Amsterdam offers a shopping experience that will captivate even the most seasoned shoppers. The city has something for everyone, from multi-story department stores and vibrant antique markets to studios showcasing contemporary Dutch design. Amsterdam features emerging designers and unique boutiques alongside renowned brands, creating a diverse retail scene. Explore our detailed shopping guide to find the best destinations and snag great deals during your visit. Please make the most of your shopping adventure with our comprehensive guide to Amsterdam’s top retail spots!
Amsterdam’s Best Shopping Places: 15 Spots You Must Visit!
“Nine Streets”
The “Nine Streets” area in Amsterdam’s Central Canal Ring is a top shopping destination, offering a diverse selection of unique and intriguing boutiques not found elsewhere in the city. This charming district features an array of boutiques, vintage stores, specialty shops, and cozy cafes, all nestled within picturesque brick-paved alleys. For a comprehensive shopping experience, grab a district map from a local shop to navigate the streets marked “De 9 Straatjes.”
Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk
Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk offer a delightful and unconventional shopping experience featuring an eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty stores. This vibrant shopping area caters to diverse tastes, with options ranging from eco-friendly fashion to unique kitchen gadgets. Whether you’re seeking something different or enjoy quirky finds, this area has something for everyone.
Rijksmuseum
Just north of the Rijksmuseum, the enchanting Spiegelkwartier presents a delightful shopping experience with its charming canal views and narrow brick streets. This picturesque area is renowned for its exquisite antique shops, where you can find a range of treasures, including art, vintage furniture, Delftware, prints, and rare books. The district is a haven for antique and art enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience in historical and artistic finds. Adding to its cultural richness, the nearby Kerkstraat is home to diverse art galleries, further enhancing Spiegelkwartier’s reputation as a vibrant center for art and antique lovers.
Maison de Bonneterie
Maison de Bonneterie boasts a stunningly elegant interior that complements its luxury offerings, featuring top brands like G-Star, Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Scotch & Soda, and Ralph Lauren. This upscale shopping destination in Amsterdam is perfect for indulging in high-end fashion and accessories. After a day of shopping, treat yourself to a pedicure or enjoy a quick bite at one of the many nearby restaurants, making Maison de Bonneterie a complete and delightful shopping experience.
Oud-Zuid
Exploring Amsterdam’s Oud-Zuid, just beyond the P.C. Hooftstraat, unveils a treasure trove of upscale boutiques offering stylish clothing, accessories, and gifts. Van Baerlestraat is home to trendy names like Pauw and Vanila, while Beethovenstraat boasts a variety of chic boutiques for all ages. For unique Dutch clothing and presents, head to Cornelis Schuytstraat. The nearby Jordaan district, known for its boho-yuppie vibe, features second-hand stores, artist studios, and small boutiques. After a day of shopping, Haarlemmerstraat provides a perfect blend of apparel stores and dining options to round off your experience.
Albert Cuyp Market
Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam’s largest and most vibrant open-air market, is a must-visit for those who enjoy bustling marketplaces. Spanning over a century, this lively market features 300 vendors offering various goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to flowers, plants, and kitchen gadgets. It’s an excellent spot for bargain hunters, with prices on flowers notably lower than those at the renowned Bloemenmarkt. Whether browsing for deals or just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Albert Cuyp Market provides a quintessential Amsterdam experience.
De Bijenkorf
De Bijenkorf, a prestigious high-end department store chain, is a prominent fixture in the Netherlands, with its flagship location in Amsterdam opening in 1870. Overlooking Dam Square, this iconic store, aptly named for its bustling atmosphere (translating to “beehive”), invites shoppers to explore its extensive offerings. You’ll find various brands, including Gucci, Bjorn Borg, Diesel, and Ralph Lauren, catering to diverse tastes. The store features premium fashion, such as stylish skinny jeans and dyed denim for women, and a selection of household goods, accessories, and beauty products, making it a comprehensive shopping destination.
Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat
In Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat, often compared to a miniature Fifth Avenue, stands out for its impressive high-end fashion boutiques and luxury stores. This prestigious street is home to some of the world’s most renowned brands, including Chanel, Gucci, and Hermes, alongside a curated selection of other top-tier retailers. Its upscale shopping environment makes it a premier destination for fashion enthusiasts and those seeking exclusive and sophisticated shopping experiences. With its elegant storefronts and premium offerings, Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat provides a refined shopping atmosphere that caters to those looking for the best in luxury fashion and designer labels.
Bloemenmarkt
Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market, features a vibrant array of flowers displayed on houseboats that have become semi-permanent fixtures. Visitors can explore thousands of blossoms in every color and purchase Dutch bulbs to take home. For flower enthusiasts, a trip to Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Park is also a must, showcasing millions of tulips in a spectacular spring and summer garden display.
Waterlooplein
Amsterdam’s largest flea market, Waterlooplein, is a treasure trove of eclectic finds, featuring up to 200 stalls that showcase a diverse array of second-hand items. Here, you can explore everything from vintage clothing and African drums to antique rugs and unique furniture pieces. The market’s vibrant atmosphere invites hours of exploration through its variety of goods, offering something for every taste and interest. Unlike many other markets in the city, Waterlooplein embraces the art of bargaining, enhancing the lively and interactive nature of the shopping experience. This dynamic blend of eclectic offerings and engaging market culture makes Waterlooplein a standout destination for those seeking unique finds and a genuine Amsterdam shopping adventure.
Staalstraat
Staalstraat, while not as well-known as some of Amsterdam’s more famous shopping districts, is a hidden gem worth exploring, especially if you’re already near Waterlooplein and the Flower Market, which are easily accessible by foot. This charming street is home to a diverse selection of fashion boutiques, design studios, and vintage shops, each with unique character and style. As you stroll down Staalstraat, you’ll encounter a range of distinctive stores offering everything from one-of-a-kind fashion pieces to eclectic home decor, creating a memorable and varied shopping experience. Its lesser-known status means fewer crowds, allowing for a more leisurely and personalized shopping adventure.
Utrechtsestraat
Utrechtsestraat presents a vibrant array of specialty shops and boutiques, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking a diverse retail experience. The street is home to notable stores like Leuk, celebrated for its high-quality basics and quirky clothing, and Kom, which offers a distinctive selection of unique linens, elegant dinnerware, and stylish bath accessories. Beyond shopping, Utrechtsestraat and its charming side alleys are lined with gourmet delis, casual cafes, upscale restaurants, and tapas bars, creating a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy retail therapy and delightful dining. This dynamic mix of shopping and culinary options ensures that even a brief visit to Utrechtsestraat is a rewarding experience, offering a comprehensive taste of Amsterdam’s local culture and style.
Dam Square
Dam Square is a vibrant shopping and dining hub in Amsterdam, offering many options to satisfy any shopper’s desires. At the heart of this bustling area is De Bijenkorf, an esteemed Dutch department store comparable to Bloomingdale’s, renowned for its luxury brands and high-quality products. Just behind the Royal Palace, the Magna Plaza shopping mall provides a wide selection of mainstream retailers, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursdays for those seeking a more extended shopping experience. The area is also home to various dining options, from informal eateries to upscale dining venues. While exploring Dam Square, it’s best to avoid the more touristy souvenir shops along the Damrak, focusing instead on the diverse and upscale shopping opportunities that make this square a premier destination.
Leidsestraat
Amstelveen’s lively Leidsestraat is a dynamic shopping destination that seamlessly blends upscale apparel stores with affordable souvenir shops, creating a diverse retail experience. The street is bustling with energy, featuring a variety of vibrant nightclubs and fast-food restaurants that add to its lively atmosphere. A standout on Leidsestraat is Metz & Co., a renowned department store offering an impressive array of famous international brands alongside some cherished Dutch favorites. This combination of high-end fashion and accessible shopping options, coupled with the street’s vibrant social scene, makes Leidsestraat a must-visit for retail therapy and entertainment.
Kalverstraat
Kalverstraat, a bustling pedestrian-only street in Amsterdam, is a vibrant shopping hub with diverse retail options. This lively thoroughfare features many stores, including shoe shops and beloved Dutch brands like HEMA. For those seeking luxury, Maison de Bonneterie offers high-end fashion labels. At the same time, popular chain retailers such as Esprit, H&M, Mexx, WE, and Zara provide a variety of styles to suit all tastes. The street’s energetic atmosphere is perfect for a shopping day, with each store offering something unique.
The Kalvertoren shopping mall, strategically positioned on Kalverstraat, enhances the shopping experience further. This mall adds another layer to the retail landscape, offering a mix of shops and dining options. Despite the steady flow of visitors, Kalverstraat maintains its charm and allure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a comprehensive and satisfying shopping experience in Amsterdam.
Conclusion:
Amsterdam offers a diverse shopping experience that caters to all tastes, from the unique boutiques and vintage stores on Nine Streets to the luxury brands on Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat. Explore the lively Albert Cuyp Market for local finds or indulge in premium fashion at Maison de Bonneterie. Whether you’re hunting for antiques in Spiegelkwartier or the latest trends in Kalverstraat, Amsterdam’s vibrant retail scene has something for everyone. Our comprehensive guide ensures you’ll uncover the city’s top shopping destinations and enjoy a memorable retail adventure.
