Picture this – losing yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of the world-renowned Floating Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), where fresh blooms float gracefully on houseboats along the Singel canal.
Would you want to come back? No right.
I felt the same feeling while exploring the best shopping streets of this beautiful city.
Amsterdam is a city known for its rich culture, scenic canals, and vibrant lifestyle.
And among its many attractions, the shopping streets of Amsterdam are a major draw for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for luxury fashion, unique souvenirs, or everyday essentials, the city’s diverse shopping scene has something for everyone.
Here, you will get to know some of the best shopping streets in Amsterdam, the different types of stores in Amsterdam, gifts that you could take from Amsterdam and highlights of some of the biggest markets in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Shopping Streets
Amsterdam boasts a variety of shopping streets, each offering a unique shopping experience. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Kalverstraat
Kalverstraat is one of the most famous shopping streets in Amsterdam. This bustling pedestrian street stretches from Dam Square to Muntplein and is lined with international brands such as H&M, Zara, and Nike, as well as local shops. It is the perfect place to find the latest fashion trends and everyday essentials.
De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets)
De Negen Straatjes, or The Nine Streets, is a picturesque area in the Jordaan district. This charming neighborhood consists of nine interconnected streets filled with independent boutiques, vintage stores, art galleries, and cozy cafes. It is ideal for those seeking unique fashion items, handmade jewelry, and eclectic home decor.
P.C. Hooftstraat
For luxury shopping, P.C. Hooftstraat is the go-to destination. Located near the Museum Quarter, this upscale avenue is home to high-end fashion houses such as Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. It attracts fashionistas and discerning shoppers from around the world, offering a premium shopping experience.
Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk
These connected streets, Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk, offer a vibrant shopping experience with an eclectic mix of trendy fashion boutiques, gourmet food shops, and unique homeware stores. This area is perfect for those who enjoy exploring diverse and distinctive stores.
Utrechtsestraat
Utrechtsestraat is another popular shopping street known for its high-quality specialty stores and chic boutiques. From artisanal food shops to designer fashion outlets, this street offers a more refined shopping experience. It’s also home to several excellent eateries, making it a great place to spend the day shopping and dining.
Image: Amsterdam Shopping Streets
Different Types of Shops in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s shopping scene is incredibly diverse, with stores catering to all tastes and interests. Here are some of the different types of stores you can find in the city:
Fashion Boutiques
From high-end designer brands on P.C. Hooftstraat to unique vintage finds in De Negen Straatjes, Amsterdam boasts a wide range of fashion boutiques for every style and budget.
Specialty Food Shops
Food enthusiasts will love Amsterdam’s specialty food shops, offering everything from artisanal cheeses and chocolates to exotic spices and gourmet coffee. Haarlemmerstraat is particularly known for its gourmet food shops.
Art and Antique Stores
Art lovers will find a treasure trove of galleries and antique shops, especially in the Jordaan and Spiegelkwartier areas. These stores offer a range of artworks, from contemporary pieces to classic Dutch paintings.
Bookstores
Amsterdam has a rich literary scene with many bookstores catering to different tastes. Independent shops and large chains like The American Book Center and Waterstones provide an extensive selection of books, including many English-language titles.
Souvenir Shops
Souvenir shopping is easy in Amsterdam, with stores offering a wide variety of items, from traditional Dutch clogs and Delftware to quirky cannabis-themed products. The city’s markets and specialty shops ensure you’ll find the perfect memento to remember your trip.
Image: Souvenir shop in Amsterdam
What are the gifts to buy from Amsterdam?
Choosing the perfect gifts to take from Amsterdam can be a delightful task with so many unique options available. Here are some popular choices and their approximate costs:
Say Cheese to Dutch Cheese
Amsterdam is renowned for its delicious cheeses. Visit a local cheese shop to pick up some Gouda, Edam, or Leyden cheese. A small wheel of Gouda cheese typically costs around €10-€15.
Nothing like Stroopwafels
These sweet, syrup-filled waffle cookies are a Dutch delicacy and make excellent gifts. A pack of stroopwafels can be purchased for around €3-€5 at supermarkets and specialty shops.
Delftware
Delftware, or Dutch blue pottery, is a traditional and beautiful souvenir. Hand-painted pieces like vases, plates, and figurines can range from €20 to several hundred euros, depending on the size and intricacy.
Who wants a Tulip?
The floating flower market Amsterdam, also known as Bloemenmarkt, is the ideal place to buy tulip bulbs. A pack of tulip bulbs typically costs around €5-€10.
Jenever
Jenever, the traditional Dutch gin, is a popular gift for those who enjoy spirits. A bottle of Jenever can be found for approximately €15-€30, depending on the brand and quality.
Image: Dutch cheese
Cheap and Costly Things in Amsterdam
Amsterdam caters to all budgets, offering both affordable and high-end shopping experiences.
Here are some examples of cheap and costly items in Amsterdam:
Cheap Items:
Souvenirs: Small souvenirs like keychains, magnets, and postcards are affordable and widely available, typically costing between €1-€5.
Street Food: Enjoying local street food like stroopwafels, herring, and fries is a budget-friendly way to experience Dutch cuisine, with prices ranging from €5-€10.
Vintage Clothing: Shops in areas like De Negen Straatjes offer affordable vintage fashion finds, often priced between €10-€30.
Costly Items:
Designer Clothing: High-end fashion from stores on P.C. Hooftstraat can be quite expensive, with prices for luxury items starting from several hundred euros.
Dutch Design Furniture: While beautifully crafted, Dutch design furniture pieces can be costly, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand euros.
Art and Antiques: Original artworks and antique pieces from galleries and shops in the Jordaan district can be very costly, with prices varying widely based on the piece’s rarity and artist.
Some of the Biggest Markets in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is home to several vibrant markets, each offering a unique shopping experience. Here are some of the biggest markets in the city:
Albert Cuyp Market
Located in the lively De Pijp neighborhood, the Albert Cuyp Market is the largest and most famous street market in Amsterdam. Operating six days a week, this bustling market features over 260 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing and electronics. The market’s lively atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
Waterlooplein Flea Market
The Waterlooplein Flea Market, located near Amsterdam canals, is the oldest flea market in Amsterdam, dating back to the 19th century. With around 300 stalls, it offers a wide variety of items, including vintage clothing, antiques, books, and bric-a-brac. It is a great place to hunt for unique finds and bargain deals.
Noordermarkt
Located in the Jordaan district, the Noordermarkt is a popular market held every Monday and Saturday. On Mondays, it is known for its antiques and second-hand goods, while Saturdays feature a farmers’ market offering organic produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.
Amsterdam has got you covered, whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, unique souvenirs, or local delicacies. From the famous Kalverstraat and P.C. Hooftstraat to the charming De Negen Straatjes and bustling Albert Cuyp Market, Amsterdam is a shopper’s paradise.
So, next time you visit, make sure to explore these fantastic shopping destinations and discover the best of what Amsterdam has to offer.