Spiegelkwartier

The basics

Many Amsterdam canal cruises glide past the Spiegelkwartier, but to really get a sense of the area it’s best to explore on foot. As well as the myriad of shops and boutiques, the neighborhood is home to some interesting sights and museums. Art lovers come here to see emerging and established names at FOAM Photography Museum Amsterdam, while antique buffs can immerse in old-world charm and interiors at two period canal mansions: Museum Van Loon and the Willet-Holthuysen Museum.

Things to know before you go

• The Spiegelkwartier is a great choice for lovers of art, antiques, vintage, and fashion.

• While you can bargain at flea markets in Amsterdam, it’s unlikely to prove a successful strategy in the upscale Spiegelkwartier.

• Because of the age of the canal houses and the small size of many stores, many Spiegelkwartier shops and attractions are not wheelchair accessible, although FOAM is. However, the streets and sidewalks are as accessible as anywhere else in Amsterdam.

How to get there

The Spiegelkwartier runs between the Rijksmuseum and the Herengracht canal in the heart of Amsterdam and centers on the streets of Spiegelgracht and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat. Easy to reach from the Museum Quarter, it’s about a 1.25-mile (2-kilometer) walk or cycle south of Amsterdam Central station, or you can catch the Cultuur Ferry to Herengracht. Other options include the 12 and 2 trams to Keizersgracht or the metro to Vijzelgracht (Line 52).

When to get there

Although the Spiegelkwartier has plenty of eateries, there’s not a lot going on at night. Visit during the day to make the most of the shopping and cultural opportunities, and opt for midweek for a quieter experience. March and April are considered some of the best months to visit Amsterdam to see the tulips in bloom, while June to September brings the warmest weather.

The best antique souvenirs to buy in Amsterdam

The Spiegelkwartier’s shops and galleries are home to everything from antique medical instruments to Indian goddess sculptures to pieces by globally known artists such as Banksy. Bargain hunters will find antique prints and maps of the Canal Ring, which make great souvenirs. Other Dutch specialties include vintage Delft ceramic tiles, which can double as coasters, and tulip vases with several separate spouts to house individual blooms.