Waterlooplein, square in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Waterlooplein is a large open square near the Amstel river in the center of Amsterdam. It is filled with market stalls that crowd together around paved walking areas, while the modern Stopera building and the smaller Mozes en Aäronkerk church stand on its edges.

The square was created in 1882 when the Leprozengracht and Houtgracht canals were filled in. Jewish traders moved their stalls here in 1893, but the market disappeared during World War II and later returned as a flea market.

The market keeps an old trading habit alive, with sellers calling out to passersby and buyers haggling over secondhand clothes, old books, and small odd objects. Around the edge, people sit on low walls and steps to watch the movement of shoppers and street musicians.

Wear comfortable shoes because the ground is mostly stone and you will walk between many stalls. Morning visits feel less crowded, and the square is easy to reach on foot from the central station area or by tram.

A 1969 Dutch song called “Oh Waterlooplein” turned this square into a small piece of national pop memory. You can still hear older locals hum the tune while browsing the stalls.