Image from Koen Smilde
Updated 7 November 2024 at 13:17
There are many places in and around the city to get your retail fix - with different areas offering different shopping experiences. Here's our guide to the best places to hit the shops in Amsterdam.
The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
Image from Merijn Roubroeks
Located in the heart of the city's historic canal district, this area of nine narrow streets called the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) was constructed during the 17th century. These Nine Streets intersect the main canals between Leidsestraat and the Jordaan district and are dotted with great restaurants, cafés, art galleries, jewellers, boutiques and vintage stores. With an exceptional array of styles, trends and prices, this area is truly a shopper’s paradise. Here's our dedicated guide to unique boutiques in the Negen Straatjes.
Upscale designers and labels
Head to the leafy avenues of Oud-Zuid and the Museum District for luxury shopping at its best. The P.C. Hooftstraat is Amsterdam’s most exclusive shopping street, featuring brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and more within a few short blocks. Continue down the Van Baerlestraat for brands like Vanilia, Gant and Miss Sixty. Famous Dutch designers like lingerie guru Marlies Dekkers have shops on the Cornelis Schuytstraat. Have a read of this guide to luxury shopping in Amsterdam for more tips on where to shop.
Department stores and shopping centres
Image from Bijenkorf Amsterdam
Looming over Dam Square and home to a broad selection of high-end brands, De Bijenkorfis one of Amsterdam's best-known department stores. Situated in an impressive historic building just behind Dam Square, Magna Plaza is a collection of shops ranging from Mango to Sissy Boy. Also on the Kalverstraat, De Kalverpassage shopping centre is home to 45 shops.
Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat
Image from Koen Smilde
The two main shopping streets in Amsterdam’s city centre are Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. Of the two, Leidsestraat has the more exclusive shops like Filippa K, Karen Millen, Paul Warmer and Shoebaloo. Kalverstraat is home to all the shops you would expect to find in a large European city, like H&M, Zara, Esprit, Urban Outfitters, Pull & Bear and UNIQLO. Don't miss this guide to exploring Dam Square and The Royal Mile for a guide on what to visit in this popular part of central Amsterdam.
Spiegelkwartier
Image from Pauline Arkesteijn
Following the construction of the Rijksmuseum in 1900, theSpiegelkwartieremerged as Amsterdam’s centre for antiques and art. More than 70 antique shops and galleries in this area boast impressive collections of paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, and tribal and Asian collectables. Whether centuries old or completely modern, you're bound to find something here that strikes your fancy. Our guide to exploring the Spiegelkwartier neighbourhood is packed with tips on what to do in this historic quarter of Amsterdam.
Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerstraat
Image from Marie Charlotte Pezé
Haarlemmerdijk is a long, trendy shopping street stretching east to west towards Amsterdam 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. Here, you'll find some of the best vintage shopping, as well as a wealth of cafes, restaurants and cultural attractions in the neighbouring Westerpark neighbourhood.
Utrechtsestraat
Image from Koen Smilde Photography
Utrechtsestraat is a little slice of retail heaven at the eastern edge of Amsterdam’s canal belt. Beginning at Frederiksplein in the south and heading up to Rembrandtplein in the north, this charming street is chock-full of trendy concept stores, fashion boutiques, interior design stores and one of the best record stores in Amsterdam, Concerto, which takes up five adjoining properties along the street. All that shopping is hungry work, so don’t forget to stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants dotted among the beautiful stores.
Beethovenstraat
Image from Koen Smilde
Less crowded than other shopping areas, Beethovenstraat is a broad street offering fashion, perfumeries and upscale patisseries. Located in Amsterdam's swanky Zuid district, it's the perfect place to shop for luxury items at a more leisurely pace. Have a read of this guide to luxury shopping in Amsterdam for more tips on where to shop.
Batavia Stad Amsterdam
Image from Visit Lelystad
This out-of-town lakeside fashion outlet mall in the nearby city of Lelystad is home to more than 250 fashion brands, cafés and restaurants. Bargain hunters flock here from around the country to seek out big brands and discounted goods, with30-70% discounts on items from prestigious Dutch and international designers, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Nike, Lacoste, Replay, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Jeans, Denham, Guess and many more. Visitors from outside the EU can benefit from even more savings by shopping Tax-Free. A shuttle bus runs directly from Amsterdam city centre to Batavia Stad,departing from theBus Parking de Ruijterkade East - Amsterdam River Cruise Port. The bus leaves at 10:00 and returns at 16:00; return tickets cost €5 per person.
