurous.com/ craig zabransky

      The apartment swap worked out so well…. I was right on the canal in an old 17th century house, it was an amazing experience.  I am a big fan of it. Stay adventurous, Craig
       

  • http://twitter.com/TheWrldWanderer The World Wanderer

    I love a good market – flea or food.  I’ll have to add this one to my list!

  • Francesca Fm

    Ah, how I want to go to Amsterdam! Markets are a must wherever I travel and I, too, dig the home swap idea.

  • travelingted

    How cool to have a lunch from the items you purchased at the Noordermarkt Market. This is a great tip for those who would like to visit something else in Amsterdam besides the coffee shops, Anne Frank, and the Red Light District.

  • http://www.theworldofdeej.com The World of Deej

    Awesome….I wish I had discovered this when I was in Amsterdam!

  • http://twitter.com/lazytravelers Lazy Travelers

    this is pretty much a dream. based on that first picture, we just want to carbo-load our way through noordermarkt, please and thank you.

  • CaptainandClark

    Why is it that I am always starving after reading your posts?  I’m telling you, I need a warning before you post pictures of mouthwatering food.  You’re killing me over here! :) 

  • http://www.GQtrippin.com/ Kieu – GQ trippin

    This is such a tease.. where’s our invitation for lunch?! I love a good purchase from the farmer’s market but man am I hurting over here in Bali with only fried rice, fried noodles and fried chicken. :(

  • http://twitter.com/LolaDiMarco Lauren DiMarco

    ok. #1 – i love the cheese picture – YUM. #2 – i had NO idea you collected old postcards and journals as travel souvenirs – so cool to know. you really are a renaissance man, Craig.

  • http://twitter.com/mrsoaroundworld Ana Silva O’Reilly

    I adore markets and always go out of my way to ensure I see one wherever I go. Needless to say, always buy more than I should. This particular one looks lovely and I will add a note to my next trip to the Netherlands :)

  • Charu

     I love markets! One of my favorites: Notting Hill in London.

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