Discover the Charm of Bloemenmarkt: Amsterdam’s Floating Flower Market

Criss-crossing the canals of Amsterdam in the Netherlands can provide all sorts of picturesque views and walks down beautiful city streets. Some more beautiful than others. If you find the right streets to walk down, you can be surrounded by aromatic flowers or cafes and restaurants. This past weekend as we were showing some friends around Amsterdam and walking from the Van Gogh Museum up to the Royal Palace Amsterdam, we stopped along the Bloemenmarkt.

Nestled along the Singel canal, this floating flower market is an explosion of colors, scents, and Dutch charm. On one side you’ll find flowers, pictures of flowers, and flower bulbs to grow your own flowers and on the other souvenir shop after souvenir shop some featuring gorgeous Christmas ornaments, all of the magnets you could want, and so much more. It’s a great stop for tourists and the souvenirs here are priced really well, cheaper than you’ll find at a lot of other spots.

Bloemenmarkt, Floating Flower Market, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Looking for the floating flower market in Amsterdam? If you’re at the Bloemenmarkt, you’re in the right place.

Basic Info
What’s So Special About Bloemenmarkt?
A Must-See For Every Visitor
Beyond Flowers: Souvenirs Galore
The Heart of Dutch Horticulture
Shopping Tips: Timing is Everything
When to Visit and What to Expect
To buy or not to buy flower bulbs from Bloemenmarkt
Is It Worth It?

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Basic Info

Address: Singel 630, 600 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Directions: The Amsterdam Flower Market can be reached by trams 1, 2 and 5 from the Koningsplein stop and by trams 4, 9 and 14 from the Muntplein stop.
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:30am ~ 5:30pm; Sunday: 11:30am ~ 5:30pm

What’s So Special About Bloemenmarkt?

The canals in Amsterdam are very appealing, add colorful flowers, and even more so as you can imagine. The Bloemenmarkt isn’t a super long stretch of road, but it’s long enough that you can enjoy a meander, buy some souvenirs, and take some pictures.

This isn’t your everyday market; it’s a floating floral market that dates back to 1862. Though the flower stalls are located on barges, you honestly can’t tell by looking at them today because they’re now safely attached to the edge of the canal unlike in the past when they’d come and go daily.

A Must-See For Every Visitor

Located between Muntplein and Koningsplein, the Bloemenmarkt is not just a market; it’s a historical journey. Each barge is a shop on water, supported by poles and filled to the brim with not just flowers but plenty more which you’ll find out after stepping in.

When you visit Amsterdam, at least a part of the day has to be filled with crossing canals and enjoying views and so a walk to this area is a perfect addition. I think it’s a great stop for souvenirs and photos, but I don’t necessarily think you should buy any bulbs here and I’ll explain why below.

Beyond Flowers: Souvenirs Galore

While the tulips and bulbs are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the Bloemenmarkt offers so much more. From December’s special Christmas trees to all-year-round souvenirs like Dutch cheeses, colorful clogs, and wooden tulips, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to find that special something to remind you of your Amsterdam adventure.

If you’re short on time in Amsterdam, this also means this is a two-for-one in that you can see flowers spilling out of the shops and get your souvenir fix. Win win!

The Heart of Dutch Horticulture

Did you know that the Netherlands produces a whopping 70% of the world’s commercial flower output? A visit to the Netherlands isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic tulip fields or Keukenhof Gardens and this is why. A visit to the Bloemenmarkt offers a glimpse into this blooming industry.

Shopping Tips: Timing is Everything

Timing is Everything: Thinking of bringing home some tulip bulbs? Timing is crucial. Fresh tulip bulbs are available from the end of August until December. Outside this period, you might be buying older bulbs that won’t bloom as beautifully or at all so be careful.
Worldwide Delivery: Many stalls offer shipping services, so you can have your bulbs delivered fresh to your door, anywhere in the world.
Stamp of Approval: Look out for phytosanitary certificate seals by the Dutch government on the bulbs. These have a validity date on them, which should be 6 weeks at most.
Import/Export: Before you even shop though, make sure you can even take bulbs back to your country if you’re visiting from abroad. Local customs may confiscate your bulbs if you’re not allowed to have them.

When to Visit and What to Expect

The Bloemenmarkt welcomes visitors all year round and really only takes 30 minutes or so to walk along if you’re going slow and perusing the flowers, bulbs, and signs.

To avoid the crowds and get the best selection of bulbs, try to visit on a weekday morning. And remember, while the market is a feast for the senses, it’s also very much a tourist spot.

To buy or not to buy flower bulbs from Bloemenmarkt

Today, the market is one of the main suppliers of flower bulbs and tulip souvenirs for tourists to Amsterdam. So take the time to enjoy the ambiance, chat with the friendly sellers, and soak in the unique experience that is the Bloemenmarkt.

But if you’re really looking for high-quality bulbs, this probably isn’t the place to get them. They’ve done surveys and found that the if you’re shopping off season, a lot of these bulbs just don’t bloom. Keep that in mind.

Is It Worth It?

Absolutely! Whether you’re a flower aficionado or just looking for a pleasant stroll, the Bloemenmarkt offers a delightful slice of Dutch culture and horticulture. It’s not just about the flowers; it’s about experiencing a piece of Amsterdam’s history and charm.

We’ve lived here for over a year now, and I still like walking down this short stretch of colorful street in the city. It’s just a beautiful little area to take in. Of course you don’t have to buy anything, but if you’re going to be criss-crossing the canals and enjoying the views, just let your feet guide you here for something different to see.

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