Waterlooplein

Waterlooplein Review

Few markets compare with Amsterdam's famous flea market that hugs the backside of the Stopera (the complex whose descriptive name derives from an ever-pragmatic blending of stadhuis for "city hall" and "opera," in reference to the Muziektheater. Waterlooplein is a descendant of the haphazard pushcart trade that gave this part of the city its distinct lively character in the early part of the 20th century. It's amusing to see the old telephones, typewriters, and other arcana all haphazardly displayed—as well as the shoppers scrambling and vying with each other to reacquire such items. Professional dealers sell secondhand and vintage clothing, hats, and purses. New fashions are mostly for generic alterna-types who will enjoy a wide selection of slogan T-shirts, hippie bags, and jewelry for every type of piercing. The flea market is open Monday-Saturday 9-6.