Dappermarkt

The Dappermarkt is a long, narrow street market that runs the length of Dapperstraat in Amsterdam-Oost, beside the Oosterpark and the Tropenmuseum.

It's one of the most diverse markets in the Netherlands — over 250 stalls reflecting the neighbourhood's Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, Ghanaian, Indonesian and Dutch communities. You'll find spices by the scoop, fresh fish, bread, Surinamese roti, Turkish baklava, fabrics, household goods and cheap clothing.

It was voted best market in the Netherlands several times in the 2000s, and remains the daily shopping spot for thousands of locals.

The name Dappermarkt comes from its setting in the Dapperbuurt, named after the Dutch writer Olfert Dapper. He is remembered for his descriptions of distant countries, compiled from other people's accounts rather than his own travels. That background adds an interesting footnote to a visit, but the market's character is firmly rooted in everyday neighbourhood life. Unlike a covered market hall, it shares its space with the shops and homes lining the street, keeping you connected to the surrounding district.

Rather than treating the market as a checklist, leave time to browse and explore the adjoining streets. Browsing here puts you in the middle of a working shopping street, with errands and conversations unfolding around the stalls. Afterwards, the paths and lawns of Oosterpark offer a change of pace. For a cultural stop, the museum mentioned above is now called Wereldmuseum Amsterdam. Its exhibitions explore cultures and the connections between people, giving you another way to engage with the wider world.