Flower Market

The Bloemenmarkt on the Singel canal is the world's only floating flower market: stalls sit on houseboats moored between Muntplein and Koningsplein since 1862. Vendors sell cut flowers, potted plants and above all tulip bulbs in dozens of varieties, which tourists carry home in mesh bags. The roots go back to the 17th century, when growers brought their wares by boat from the countryside and sold directly from the water. Today souvenirs dominate - clogs, magnets and seed packets alongside real flowers - which locals lament but travelers dutifully photograph. The stalls open daily, the smell of soil and hyacinths hangs in the air, and in spring the tulips blaze in every conceivable colour.