Founded in 1862, the Bloemenmarkt sits in the city’s southern canal belt in the Singel Canal, between Muntplein and Koningsplein. The flower stalls still stand on houseboats and are very much reminiscent of the old days when the market would be supplied by boat daily. Located near the Grachtengordel or the Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, many may think the Bloemenmarkt is another tourist trap, but you can get a wide variety of flowers, bulbs and souvenirs at affordable prices if you know where to look.

The two ends of the flower market are for tourists, selling souvenirs and flowers at more expensive prices, but as you approach the inner market and the middle section, the prices drop and you’ll more likely come across more authentic, local fare. Of course, tulips are the specialty here, being the national flower of the Netherlands and the most popular icon of the country. Yet the vendors at the Bloemenmarkt also sell narcissus, geraniums, cacti and many other types of flowers in bouquets, as single flowers, or as bulbs. Near Christmas time, they also sell Christmas trees. The great thing is that the bulbs are all packed for export, so you can take some plants home with you as well.

After you’re done admiring the flowers, you could hop over to the other side of the canal and take a look at the different cafes and buy some local cheese, which comes highly recommended!