FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Stop and Smell the Flowers at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt

by Jack Guy

Sep 1, 2020

© ARKANTOSTOCK – DREAMSTIME.COM

August 2020

As I wander the canals of Amsterdam on a bright spring morning, the sun plays on the water as shoals of cyclists navigate the tight streets. The city’s inimitable narrow houses teeter overhead, and one particular street erupts in a riot of color as the De Wallen red light district gives way to the Singel canal to the south.

It’s Bloemenmarkt, a historic flower market that lines the canal with bright blooms and has become a major attraction for visitors to the Dutch capital. Browse the stalls and settle into one of the cafés to watch the world go by as you drink a morning coffee. Spending a morning here proves a great way to soak up the atmosphere of the city, and the market comes with an interesting backstory.

© ARKANTOSTOCK – DREAMSTIME.COM

Founded in 1862, Bloemenmarkt sits on the Singel canal between Koningsplein and Muntplein. Originally, the stalls were set up on houseboats, and the only floating flower market in the world took deliveries from the water. These days vendors sell their wares from platforms fixed over the water, and offerings expanded to clogs, cheese and other typical souvenirs, but the market retains its charm.

Bouquets, flowers and bulbs are available, heavily featuring the famed Dutch tulips that arrived in the Netherlands from the Ottoman Empire around 400 years ago. The flowers have since become synonymous with the country and a huge tourist attraction, to boot. Other popular flowers at the market include snowdrops, carnations, peonies and orchids; and you can also buy houseplants and herbs. Green-thumbed visitors beware: Taking bulbs home as souvenirs requires some extra care. Be sure to choose firm bulbs that will survive the journey, and ask the seller whether they are approved for export. Some aren’t, and they could be confiscated when you leave the country.

Whether you are interested in buying or not, Bloemenmarkt remains a must-see in Amsterdam. It sits on the northern edge of the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring area, which covers the canals and historic houses built around the end of the 1500s. Plus, it’s a lovely part of town to stroll around, with great shopping around Kalverstraat and a number of good places to eat and drink. Head to fishmonger Frens Haringhandel on Koningsplein to try the traditional raw herring sandwiches, known as broodje haring in Dutch, or tuck into some deep-fried morsels of fish called kibbeling, normally served with herb mayonnaise.

At the other end of the market, Muntplein is best known for its historic bell tower, cinemas and fast-food outlets like McDonald’s. However, you can also eat at burger joint Ter Marsch & Co, or venture slightly farther east to Pho King, renowned as the place to get the best pho — Vietnamese noodle soup — in the city. Try to avoid peak times, as there are only a handful of seats indoors, with around half a dozen more outside.

Other attractions in the area include KattenKabinet, a fine-art museum which houses a huge number of artwork featuring cats, and the FOAM Photography Museum, which hosts lectures and events alongside exhibitions from contemporary photographers. If you want to see more flowers, make the short trip to the Keukenhof flower gardens (temporarily closed, but offering a virtual tour online) or the tulip farms of Noordoostpolder from March to May each year, when the blooms make for a spectacular sight. (This year, farms closed to visitors due to the coronavirus; however, several farms wrote messages in the flower fields, visible from the air, saying “Stay strong” and “See you next year.”) Visitors in Amsterdam at other times of the year can rest assured Bloemenmarkt stays open year-round, typically 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with reduced operating hours on Sundays.

Cycling is by far the best way to get around Amsterdam; but if you’re not on two wheels, you can get a tram to either Koningsplein or Muntplein stations. The market is a six-minute stroll from Rokin metro station, just one stop from Amsterdam Centraal, the national and international rail hub. The Bloemenmarkt is conveniently located, making for an easy visit even if you are only in Amsterdam for a limited time, and offers the perfect spot to pick up some souvenirs while appreciating the long history of the Dutch capital and its beautiful canals.

INFO TO GO

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol proves the most convenient option, and its status as a European hub affords connections to a vast number of destinations. The airport station is just 15 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal and also offers connections to other cities in the Netherlands. Alternatively, you can take a bus to the center of Amsterdam in around 30 minutes, or hop in a taxi.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
May 20, 2025

1 Hotels Debuts in Seattle, Washington

1 Hotels, the nature-inspired luxury lifestyle hotel brand founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, just opened reservations for 1 Hotel Seattle’s new property in the trendy South Lake Union neighborhood. Located at the cross-section of Seattle's emerging biotech and big-tech industries, 1 Hotel Seattle is a world-class urban retreat, blending sustainable luxury with the restorative beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Daily
May 20, 2025

7 Domestic Destinations and Hotels for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is this coming weekend. It’s not too late to plan a fabulous weekend getaway with a trip to one of these U.S. cities and hotels.

Daily
May 20, 2025

Take This New Cave Cruise in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

Found in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, Marble Arch Caves are an already-popular site thanks to its otherworldly limestone formations. Now, visitors to the cave can experience its ancient wonders in a new way: a cave cruise.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

Daily
May 19, 2025

“Viking Libra”: The World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship

Able to operate with zero emissions, the new Viking Libra will be the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, set for delivery in late 2026. Currently under construction at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, Viking Libra will be part of Viking’s small-ship ocean fleet.

Daily
May 16, 2025

New Kosovo Philharmonic Opera, Ballet and Theatre Hall to Open This Year

A new opera and ballet theater in Kosovo will house four performance halls and a new public plaza in the capital city of Prishtina. As the first opera house in the Republic of Kosovo, the theater symbolizes the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage while reflecting a new identity for Prishtina, rooted in creativity and a commitment to the country’s artistic growth.

Sail Unique with Explora Journeys

SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.

Daily
May 16, 2025

Inkaterra Hotels Make a Peru Trip Unforgettable

Looking to plan the ultimate trip to Peru, but not sure where to start? Inkaterra is here to help. With properties in multiple cities throughout the country and various immersive itineraries, Inkaterra makes it easy for your dream trip to Peru to come to life.