Shopping
Whether you're searching for the best souvenir, a unique vintage dress or the latest designer handbag, Amsterdam has the perfect shop for you. Hunt for antiques, score some limited-edition trainers or sample local Dutch delicacies: you can find it all in Amsterdam. Besides the main shopping streets, Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, home to all the shops you would expect to find in a large European city, Amsterdam has a lot to offer to the luxury shopper. De Bijenkorf department store and Magna Plaza shopping center are two of the best spots in town for upmarket items. Furthermore, the Spiegelkwartier will fulfill your desire for antiques, while the neighborhood markets open their doors to budget-conscious shoppers.
Andy.M/Shutterstock.comHouse of Gassan
In the historical heart of Amsterdam, rough diamonds are transformed into dazzling jewels every day. Book a free 1-hour tour and delve into the exciting world of diamond cutting at House of Gassan, where four centuries of craftsmanship and tradition are brought to life.
Barbra Ford/Shutterstock.comRoyal Coster Diamonds
Each year, about 340,000 visitors come to see the Royal Coster Diamonds craftsmen at work. Free guided tours demonstrating the process of cutting and polishing diamonds are led by Coster’s accommodating staff. The tours are available in more than 24 languages.
monsdias/Shutterstock.comKalverstraat & Leidsestraat
A good location to start your shopping are the main shopping streets Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. Here you will find all the shops you would expect to find in a large European city like H&M and Zara, along with a few local stores and excellent boutiques.
connel/Shutterstock.comWaterlooplein Market
There are more than 300 unique stalls at the oldest flea market in the Netherlands, Waterlooplein — a beautiful place to walk, explore or shop. Haggle for books, clothing, art, jewelery, antiques or vinyls, or buy food and drinks from one of the available food trucks on the market.
Francesco Scatena/Shutterstock.comDe Bijenkorf
De Bijenkorf is an inspiring, trend-setting and dynamic department store at Dam square. The city’s largest department store offers international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Apple and Chanel. The surprising and creative decorations in de Bijenkorf’s unique shop windows make them one of Amsterdam’s real attractions. Live theater, dance and music performances can be seen there on a regular basis.
Ksenija Toyechkina/Shutterstock.comMagna Plaza
Magna Plaza means indoor shopping pleasure in a historical building, right behind the Royal Palace. Built by the end of the 19th century, the former post office of Amsterdam is nowadays an exclusive shopping centre with more than 40 brand stores.
jan kranendonk/Shutterstock.comFashion & Museum District
The Fashion and Museum District is one of the most beautiful areas in Amsterdam, and many historical buildings, such as Amsterdam's famous museums and the Royal Concertgebouw, define its impressive character. Spend hours in the stylish boutiques of P.C. Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat; exclusive brands have their flagship stores in these beautiful shopping streets. The Fashion and Museum District's official websites has several suggested walks based on your interests and the amount of time you have.
kikovic/Shutterstock.comAlbert Cuyp Market
Situated in the heart of the 19th century Latin quarter De Pijp, the Albert Cuyp street market fascinates visitors since 1905 with its laid back atmosphere. Everything can be found here: from exotic shops to local craft businesses, cafes and restaurants. Whether you are a bargain hunter or a foodie, here you will surely get what you are searching for.
FMB/Shutterstock.comThe Haarlemmerdijk
The Haarlemmerdijk is a long, trendy shopping street, stretching from east to west towards Central Station. It is a lively strip where you will find everything from shoes, independent labels and second-hand clothes to speciality food products, interior design items and Dutch collectables.
Bobex-73/Shutterstock.comNegen Straatjes
The Negen Straatjes (nine little streets) intersect the main canals between the Leidsestraat and the Jordaan district, and are dotted with great restaurants, cafes, art galleries, jewelers, boutiques and vintage stores. With an exceptional array of styles, trends and prices, this area is truly a shopper’s paradise.
Dennis van de Water/Shutterstock.com