If there is one place in Amsterdam where the stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Market has become famous for come alive in the most authentic way possible, it is right here in De Pijp. The smell of warm caramel drifting through the market air, the sound of vendors pressing fresh waffles, the bustle of locals doing their weekly shop alongside tourists discovering Amsterdam at street level — this is the real city, and the stroopwafel is at the centre of it. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about visiting Albert Cuyp for stroopwafels, including our own workshop based right at the market.
A Brief History of Albert Cuyp Market
The Albert Cuyp Market — known locally simply as the Albert Cuypmarkt — is the largest outdoor market in the Netherlands and one of the most visited in all of Europe. It runs along the full length of Albert Cuypstraat in the De Pijp neighbourhood of Amsterdam, stretching for nearly a kilometre between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat.
The market was established in 1905 and quickly became the beating heart of De Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s most densely populated and culturally diverse neighbourhoods. In its early years it served primarily as a working-class food market, offering affordable produce, fish, meat, and dairy to the families who lived in the surrounding tenement buildings.
Today, over 300 stalls operate on a typical market day, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothing, fabrics, electronics, street food, and Dutch delicacies. Around 300,000 visitors pass through the market every year, making it not just a shopping destination but one of Amsterdam’s top cultural attractions.
Why Stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Market Are Special
The stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Market vendors press fresh throughout the day are unlike anything you will find in a supermarket or tourist shop. The combination of high foot traffic, food-loving visitors, and a culture of fresh market produce makes it the ideal environment for stroopwafel vendors — who rely on customers attracted by the irresistible smell of waffles pressing on a hot iron.
Several vendors at the market sell fresh stroopwafels pressed to order. Unlike the pre-packaged versions sold in tourist shops elsewhere in Amsterdam, market stroopwafels are made fresh throughout the day. You can watch the process, choose your filling variation (some vendors offer different flavours), and eat your stroopwafel warm — which is, without question, the best way. Curious about the craft behind every bite? Our post on how stroopwafels are made walks you through the full traditional process.
The market is also an excellent place to pick up stroopwafels as gifts. Several stalls sell boxed stroopwafels at prices significantly lower than you will find in tourist shops on Damrak or near Centraal Station.
How to Get to Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market is located in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant inner-city neighbourhoods. It is easily reachable from the city centre:
- By tram: Tram lines 3 and 24 stop at or near the market. From Centraal Station, tram 24 runs directly to De Pijp in around 15 minutes.
- By bike: Amsterdam is a cycling city, and De Pijp is a 10 to 15-minute cycle from the Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein area. Bike parking is plentiful along Albert Cuypstraat.
- On foot: From the Rijksmuseum, the market is about a 15-minute walk south through the city’s residential streets.
- By metro: The Noord/Zuidlijn metro stops at De Pijp station, which is a 5-minute walk from the market.
The Stroopwafel Workshop at Albert Cuyp Market
We are The Stroopwafel Workshop, and we are based right at the Albert Cuyp Market. We run hands-on stroopwafel-making sessions throughout the week, giving visitors the opportunity to learn the full traditional process under expert guidance. Experiencing the stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Market is known for starts right here — not just tasting them, but learning to make them yourself.
What Happens in the Workshop?
Our sessions last approximately 75 to 90 minutes and cover the complete stroopwafel-making process from start to finish. Here is what you can expect:
- A short introduction to the history of stroopwafels and how the craft developed over 200+ years
- Mixing and preparing the traditional waffle dough by hand
- Pressing the dough on a classic cast-iron stroopwafel iron
- Learning the technique of slicing the warm waffle rounds while they are still pliable
- Making the house caramel filling and assembling your stroopwafels
- Tasting your creations fresh and then packing the rest to take home
- Receiving your official Stroopwafel Workshop certificate
Our instructors are friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced with groups of all backgrounds and skill levels. No cooking experience is necessary — if you can follow instructions and enjoy good food, you will have a great time.
Who Is the Workshop For?
Our workshops are popular with solo travellers, couples, families with children of all ages, and groups of friends celebrating special occasions. We also run corporate team-building sessions — a stroopwafel workshop is a memorable and sociable experience that works brilliantly for company off-sites, conference add-ons, and staff events. Find full details on our workshop page.
Dietary Requirements
We accommodate a range of dietary needs at our workshop. We offer gluten-free stroopwafel options and vegan stroopwafel options with advance notice. Please let us know your requirements when booking so we can prepare the right ingredients for your session.
Tips for Visiting Albert Cuyp Market
Whether you are coming purely for the stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Market has to offer or planning a longer visit, here are our top tips for making the most of your time:
Arrive in the Morning
The market opens at around 9:00 AM Monday to Saturday and runs until roughly 5:00 PM. Weekday mornings are quieter and give you more space to browse. Saturday mornings are busy and lively — perfect if you want the full market atmosphere, but arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowds.
Come Hungry
Beyond stroopwafels, the market is one of the best places in Amsterdam to eat cheaply and well. Look out for raw herring with onions (a Dutch classic), fresh stroopwafels, poffertjes (mini pancakes), kibbeling (battered fried fish), and a wide range of international street food reflecting De Pijp’s multicultural character. Want to know which stroopwafel stands out above the rest? Read our guide to the best stroopwafel in Amsterdam for our top picks.
Bring Cash
Most market stalls are cash-only or accept PIN payments. While contactless card payment is increasingly common, having euros in cash ensures you can buy at any stall without issues.
Combine with a De Pijp Neighbourhood Walk
After the market, explore De Pijp on foot. The neighbourhood has excellent independent cafés, galleries, vintage shops, and the Sarphatipark — a lovely green square a few minutes from the market. It is one of Amsterdam’s most characterful neighbourhoods and well worth an afternoon.
Book Your Stroopwafel Workshop
There is no better introduction to Dutch food culture than learning to make stroopwafels by hand at the city’s greatest food market. Our sessions are available seven days a week and cater for groups of all sizes. We are located right at the Albert Cuyp Market, so you can combine your workshop visit with everything else the market has to offer. The fresh stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Market visitors make in our sessions are always the highlight of their Amsterdam trip.
Find out more on our workshop page or visit our about page to learn the story behind The Stroopwafel Workshop. Questions? Get in touch via our contact page.
Ready to press your first stroopwafel? Book your spot at The Stroopwafel Workshop here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albert Cuyp Market open every day?
The market is open Monday to Saturday, from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays. Saturday is the busiest and most lively day.
How do I find The Stroopwafel Workshop at Albert Cuyp?
We are located within the Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp. Full location details and directions are available on our contact page. You can also reach us by tram (lines 3 and 24) or metro (De Pijp station on the Noord/Zuidlijn).
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, we recommend booking in advance as sessions are popular and space is limited. You can reserve your spot on our online booking page.
What is the best time of year to visit Albert Cuyp Market?
The market is excellent year-round, but spring and summer (April through September) offer the best outdoor experience. In autumn and winter the market takes on a cosy, atmospheric quality — and there is nothing better than warm stroopwafels Albert Cuyp Market vendors press fresh on a cold Amsterdam morning.