Waterlooplein - A Historical Flea Market

You’re in Amsterdam and thinking, “What should I see?”. Well, Waterlooplein is a great place to visit. It’s full of history, along with Amsterdam’s modern culture. If you’re interested in strolling through a flea market, attending the opera, or seeing the history of Jews in Amsterdam, Waterlooplein has all that and more!

Waterlooplein is home to a variety of different attractions. The famous Waterlooplein flea market is located right in the middle. This market gives you a great taste of Amsterdam’s culture with the merchandise, food, and people. The booths that line the street are filled with clothes, jewelry, food, art, music, and much more. If shopping does not interest you, Waterlooplein also has a lot of history there as well. With the old Jewish quarters surrounding it, Amsterdam made Waterlooplein home to the Jewish resistance fighter’s memorial. You can also enjoy the Opera house at Waterlooplein to see the national ballet or an opera performance. Shopping, entertainment, and history is not all Waterlooplein has to offer. Enjoy the views of the Amstel River, where you can look at many beautiful houseboats. Also you are near the Blauwbrug or Blue Bridge, one of the loveliest bridges in Amsterdam. Enjoy all Waterlooplein has to offer!

History of the Waterlooplein

In 1880, Waterlooplein was created in between two canals, Lerozengracht and Houtgracht. During this time, the surrounding area of Waterlooplein were the Jewish quarters of Amsterdam. From 1893-1941 Waterlooplein was home to the biggest and most important Jewish market in Amsterdam. Sadly, in 1941 the persecution of Jews was in full swing, and the thriving Jewish market was shut down due to World War II. Shortly after the war, a market was reborn as The Waterloopein Flea Market. In the 60’s and 70’s Waterlooplein market became a hot spot for hippies to sell and trade goods. During 1977-1984 Waterlooplein market was expanded between the opera house and Amsterdam’s town hall. Nowadays you can find various attractions at the Waterlooplein.

Waterlooplein - Hours

Monday - Friday: 9.00 am - 5.30 pm

Saturday: 8.30 am - 5.30 pm

Closed on Sunday

Waterlooplein - Location

Address:

Waterlooplein

Amsterdam

Shelter City Hostel Amsterdam - Waterlooplein (a 7 minute walk)

Walk out of the hostel, and make a left.
Take a right Kloveniersburgwal.
Take a right at Nieuwe Hoogstraat (it will be the first bridge).
Then take a right at Sint Antoniesbreestraat. You will follow this road till you pass over a bridge and Waterlooplien will be on your right.

Shelter Jordan Amsterdam Hostel - Waterlooplein (a 26 minute walk)

Take a right out of the hostel toward Akoleienstraat.
Turn right onto Eerste Boemdwarsstraat.
Turn left onto Rozengracht.
Continue onto Westermarkt.
Continue onto Raadhuisstraat.
Turn right onto Nieuwesijds Voorburgwal.
Turn left on to Paleisstraat/Paleisstraat Centrum (walk down this road for a bit of time).
Then turn right on Aint Antoniesbreestraat. Once you pass over one bridge Waterlooplein is on your right.