Shop Amsterdam's Best Markets

One of my favorite ways to spend a fair-weather, summer day in Amsterdam is browsing Amsterdam's best markets. These hubs of activity provide hours' worth of perusing pleasure, whether you're buying flowers, food, antiques, art or nothing at all. The markets aren't limited to the summer months -- most are open year-round and many in the cooler seasons.

Want a peek at what you'll find? Check out these scenes from Amsterdam's outdoor markets.

^{Pictured: A stall at Amsterdam's Noordermarkt flea market sells former WWII army gear bags rejuvenated with vintage Swedish fabrics
Photo © 2009 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com}