The Dutch love flowers, especially in Utrecht where every Saturday no less than two flower markets take place. But buying flowers in Utrecht isn't as straightforward as it might seem. You have to know exactly what you want, otherwise you'll be overwhelmed by all the scents and colours in no less than 50 stalls. The real flower market, where exclusively cut flowers are sold, is at the Oudegracht. The stalls are by the water and on two sides of the Bakkerbrug. The combination of the many colours, the fun terraces on the wharfs by the water and the various flower scents is marvellous. Oudegracht (between the Zakkendragerssteeg and the Bakkerstraat): Open Sat 08:00 - 17:00.
The second flower market lies hidden behind the Janskerk on an attractive square. Surrounded by old buildings, all sorts of flowers, plants and shrubs are sold here. In the spring some stalls have over 700 different types of garden plants for sale including rare and exotic florae. Janskerhof: Open Sat 07:00 - 16:00.