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The IJ-Hallen Flea Market, also known as the Vlooienmarkt IJ-Hallen, is one of Europe's largest flea markets and a great spot for secondhand shoppers. This monthly event draws people from all over Europe to the massive IJ-Hallen, which was once part of the historic NDSM shipyard in Amsterdam. It's a blend of history and vibrant market life.
The IJ-Hallen is enormous, with space for up to 750 stalls. It usually reaches maximum capacity every month. What sets this market apart is that it only allows private sellers to display their goods, not commercial vendors. This policy ensures a wide variety of items, including antique furniture, retro collectibles, vintage fashion, handbags, vintage toys, silverware, jewellery, books, and kitchenware. The market truly captures the essence of different eras and styles. A combination of dedicated shoppers, curious tourists, and unique, diverse items creates a lively, captivating environment.
Easy access and a scenic ferry ride add another dimension to the experience, making it a complete adventure. Another fantastic feature is the market's location across the IJ River from the NDSM quay in Amsterdam-Noord. This hidden gem is easy to get to! Just hop on the free 906 ferry outside Amsterdam Central Station. The 15-minute ferry ride offers incredible views of the IJ River and the unique architecture lining its banks—making the journey as enjoyable as the market itself!
The market is open once or twice a month on weekends. You can find the dates on the official website. Tickets cost €6 for adults and €2.50 for children up to age 11. Early Bird Tickets, which allow entry as early as 6 a.m., are available for €10. Regular entry is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but arriving early helps you beat the crowds and find the best items.
The fun doesn't have to end once you've finished shopping! Amsterdam-Noord has many other attractions that will keep you entertained even after you've finished shopping. Whether you want to experience the local culture, taste delicious food, or enjoy the scenery, there's plenty to do here.
For instance, why not make your shopping trip more enjoyable by visiting the nearby STRAAT Museum? This museum has an amazing collection of street art from around the globe. You can purchase a combined ticket for €20, which includes admission to the museum and the flea market. The NDSM shipyard area also has a lot of street art and waterfront cafés, such as Café Pllek and Noorderlicht Café, which are great places to have lunch after visiting the market.
To make the most of your trip, set aside at least three hours to explore the huge market. Treat yourself to delicious Dutch street food, such as poffertjes and stroopwafels, at the market's food stalls to refuel during your treasure hunt. Chat with the sellers—many are private individuals clearing out their belongings, so prices are often negotiable.
If you're looking for something special and want to avoid the tourist trinkets found at the Waterlooplein Market, look no further than the IJ-Hallen flea market. The market's vibrant atmosphere, paired with the industrial charm of the NDSM shipyard and the creative energy of Amsterdam Noord, makes it one of the city’s most unforgettable highlights for vintage lovers and treasure hunters alike.
Chad Fitzgerald
13th June 2015 at 21:19Spent nearly an entire day browsing the market. There was literally a little bit of everything – antiques, vintage, furniture, clothing and everything else. For me, I was happy nothing was new… it’s a bit of a treasure hunt. It reminded me of the Rose Bowl Flee Market in California.
It was really easy to catch the 5 minute ferry ride over to the flee market grounds. It was just in back of the main train station in central Amsterdam. Once you get to the market you need to pay €5 to get in, which was really worth a day of fun. Take a back pack since many of the vendors do not have bags for your purchases. Also, make sure and take plenty of cash since I don’t recall seeing an ATM. I was there for the July sale and there must have been well over 700 dealers!
Jochum Stoetten
5th October 2015 at 02:57De drukste en grootste rommelmarkt van Amsterdam
Francis Peters
21st October 2015 at 20:56One of the must see hip (-ster) attractions of Amsterdam, also a cheap place to get clothing and just all kinds of stuff ranging from lamps to soviet honor medals.
Bas Wijten
9th February 2016 at 04:59Largest flea-market in the Netherlands. Lot’s of stuff, merchants and normal people sell here. Prices can be modest if you know how to bargain.
Saul Roy
14th May 2016 at 06:30This happen only once a month, if I recollect right from my visit. Overall worth a experience right from boarding the ferry from behind the central station to reaching the place. This happens in some warehouse and the whole place around gives a very charming and relaxing feel. There are some very nice graffiti on the wall of these warehouse.
You get some unique and some regular stuff at very good bargain price. Should not miss visiting the place if it tends to fall during your visit to the city