Twice a week there’s an open-air market on the Noordermarkt. On Mondays the more broke-ass fashionistas set their alarm clock at 8.00 to storm the second-hand clothing market, whereas on Saturdays the yuppies and other bio-organic fans come out to do all their grocery shopping at the farmers market.

On Monday the retro clothes and shoes are usually piled in heaps, so be prepared to use your elbows and dig a little to find the best bargains. And be early, because all the good stuff is pillaged before you’ve even ordered your morning cappucino.

The farmers market on Saturdays is a lot more laid back and a good place to get your delicious organic fruit, vegetables, cheese, dried sausages, bread, fish or meat. In all, the Noordermarkt is a great place to find cool boots (on Monday) or smelly blue cheese (on Saturday), and unwind afterwards with Dutch apple pie and coffee at the Winkel or one of the other nearby cafés.