Travelling to Amsterdam? Don’t miss the oldest flea market in the Netherlands and visit the Waterlooplein district!
Located to the east of central Amsterdam, next to the Plantage district, Waterlooplein is organized around the square of the same name. This square is also the location of Amsterdam’s Normal Level, the point from which the country’s altitudes are calculated. Water columns indicate the different sea levels in the area. From a tourist point of view, there are many good reasons to visit the Waterlooplein district.
The district is best known to shoppers for its flea market, which dates back to 1893. Although it’s well worth a visit, it would be a shame to reduce your visit to the neighborhood to this activity alone. Waterlooplein also boasts a number of not-to-be-missed museums, including Rembrandt’s house, and famous cultural venues such as the « stopera », the nickname given to the National Opera. It’s also a cosmopolitan district, home to a host of small bars and restaurants, perfect for sampling different world cuisines.
That’s why Generation Voyage has put together this mini-guide to the Waterlooplein district!
The Waterlooplein district in a nutshell
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The Waterlooplein district corresponds to the former Jewish quarter known as Jodenbuurt. It was here that the majority of the city’s Jewish community was concentrated before the Second World War. The first community settled here in the 16th century, having fled persecution in the Iberian Peninsula. Other communities followed, leading to the construction of 4 synagogues, one of which still exists today. In the 17th century, the district was home to famous residents such as Rembrandt, who had his home-studio here, and the philosopher Spinoza.
In the 19th century, two canals were filled in to form Waterlooplein, or Waterloo Square, in honor of the battle won by the Netherlands and its allies against Napoleon. In 1893, the first market took place here, and over the years it became an important place for commerce in the city. Today, few of the original buildings remain. The district was largely destroyed during the Second World War and its population deported. A long period of reconstruction followed, culminating in the 1990s with the construction of the City Hall and National Opera complex.
Today, with demographic pressure, the neighborhood is expanding to the east with Plantage and to the north with the former warehouses on the quayside.
What to see and do in Waterlooplein?
The crowds of tourists don’t necessarily think of visiting the Waterlooplein district, yet there are many points of interest to be found here.
The flea market
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As mentioned above, this is the oldest market in the country. Its origins lie in the fact that Jews were not allowed to run shops, so they sold their wares on the street. It’s open every day until 5pm, except Sundays when it’s closed. You’ll find an impressive array of bric-a-brac, so you’ll have to look hard to find a vintage nugget. Today, its main purpose is to attract tourists and the pickpockets that go with them! But the atmosphere is friendly and it’s one of the few places where you can haggle.
Rembrandt’s house
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A must-see in Waterlooplein! The painter bought this Renaissance-style house in 1639 and lived there with his wife until 1659, when he was forced to sell it to pay off his debts. It was thanks to the inventory of the property at the time of the sale that the museum was able to be set up in such a way as to recreate the artist’s living environment as faithfully as possible. You can see the kitchens, the cabinet used to display the artist’s works for art dealers, his bedroom and his studio, among others. Original works are on display, including the master’s impressive output of etchings.
The Portuguese synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum
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It’s the only museum of its kind in the Netherlands, so don’t miss it on your visit to the Waterlooplein district. Its permanent exhibition presents Jewish religion and culture, as well as the history of the community in Holland. The synagogue is the last standing of the district’s 4 large synagogues, built in the 17th century. Here you can admire the barrel vaults, the tall antique-style columns and the holy arch. The building also houses the UNESCO-listed Montezinos Library.
Le Stopera
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For some, the nickname comes from the contraction of the word stadhuis, meaning city hall, and the word opera. For others, it comes from the controversy that called for its construction to be halted. The complex was inaugurated in 1986 and houses the town hall, the national opera house and the national ballet company. Today, everyone agrees that it’s a must to see a show in its immense hall. If you don’t have much time to visit Waterlooplein, free lunchtime concerts are held in the foyer from September to May.
Guided tours of Waterlooplein
On foot
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If you’re interested in the history of the Jewish community and would like to find out more, the Jewish Historical Museum and other companies organize tours of the Waterlooplein district. The ticket also gives you access to the main related monuments, and is often combined with a visit to the Anne Frank House. Prices vary from €17 to over €100, depending on the organization, the places you wish to visit and whether or not you opt for a private tour.
By bike
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Amsterdam and bicycles go hand in hand, so hop on one for a tour of Waterlooplein! Most bike rental companies offer guided tours of the city through all the historic districts, and some even offer audio guides. However, there are no specific guided tours. Alternatively, you can find and book online an Anne-Frank-themed bike tour of the Waterlooplein district. It costs €20 per person.
Around the Gassan diamond factory
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Katsiuba Volha
It’s impossible to visit the Waterlooplein district without hearing about the Gassan diamond factory. The building is located on Uilenburg, an island attached to the Amsterdam centrum when the first Jewish communities settled in the district. The factory offers a free one-hour tour of the company’s history and the diamond polishers’ workshop. It’s a chance to see how the 121-faceted « Gassan 121 » diamond is cut, and to dream a little.
The best hotels to stay in Waterlooplein
This district offers the advantage of being right in the center of Amsterdam, close to all the major points of interest yet quiet. The Ecomama and Motel One Amsterdam establishments are the perfect base for visiting Waterlooplein.
The first is a new-generation youth hostel that tries to integrate ecology and sustainable development into its operations. The whole thing is very designer. The hostel offers dormitory accommodation for less than €20 a night, as well as private rooms from €74 a night.
Motel One also offers trendy communal areas, with a mix of Rembrandt paintings and contemporary furnishings. Rates are higher, however, with a minimum charge of €100 per night.
Also nearby is theHoliday Inn Express, with more rooms.
Where to eat in Waterlooplein?
Waterlooplein is a cosmopolitan neighborhood where the world’s cuisines come together. These often take shape in small stalls or food-trucks. One of the most popular is the Piadina Factory, where you can take away the famous wheat cakes filled with fresh produce.
If you want to sit down, why not opt for delicious pancakes at the aptly named Moak Pancakes? The thick American pancakes come in an infinite variety at this restaurant, with even a vegan version. In the same vein, Dignita Hoftuin serves excellent brunches overlooking beautiful gardens.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to dinner, look no further than the Entrepôt restaurant, where you can enjoy inventive cuisine based on fresh produce. Located, as its name suggests, in former warehouses, the restaurant changes its dishes daily according to what’s available. You won’t be disappointed. But don’t forget to make a reservation.
How do I get to Waterlooplein?
To visit the Waterlooplein district, you can :
- Take the metro from Central Station. The stop of the same name is on lines 51 , 53 and 54.
- Take tramway line 14.
- Go on foot or by bike, for the more sporty, as the district is part of the old-center boroughs.
Have you already visited Waterlooplein? Tell us about your visit!
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