The 23 best places to go shopping in Amsterdam
Find the best shopping spots in Amsterdam with our comprehensive Amsterdam shopping guide
Even if you class yourself as a seasoned shopper, you will still find something to love in Amsterdam's multi-story department stores, antique markets, and studios full of contemporary Dutch design. The city is home to a slew of emerging designers and boutiques in addition to the well-known brands and labels.
From the hip 9 Streets area to the luxury stores of Oud Zuid, or the vintage treats from the weekly flea markets, each neighbourhood has its own unique shopping experience. Dive into this comprehensive Amsterdam shopping guide to make sure you get some great deals on your Amsterdam trip.
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Nine Little Streets ('The Nine Little Streets')
Not only is the "Nine Streets" area in Amsterdam's Central Canal Ring one of our favourite places to shop, but also has a wide variety of unique and interesting boutiques to choose from that we've never seen anywhere else in the city.
There is no end to the variety of boutiques, cafes, vintage stores, and specialised businesses that line the hand-laid brickwork alleyways. Pick up a district shopping map from a local business if you see "De 9 Straatjes" on street signs.
Read next: The coolest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam
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Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk
Shop at the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk for a break from the norm and an enjoyable and quirky shopping adventure. A wide variety of boutiques and specialty shops can be found. This shopping area has something for everyone, from eco-friendly fashion to kitchen gadgets and more.
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Spiegelkwartier
Just north of the Rijksmuseum, on the picturesque tiny canal and narrow brick street, you'll find one after the other of beautiful antique shops that sell art, furniture, Delftware, prints, books, and the like.
In addition to the antique and art-filled "Spiegelkwartier," the cross-street Kerkstraat is home to a slew of art galleries.
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Maison de Bonneterie
Elegant, eye-catching design isn't enough to describe the luxurious interior of the Maison de Bonneterie. You'll find everything from G-Star to Marc Jacobs to Hugo Boss to Scotch & Soda and Ralph Lauren.
Treat your feet to a pedicure after all the shopping you've done. Maison de Bonneterie is a wonderful place to go shopping in Amsterdam.
In the event that you're in the mood for a quick bite, there are numerous restaurants within a short distance of the Maison de Bonneterie.
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Oud-Zuid
Head beyond the P.C. Hooftstraat and into Amsterdam's "Old South" neighbourhood will reward visitors with upscale boutiques selling stylish clothing, accessories, and gifts for all occasions. Pauw and Vanila are only two of the trendy names on Van Baerlestraat.
The eastern edge of this neighbourhood, Beethovenstraat, features a row of stylish boutiques for women, men, and children. Visit Cornelis Schuytstraat for a unique Dutch clothing or present, and don't miss the fashionable boutiques and home stores.
Second-hand stores, artist studios, small boutiques, and galleries are all to be found in this boho-yuppie Jordaan district, which is a great place to spend a day. After a long day of shopping, you'll be glad you went to Haarlemmerstraat, which is packed with apparel stores and restaurants.
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Albert Cuyp Market
If you're a fan of crowded marketplaces, this is a must-see for tourists to Amsterdam.
There are approximately 300 vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to flowers and plants at the city's largest open-air street market (the 100-year-old open-air street market)—basically everything but the kitchen sink (but there are parts and gadgets for the kitchen sink).
If you're looking for a bargain, don't be fooled by the low price. Compared to the famous Bloemenmarkt, flowers here are less pricey.
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De Bijenkorf
High-end department store chain De Bijenkorf is a popular choice in the Netherlands. De Bijenkorf's first location was in Amsterdam, where it opened in 1870. Overlooking Dam Square, the imposing structure beckons passersby to come in and shop.
There's always a buzz in the store, which is why the store's name translates to "beehive." From Gucci and Bjorn Borg to Diesel and Ralph Lauren, there are a wide variety of brands to choose from.
Premium Denim has a wide selection of skinny jeans and dyed denims for the ladies. In addition to clothing, you can purchase household goods and accessories, as well as beauty products.
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Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat
Some of the most well-known high-end brands (Chanel, Gucci and Hermes among them) can be found in the Museum Quarter neighbourhood's small Fifth Avenue, which is also home to businesses offering other high-end names.
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Bloemenmarkt
The world's only floating flower market is located in Amsterdam (the stalls are indeed "floating" on houseboats, but they are semi-permanent fixtures now). Thousands of flowers in every hue are on display, and travellers can purchase Dutch bulbs to take home with them.
If you love flowers, then consider organising a trip to Amsterdam’s Keukenhof Park, and incredible flower garden home to millions of tulips during spring and summer.
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Waterlooplein flea market
As many as 200 garage sales take place simultaneously in the "neighbourhood" of Amsterdam's largest flea market. For hours, you can wander the aisles of second-hand clothing, African drums and tie-dye T-shirts, as well as antique rugs and furniture.
Here, bargaining isn't always discouraged like it is at most Amsterdam markets.
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Staalstrat
Despite the fact that Staalstraat isn’t one of the well-known places to shop in Amsterdam, it’s still worth a visit if you’re near the Waterlooplein and the Flower Market, which are both within walking distance of the street.
Fashion, design, and vintage stores abound on Staalstraat, each with a distinct atmosphere.
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Utrechtsestraat
There are enough speciality shops and boutiques on this canal-crossing strip to keep you occupied for several hours, even if you don't plan to spend much time there.
Leuk, which carries high-quality basics and quirky clothes, and Kom, which carries unique linens, dinnerware, and bath accessories, are two of our favourites. Gourmet delis, informal cafes, fine-dining restaurants, and tapas bars can all be found on the street and its side alleyways.
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Dam Square
The area around Dam Square is full with great shops and restaurants. De Bijenkorf, a well-known Dutch department store similar to Bloomingdale's, is my favourite.
The Magna Plaza shopping mall (behind the Royal Palace) is open seven days a week until 7 p.m. for many mainstream retailers (until 9 p.m. on Thursdays). On the Damrak, I avoid the tackier souvenir shops.
Read next: The best things to do near Dam Square
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Amstelveen
There are sophisticated apparel businesses and cheap souvenir shops, nightclubs, and fast-food restaurants on the crowded Leidsestraat. Metz & Co. department store is jam-packed with popular brands and a few Dutch favourites.
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Kalverstraat
Many shoe businesses, Dutch staples like HEMA and a high-end department store called Maison de Bonneterie along this pedestrian-only street and its accompanying lanes and "Kalvertoren" shopping mall.
Chain apparel retailers including Esprit, H&M, Mexx, WE, and Zara line the street. In spite of the constant throngs, you are sure to depart this street with a new purchase.
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KNSM Island
Located in Amsterdam's Eastern Harbor, KNSM Island offers an abundance of modern attractions. Pilat & Pilat and Pol's Potten are two of the many inventive, modern design and home shops in this new neighbourhood of former warehouses.
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The Spui book market
This secondhand and antique book market is a feast for the eyes for bibliophiles. Biography, literature, poetry and fantasy are just few of the genres represented in the dealer collections. A few English and international titles, as well as historic maps, prints and records are available for purchase.
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The Spui Market
Artists from a diverse range of mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolour, etching, photography, ceramics, and jewellery, sell their work at this popular Amsterdam market, also known as "Art Plein Spui." The market has a rotating group of 60 professional artists each time it hosts an exhibit.
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The Flea Market at Noordermarkt
This collection of bric-a-brac is open daily, but you’ll need to get there early to get the best bargains. Don’t expect to find too many hidden gems – this flea market is a lot more ‘rustic’ than others in the city.
Read next: The best things to do in Amsterdam
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The Boerenmarkt on Noordermarkt
One of Amsterdam's largest organic farmers' markets is located next to the Noordermarkt flea market. Organic bakers offer all-natural breads, cookies, and pastries, while local and regional growers offer fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
Stalls specialising in organic olive oils, whole grains, and various pestos may be found at the market. Colors and aromas fill the air as these components come together in a kaleidoscopic show. In the Jordaan, this is a must-do activity.
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The Boerenmarkt on Nieuwmarkt
In the shadow of De Waag, a beautiful, medieval edifice that originally functioned as Amsterdam's gatehouse and then a weigh house (it's now a cafe), this city-center farmers' market has largely organic produce. Compared to the Noordermarkt, this market has a more open feel, yet touristy districts surround it.
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Magna Plaza
This four-story indoor shopping mall is located right next to Dam Square and the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.
The Magna Plaza, despite its opulent appearance, features a wide variety of popular brands. Stores selling Dutch delicacies such as cheese, tulip bulbs, and wooden clogs can be found throughout Magna Plaza Amsterdam
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Batavia Stad Amsterdam
More than 250 fashion brands, cafés, and restaurants can be found in this nearby lakeside outlet mall in the nearby city of Lelystad. For those on a budget, this is a hotspot for bargain hunters from across the country, with discounts of 30 to 70 percent on high-end Dutch and international brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss Nike, Lacoste, Replay and Tommy Hilfiger.
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