by Jeroen M. A. Vogel

Created on: June 27, 2009

Looking for some original presents to bring back home from Amsterdam? Whereas the Netherlands, or Holland for that matter, are famous for their tulips, wooden shoes, windmills and all of the other old fashion things which the Dutch have inherited from their ancestors, its capital is uniquely known for prostitution and weed. But surely, Amsterdam is also in every way a metropole where people can find everything that can be found in any (major) city. Rich history, of course, and museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

Rich history is still kicking and alive on the local flea markets and thats exactly the place where any visitor can find an original gift for a bargain price. Take for the example the Nieuwmarkt, a square just outside of the Red Light District with a beautiful old building in its midst (Waag) where goods were weighed to determine the price. Just in front of this building, an antique market is being held every Sunday between 9am and 5pm. On all other days of the week, a "regular" market can be found here and this one dates back from the days when the Waag was still in use. A gift from the Nieuwmarkt is a gift from Amsterdam.

The worldfamous and daily Cuyp Market is an event where the Dutch word "gezellig" comes in place. Its a word that doesnt have a precise translation in nearly any other language and almost no foreigner who has mastered the Dutch language can bond with it. Anyone who goes to the Cuyp Market, however, will feel there at ease, experience the great social aspect of Amsterdam life, extreme toleration between varied lifestyles and the positive atmosphere. And these are exactly all the things that "gezellig" tries to say: having a good time with others. All the things that you can think of - things from literally all over the world - can be purchased here. No, dont think airplanes or rockets; the rest of what you can think, however, can be found here in more than 260 stands. A visit to the Cuyp Market is enough reason for a visit to Amsterdam alone!

Want to bring some tulip boles home with you? Although its way smaller than its fame could claim, the Flower Market - a series of floating stands on the Singel Canal near Rembrandt Square - is the number one place where you can find the seeds and necessities to make the backyard of your relative look like a Dutch flower field. This market is a permanent one and open daily.

The "Waterloo bargain" is a famous expression among the people of Amsterdam. The Waterloo Market has it all and dirt cheap, too! Even poor students who are looking for a second hand couch will succeed here. This market is in every bit a flea market and has been so for hundreds of years! Old, original Dutch pottery, used wooden shoes, copper cutlery... it is all to be found on Waterloo Square - every day of the week.

Gift shopping in Amsterdam flea markets is a great way to end your trip to Europe!

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