For years I've heard about the Albert Cuyp Markt and Dappermarkt in Amsterdam and the differences between the two and yet I couldn't imagine what to expect, until I got to see those two spots for myself. Definitely a world of difference in the vibes and pricing.
Per usual in the Netherlands walking from place to place is a given - so good walking shoes are a must - which gets rewarded with beautiful scenery and picture perfect moments. Because we were enjoying our surroundings, we reached Albert Cuyp before we even realized.
At first glance, Albert Cuyp looks like any other market we've seen thus far: long road filled with market vendors and bustling with people. But when we finally reached the welcoming signs and lights, my senses got overloaded with colorful items, delicious smelling snacks and foods and cheerful music all around us.
Especially the souvenir items like t-shirts with Amsterdam's crest/coat of arms, graphic t-shirts, baseball caps and socks and don't forget those famous Dutch wooden "klompen" (Dutch clogs). It was definitely at this market that I've seen these items for the most part and the marked up prices only showed who those were geared towards: tourists.
A unique stall on the other hand, was an Asian vendor making Chinese pancakes on the spot in her cultural garment and enjoyed watching her skill with the cooking tools. There were also food vendors, selling the usual items like burgers and fried chicken. If I said that there was a shortage on food items I would be lying, because kitchens from all around the world were well represented and too many to take a picture of.
And though we didn't buy anything from Albert Cuyp market, it was a pleasurable experience: the colorful items and interesting people, the amusing music and the delicious smells give the vibe as if on vacation in one's own country. Let alone if you really are on vacation in the Netherlands.
