If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Amsterdam has a wealth of shopping options and shopping districts selling everything from antiques to luxury goods to used books. If you want it, you can buy it here. Here’s a look.

Amsterdam markets

photo credit: Incase Designs

Even those who aren’t shopping inclined might want to take a gander at one of Amsterdam’s many open markets. There are dozens of them any given month and some, like the Waterlooplein Market, are open daily and have a wide range of goods. Others are more specialized: The Boekenmarkt (Book Market) on the Spui is a great place for used books in English or Dutch, on Sundays the Spui holds an art market. Avid gardeners might enjoy the Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) which ships bulbs and seeds to the US.

Beethovenstraat

photo credit: aloxe

An elegant street in Amsterdam Zuid, the city’s museum quarter, Beethovenstraat dates to the early 20th century and sports wide sidewalks and large shop windows–unlike many of the city’s older districts. It’s a good place to shop for clothing, wine, chocolates and cheese. There are a number of restaurants and informal eating spots around here as well.

Cornelis Schuytstraat

photo credit: Joel Mann

Within walking distance of the more famous P.C.Hooftstraat is Cornelis Schuytstraat, located in the Concertgebouw district. This is an upscale residential district. Its 66 stores, restaurants and bars supply the well heeled locals with high-end groceries and wines and expensive gadgets for the home.

Dam Square

photo credit: alex.ch

Don’t miss the Dutch department store, De Bijenkorf, an institution in the Netherlands whose roots go back more than 100 years. The flagship store in Amsterdam houses a restaurant, coffee bar, art gallery and hair salon. De Bijenkorf is a decidedly upscale store, but you don’t have to buy anything. Just go to enjoy the scene, which is often the site of concerts, fashion shows and traveling exhibitions. Bargains can be had here, however. During Dwaze Dagen, Crazy Days, which occur in the fall, usually at the end of September or beginning of October. Over a three-day period the store offers discounts on different products each day.

Not far from De Bijenkorf, is the Magna Plaza shopping center, a collection of stores that you’ll recongnize from home.

Haarlemmerstraat

photo credit: loop_oh

Less conventional stores can be found in this trendy shopping area that caters to the young and hip. It’s home to up-and-coming Dutch designers, antiques shops, cheese shops and chocolateries. In addition to the boutiques, you’ll find a number of bars and cafes. Shopping can be hard work; take a break.

Kalverstraat
Probably the busiest of all shopping streets of Amsterdam, Kalverstraat goes across the city center. Here you’ll find the well-known international chains and their Dutch counterparts. Two big shopping malls are located nearby as well as several big department stores V&D, the Vroom and Dreesman department store, sells everything from clothing, to appliances to furniture, books and CDs; while Maison de Bonneterie sells upscale fashion, shoes and accessories.

KNSM Island

photo credit: tizzle
The eastern half of Java Island is design central in Amsterdam with shops offering cutting edge design in furniture, housewares and clothing.

The Nine Streets

photo credit: jimderda

The picturesque “Nine Streets” straddle Amsterdam’s Central Canal Ring from the Singel to the Prinsengracht. You can spend days here wandering from one shop to the next, exploring designer boutiques, art galleries, jewelers and gift shops with time out for the many bars, cafes and restaurants.

P.C. Hooftstraat

photo credit: David Silverline

This is the Rodeo Drive of Amsterdam: Expensive and posh, here’s where you’ll find world’s biggest brands in luxury clothes, shoes and cosmetics.

The Spiegelkwartier

photo credit: David Silverline

If you’re into art or antiques, this is the place for you. More than 80 art and antique dealers offer a wide variety of objects. There are dealers specializing in archaeological finds,  17th century furniture, glass, Dutch Delftware, Oriental art, Art Nouveau,  tribal art and contemporary art. The arts and antique market has been here for  in some form or another for 120 years.