I visited the Albert Cuyp market for the first time on my trip to Amsterdam last weekend. What a feast of color, sights, smells and sounds! Admittedly, there is probably a lot more junk there for sale than anything you'd really want to buy, but for soaking up atmosphere, this is the place. Fresh fish dealers rub shoulders with people selling fresh cheese who are next to flower vendors that have a spot just down from the tacky leather goods stall. All manner of merchandise can be found: cell phone accessories, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, leather goods, produce and much more. The people-watching is great; I got the impression that most of the market-goers were there more to see and be seen than actually do too much shopping. I confess, though, I did make a purchase. I found a vendor selling all sorts of elaborate hair ornaments and bought a couple of those for myself. She was very quick to point out that they were priced to reflect their manufacture in France (are French barrettes really better?). My friends teased me and said they were probably really made in China!
Albert Cuyp market is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. From Centraal Station, take either the 4, 16, 24, or 25 tram and get off at Albert Cuypstraat.