Noordermarkt, Amsterdam — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Noordermarkt, the northern market, has been a gathering place in Amsterdam since 1616, though it originally went by the name Prinsenmarkt. When the Noorderkerk was completed in 1623, the square was renamed to reflect its anchor church. For nearly 400 years, this square has served the practical and social needs of the neighborhood, evolving as Amsterdam itself evolved.

In the 17th century, the square served as a graveyard, a final resting place for Amsterdam's deceased. That function changed in 1655, when the graves were moved elsewhere and Noordermarkt transitioned entirely into a marketplace. What emerged was a space for commerce and community, where essential goods were bought and sold, and where neighbors gathered to exchange news alongside their produce and textiles.

Today, Noordermarkt hosts a flea and antique market every Monday from 9am to 1pm, where vendors sell everything from vintage clothing to antique furniture to curiosities. It's become a popular spot for tourists hunting for authentic Amsterdam souvenirs and locals searching for treasures. Beyond the Monday market, the square retains its function as a gathering point, with restaurants and cafes lining its perimeter.

The Noorderkerk itself, designed by Hendrick de Keyser (who also designed the Westerkerk), was built between 1620 and 1623. It's a Protestant church with a square, fortress-like appearance that says something important: this was a church for ordinary people, not nobility. That democratic spirit still infuses the square.

The historical textile tradition is evident in the "patch day" tradition that still continues periodically. Textiles and fabrics have been traded in this square for centuries, a continuity that connects modern-day vendors to generations of merchants before them.