Waterlooplein
At Nos. 33 – 39, Amsterdam’s first public synagogue was completed in 1639 (and demolished in 1931). This area was known as Vlooyenburg (Flood Town), a stretch of marshy ground regularly flooded by the Amstel, and was the site of the original Jewish Quarter. Two canals, Houtgracht and Leprozengracht, ringed Vlooyenburg to the north and east, creating an island.
In the 19th century, when Jews were allowed to practise trades for the first time, many small businesses were established in houses that were already too small, therefore conditions worsened.
In 1882, the two canals were filled in to create Waterlooplein (the square takes its name from the Battle of Waterloo in Belgium in 1815, where Dutch troops played a prominent part in Napoleon’s defeat). Markets on Sint-Antoniesbreestraat and Jodenbreestraat were transferred there, and the marketplace became the focal point of Jewish life in the area, with the Jodenbreestraat being the Jewish Quarter’s business centre.
The Waterlooplein Flea market is a big outdoor bazaar, best known for second hand clothing and full of general bric-a-brac. It is the oldest and most interesting outdoor day market of Amsterdam with around 300 stands lining the square. Prices differ, but remain competitive.
The Waterlooplein Flea market is within 15 minutes walking distance from the Dam Square, in direct proximity of the Rembrandt House. Tram lines 1, 2, 5, 13 or 14 reach the square.
Opening hours
Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm; Saturday: 8.30 am –5.30 pm.
Opera and dance
If you enjoy opera and ballet, you could visit Waterlooplein in the evening, having bought tickets for the Muziektheater. This is one half of the combined Stadhuis (Town Hall) and Opera Hall complex – hence Stopera – the centrepiece of Waterlooplein’s redevelopment, and one of the most controversial property developments Amsterdam has ever seen. The Muziektheater was designed by the Austrian architect Wilhelm Holzbauer. The main hall can accommodate an audience of 1.600, and its stage extends over 22 metres.Two resident companies perform here: the Netherlands Opera and the National Ballet, accompanied respectively by the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and the Netherlands Ballet Orchestra.
Together they quickly earned the Muziektheater a place on the international opera and ballet circuit. Acclaimed quest performers have included those of the Netherlands Dance Theatre from The Hague, and also performances by Moscow’s Bolshoi, London’s Royal Ballet and New York’s Martha Graham Dance Company.
