Albert Cuyp Market

Welcome to the Albert Cuyp Market, the beating heart of the Pijp district and officially the largest daily outdoor market in Europe. With around 260 stalls stretching out before you, there's a lot to take in. But here's something most visitors never think about: the ground beneath this lively market was once a canal lined with sawmills.

 Amsterdam needed enormous amounts of timber during the Golden Age, and sawmills were absolutely everywhere. They were so essential that the VOC, the Dutch East India Company, relied on them to build ships faster than anyone else in the world. More ships meant more trade routes, more power at sea, and ultimately more global dominance. The attached picture shows the completly different look back then. 

The market itself opened in 1907 and is named after the Dutch painter Albert Cuyp. Since then, it has been drawing locals and tourists together every day except Sunday, selling everything from fresh fish and vegetables to local specialities. When you're walking around, don't miss Twin's Olives for their incredible homemade Baba Ganoush. Stop at Rudi's for authentic stroopwafels. And grab a sandwich at Benny's Kip, where the atmosphere alone is worth the visit.