market
Bloemenmarkt
The world's only floating flower market — tulip bulbs, cut flowers and souvenirs on barges along the Singel canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein.
Photo: Andrew T. / Google
The Bloemenmarkt has stood on the Singel since 1862, when flower growers would sail in from the surrounding countryside and sell directly from their barges.
Today the stalls — still mounted on floating platforms — line one side of the canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein, selling cut flowers, potted plants, seeds, and the famous wooden boxes of tulip bulbs for travellers to take home.
It's unapologetically touristy now, with plenty of cheese and clog souvenirs mixed in among the flowers, but the floating-barge setting and the colour are still unique in the world.
What to expect
Tulip bulbs, seeds and cut flowers from floating stalls
Souvenirs (cheese, clogs, magnets) alongside the flowers
Open daily, free to wander
A walk straight onto the Singel canal in central Amsterdam
Tips from locals
Buy only bulbs marked 'approved for export to the US/EU' if you're flying home.
It's busiest mid-afternoon — go in the morning for photos without crowds.
Cross to the back of each barge for views directly onto the canal.
Combine with the Munttoren, Singel canal and Bloemenmarkt-end of Kalverstraat.
Did you know?
The Bloemenmarkt has stood on the Singel continuously since 1862, making it more than 160 years old.
It is the only floating flower market in the world — the stalls sit on barges moored to the canal wall.
In peak tulip season (March–May), some stalls sell over 100 varieties of bulb.
The Singel was the city's outer defensive moat in the late Middle Ages — long before the Bloemenmarkt arrived.
Only bulbs with a phytosanitary export label may legally cross borders, including back to the US and UK.
FAQ
- Where is the Bloemenmarkt?
- On the Singel canal between Muntplein and Koningsplein in the centre of Amsterdam, a 5-minute walk from Dam Square.
- When is the Bloemenmarkt open?
- Roughly Monday–Saturday 9:00–17:30 and Sunday 11:00–17:30, though hours vary slightly by stall.
- Is the Bloemenmarkt really floating?
- Yes — the stalls sit on permanently moored barges along the Singel canal, a tradition from the 19th century.
- Can I take tulip bulbs home?
- Yes, but only those marked 'approved for export' to your destination (US, UK, EU). Other bulbs may be seized at customs.
- Is the Bloemenmarkt free?
- Yes, browsing is free — you only pay for what you buy.
Bloemenmarkt
Singel, Amsterdam