Albert Cuyp Market

Amsterdam's biggest and busiest street market, stretching three city blocks along Albert Cuypstraat in De Pijp. About 260 stalls sell everything from fresh herring and Gouda cheese to fabrics, phone cases, vintage clothing, and Surinamese roti. It has been running since 1905 and it is the most accurate snapshot of Amsterdam's multicultural character you'll find anywhere.

The food stalls are the main draw. Start with a herring from one of the fish carts. It's eaten raw, with chopped onion and pickles, held by the tail above your mouth. This is the Amsterdam street snack and Albert Cuyp is the place to try it. The stroopwafels are made fresh at several stalls, pressed on a hot iron and filled with warm caramel syrup. The Surinamese stalls do roti and bakabana (fried plantain with peanut sauce) that rivals anything in Paramaribo.

The market runs Monday through Saturday from roughly 9 AM to 5 PM. Saturday is the busiest day. The surrounding streets in De Pijp are worth exploring on their own, with good restaurants and cafes along every block. The market is a 10-minute walk from the Heineken Experience if you're combining activities, but honestly the market is more interesting. Bring cash for the smaller stalls, though most now accept cards.