I am a flea market aficionada. There are always treasures to be found among other people's unwanted goods. I like the digging and the bargain hunt, I like the non-curated disorder of it all but, most of all, I love to look at objects and imagine their story, and how they have served someone else before arriving in my hands. There's no place like the Ij-Hallen, in Amsterdam North, for a good hunt.
With 500 stalls, the Ij-Hallen is nothing less than the biggest flea market in Europe. It is a sensation, not only for the ones who buy but also for the ones selling: keep in mind that The Netherlands is the motherland of trade. You feel the early morning excitement filling up the air at the NDSM, as small groups of people arrive with their cars or cargo bikes full of everything you can imagine: clothes, furniture, books, trinkets, vinyl, and basically any object ever invented by man. It is also the only flea-market that I know of with paid entrance (5 euro) but, then again, you're in for a party (see face in the picture). And, yeah baby, you're going to score.
Finish the shopping enterprise with a beer at Noorderlicht, the hippie-looking cafe right next to Ij-Hallen. If it's a Sunday there will be live music, and if it's sunny as well, then the circle is round, and life is perfect.
Find your way with 173 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
I know that sounds dramatic, but their pastries are irresistible! Everything is sourdough based, which means they make their own yeast for the bread.
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They have many choices when it comes to sandwiches and their toppings, but I always go for their famous sandwich called 'Broodje Boljeri'...
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Good beans belongs to the roastery of 'Fucking Strong Cofffee' and they make blends from beans all over the world. Their slogan: It's coffee, not caviar.
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This ice cream shop in the heart of the 'De Jordaan' neighborhood, is the absolute best! If you can't decide what you want, try the limoncello ice cream.
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There is also a greenhouse where locals can bring their compost. In the other garden, there are bees and apple trees, and they sell their honey as well.
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They serve lunch, dinner, and finger food. Their Burrata, which is optional all day, is my personal favorite. And my favorite beer is Saison Dupont.
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It's a gallery with art only made by (people who identify as) women and also a breakfast/lunch (try their pancakes) place where you can chat with a friend.
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Zizou stole my heart right away. It is simple, yet you get exactly what you need: a good coffee, a chill moment, and a friendly face.
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The food here is amazing and that is really the reason locals go here. The menu has a lot of options but my favorites are the dim sum and the Peking duck.
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"Bimhuis" is a legendary jazz club in Amsterdam. Top artists claim that it's one of their favorite venues to play at. I love it for its adventurousness!
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"Concertgebouw" in Amsterdam is a veritable temple of classical music. Come here to see the best performers in the world play in the best circumstances!
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"Community Kitchen MKZ": one of thew few legalized squats left in Amsterdam. They serve three-course vegan meals for 5 euros, and you're washing your dish!
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173 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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