Amsterdam, 2018 – Thrift Shopping

22May/180

Amsterdam, 2018 – Thrift Shopping

Although the trip resembled a Chevy Chase movie, I still had Steven-time to jump on a bicycle and browse the used stores of Amsterdam. Timing for this trip was pretty good; Not only did I have "Europe's biggest flea market" on the weekend I landed, the weather was fantastic and the trip ended with King's Day.

IJ Hallen Market

Known as Europe's largest flea market, this event is held on the northern edge of the Ij River, just north of Amsterdam Centraal. A quick ferry will get you from the station to the market, but I rode there as my brother lives on the northern side of the river. This market was huuuuuuge and there was lots to be found. I must admit that there were very little electronics; but there were enough trains and vintage electronics to keep me entertained.

Note that there're two trams and other random vehicles on site. There's also an airbnb in a crane, if you feel like staying really close. Actually, I think you can also stay in the trams!

Van Dijk and Ko

On the way back from the market above, I stumbled across Van Dijk and Ko. It's an old warehouse full of trinkets! Aaaaand there's a cafe to have beer and bitterballen when (or before) you've done your shopping.

Some pretty random electronics around! If I lived in Amsterdam then I'd be in these places way too often... the limitations of my suitcase really did prevent a lot of splurging!

The Second-Hand Shop Bicycle Tour

The thrift shopping was always going to be a priority in Amsterdam. It officially started in Buikslotermeerplein, a day before the trip below, as this was close to my accommodation. Point A on the map is north of Centraal and contains a store from the appropriately-named chain known as Used Products. They're pretty much the Cash Converters of Amsterdam; same products, same customers, same fights.

The op-shop is called Kringloopbedrijf De Lokatie. I have no idea what this means? But it was very op-shop-esque with little IT. Lots of books and clothes. Still fun to look through.

The next day, it was time to jump on the bicycle and target the city. This started with a ferry ride across the IJ, arriving under the bus interchange of Amsterdam Centraal Station. From there, it was a clockwise tour of the outer canal cycling from store to store.

Points B and C on the map were both Used Products stores. Both had interesting electronics and retro games, but nothing that really caught my eye.

I even ended up riding a fair way past the zoo and checked out a neat railway bridge in the process.

Waterlooplein Markets (Point D) (Note that it's Waterloo Plane, not Water-Loop-Line) is a daily flea market in the middle of town. I'd been numerous time before and didn't end up there on this trip. For those interested, it's an open market with lots of souvenirs. Also good if you need a phone charger or a bicycle repair!

Mevius (Point E) (that link is a little weird, might be the parent company) was the next stop. It's a huge shed right next to the old Tram Museum (which wasn't operational!) and is full of all sorts of stuff. I nearly picked up a Gravis Gamepad and ATI AGP Card... but for some reason chose not too. Maybe they were just too grotty.

I then ended up at HobbyLand (Point F). I'd actually picked up an old Marklin steamer at the IJ Hallen markets and needed traction tyres. The sellers didn't speak English and asked if I knew Deutsch. Either way I managed to fake my way to describing a rubber tyre and purchased a size that worked!

Just around the corner was Ari at Point G. And, it's nuts! You only need to read the articles here and here. This place is a thin corridor of a house with crap packed up all walls and ... well ... wherever else it will fit.

Point H was another Used Products store.

One must not forget a healthy lunch...

Point I was also another Used Products store.

Rataplan is at point J on the map and seemed to be a large op-shop style store. It allowed people to drop stuff off as well. There weren't many electronics and mainly just dealt with homewares and old clothes.

Across the road was Antiekbeurs "Amsterdam 700". This is denoted by K on the map, which is partially covered by I. This was a cool place dealing mainly with furniture; no electronics but still very cool to look through.

After being slightly disappointed by the first Rataplan, I wasn't expecting this second one at point L. It's freakin' huge and full of cool stuff! Lots of IT actually... interesting LCDs and other bits, but nothing that would fit in my suitcase!