Vlooienmarkt IJ-Hallen

Those who love to spend hours searching for second-hand items and couldn’t care less about crowds should add the Vlooienmarkt IJ-Hallen, one of Europe’s biggest flea markets, to their bucket list.

The IJ-Hallen flea market takes its name from the massive halls it occupies, which was once a part of the NDSM shipyard. And this monthly flea market seems to sprawl endlessly to the unfettered joy of diehard second-hand shoppers, who come from all over Europe to treasure-hunt.

The IJ-Hallen can accommodate up to 750 stalls, and is usually filled to its maximum capacity; moreover, no commercial vendors are allowed to sell at the IJ-Hallen flea market, only private ones. Vendors attending this flea market always have a vast range of merchandise on offer, including antique furniture, retro collectibles, vintage fashion,  handbags, vintage toys, silverware, jewelry, old books, vintage pull-down charts, kitchenalia, and just about anything else you can think of.

The IJ-Hallen and its flea market are located on the opposite side of the IJ River by the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam-Noord. But it is literally a cinch to reach the premises: just hop on one of the quick and free ferries that shuttle visitors back and forth over the river.

The ride to NDSM-Werf lasts just 15 minutes from the 906 ferry stop located outside of Amsterdam Central Station, and the views of the IJ River and the architecture on its banks are worth the trip itself. Plus, there’s lots more to explore in Amsterdam-Noord, even after your capacity to shop is exhausted.

If you had to choose a particular venue in Amsterdam to focus your attention on, this flea market is a winner.