History of the Bazaar
What began on the 13th September 1980 in the former flower and vegetable auction
hall in Beverwijk, very quickly grew into a mega tourist attraction. The first ‘Zwarte’
Markt (‘Black’ Market) immediately attracted 500 stallholders and 14,000 visitors. In
particular, the special Bazaar atmosphere and word-of-mouth advertising further
heightened the market’s increasing popularity.

Its success got people talking, particularly in Beverwijk and the surrounding areas.
Local government and tradespeople wondered anxiously about the wisdom of such
a weekly event. Nevertheless, despite the scepticism, the Netherlands was now
one huge and successful event richer! Initially the market open on Saturdays only,
but since 1991 it opens on Saturdays and Sundays.
One thing has remained unchanged since the very first day: everyone is welcome in
Beverwijk; be it to buy, to sell, or to just look. He who explores the Bazaar in search
of fun and good fortune will not be disappointed! 

Crowd Puller
The Bazaar is the largest covered market in Europe. As one of the Netherlands’
main tourist attractions, The Bazaar can easily compete with crowd pullers such
as the Efteling and Madurodam theme parks. The Bazaar attracts 60,000 visitors
every weekend. The once dull, old auction halls have been brightened up immensely
over the years, are now home to 2,500 stalls and shop units every Saturday and
Sunday. The Bazaar has grown enormously over the past years.
In 1982, the ‘Zwarte’ Markt (‘Black’ Market) was joined by the Oosterse Markt (Oriental
Market). Eleven years later in 1993, the Grand Bazaar opened its doors. The Computer-
markt (Computer Market) and the Vlooienmarkt (Flea Market) arrived in 1994. The huge
range of goods on offer makes it almost impossible to see and experience everything in
just one day. More time is needed to really explore (see, taste, and smell) each of the
halls, with its own unique culture, atmosphere and goods. Real enthusiasts plan a whole
weekend for their visit…..

Something for Everyone
Whether you are looking for antiques, curiosa, trendy clothes, books, shoes, new
and used computers, car accessories, East European crystal or exotic fruit and
vegetables;The Bazaar has been able to offer something for everyone for a
quarter of a century already. The live music, the stallholders, and the lively
pavement cafés make a day at The Bazaar much more than just a shopping trip.
A trip to The Bazaar is also an adventure for the taste buds. The menus at the
55 restaurants in and around The Bazaar serve everything from good old fashioned
Dutch staples to the most exclusive dishes. From simple sauerkraut with smoked
sausage to much more exotic fare.