Bloemenmarkt is one of the main suppliers of flowers to Amsterdam, and though packed with tourists, it is also frequented by locals (although I suspect that they do not rub shoulders at peak times). The place is an absolute mass of colours, and I was amazed at how much they managed to cram into small spaces. We had to be very careful as we picked our way through some of the stalls, in case our rucksacks demolished them.

There was a staggering selection of bulbs, boasting colours beyond my imagination, for sale in a variety of forms. You could get large containers packed with single-type bulbs, mixed colours, mixed heights–-this was perhaps the cheapest way to acquire your "fresh Dutch bulbs". Alternatively, they came gift-wrapped or set in planters of varying quality and naff-ness. You could buy bulbs in "delft-designed" plastic windmills or plastic clogs (complete with the obligatory delft colours), or go upmarket to buy reasonable-quality ceramic pots. All bulbs came with a valid "health certificate" for export purposes. I have to say that the bulbs weren’t as cheap as I was anticipating, but I had never seen the range or variety anywhere else. There are masses of seed packets, some for plants I’ve never heard of, but generally, I recognised the picture on the front, and they were all legal purchases--no cannabis plants here (or not that I noticed!).

The scent of fresh flowers pervaded the atmosphere, and the brightly coloured blooms just begged to be bought and taken home (just too bad that they wouldn’t last the journey to England!). If you wanted something more durable, you could buy amazingly realistic silk flowers, carved wooden blooms, dried blossoms, or quality plastic replicas.

But just in case you’re not a gardener, the stallholders introduce other purchasing options. You’ll find candles, a range of quality Delftware, and fridge magnets by the hundred (never quite understood them myself), in a variety of designs (naughty-but-nice seemed to be the general theme). There’s an army of garden gnomes and, of course, a range of decorated clogs in a variety of sizes.

And if that wasn’t enough, just opposite the flower market was a Christmas shop--my worst nightmare and my wife’s most pleasant dream. I was instantly deserted as she headed for her shopping paradise, head down, checking out the ceramic Santas and studying the gyrating snowmen.

I just know that the retailers are going to get me for either spring flowers or festive baubles!

The guidebooks also mention buying bulbs and having them shipped to you. You have to buy large quantities. Massive quantities, so don't make a special trip for those unless you need at least 100 bulbs. You'll do just as well shopping on the internet.

The market is lined with cafes and shops, mostly tourist-trap shops. The area near the flower market has some interesting shops like the Atheneum Bookshop (Spui 14-16), Body Sox (Leidsestraat 12) an all socks store with a huge selection of tights and stockings, and I remember a store that sold only hammocks. I also stopped in and bought a pair of Ecco shoes at the Eccolet Shop which was all Ecco shoes. I paid 60 euro for them and they were not on sale. I've seen the same shoes here in the US for $100.00.

The Flower Market is worth a visit if you’re in the area or you are walking along the Singel to see some of the historic architecture. It is convenient to the tram. If you go, be sure to look up at the Muntplein Tower. Also, look below for the photo of the building with the great shutters that is along the flower market. You get a better view of the building from across the canal.

A tip if you do buy bulbs. Make sure you buy ones that come with a certificate or you may find yourself having a bit of trouble bringing them back into your country. We had certificates and Agriculture Canada just took a quick look. They may be confisicated without the paperwork.