Shopping in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam can be a great experience for those who like shopping. You can really shop until you drop! Amsterdam has got plenty of malls and shopping area’s. On this page we will inform you where to go if you’re looking for a real unique shopping experience, or just casual shopping at the international retailers.

Shopping in Amsterdam is endless

There are different kind of shoppers. Some people already know exactly for what kind of clothes, gadgets, souvenirs, food or exclusive diamond-stores they are looking for. Others prefer going with the flow; having a look in lots of different stores with out looking for something particular. It doesn’t matter which shopping style you have got, everyone can succeed at shopping in Amsterdam.

In some cultures bargaining when shopping is everyday business. Please note that in Amsterdam most prices are fixed and usually there’s no room for bargaining. In exceptional situations shop owners might be willing to bargain if you buy more than one item, but don’t feel offended if there’s no room for bargaining at all. The only places where bargaining is accepted are the local markets. More information about the markets is provided on this page below.

Populair area’s to shop in Amsterdam

The shopping area’s listed below are definitely worth a visit, these are the most popular area’s. Which one is best for you depends on what you’re looking for.

1. Pc Hooftstraat

   The PC Hooftstraat might be the best-known shopping street in the Netherlands. It is the most exclusive shopping street of the Netherlands. This street is perfect for real fashion lovers. You will notice all the luxury designer brands and stores straight away. As you might expect you won’t have to go there for shopping on a budget. You’ll find brand stores from brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
   The area is a great place to go, when your up for a break from the Museum Quarter, which is just around the corner. There you’ll find the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. In the area you’ll also find many restaurants, cafes, parks and hangouts. Leidseplein is very close to the PC Hooftstraat and ideal to get there by public transport.

2. Kalverstraat

   The Kalverstraat is the busiest shopping street in Amsterdam. It’s a perfect street for some casual shopping. You’ll find lots of international retail chains like H&M and ZARA. The street itself is pretty narrow and can become crowded, especially at the weekends. The streets runs from Dam square all the way to Rembrandt Square. At Dam square, you’ll find the high-class department store the Bijenkorf. At the end of Rembrandt square there’s a shopping centre called Kalvertoren.
   Stores that you find in the Kalverstraat are mainly fashion stores, music and bookstores and other specialty stores. In and around the Kalverstraat are plenty of opportunities for a snack ranging from ice to chocolate, fast food, a sandwich or a decent meal. One of the hidden secrets from March until December are the local markets on the Spui square connected to the Kalverstraat. On Fridays there’s a book market and on Sundays an art market.

3. De 9 Straatjes

   The name of this district is very straight forward. The translation is the Nine Streets. You will find these nine cozy streets and alleys in the heart of the historical district of Amsterdam. These streets make up a perfect scene for small, authentic stores. Shopping here is a truly unique experience in a wonderful setting with the monumental canal houses, small bridges and streets. The stores that you’ll find here are one-of-a-kind. Among the quirky stores you’ll find galleries, boutiques, bookstores, vintage and delicacy stores.
   This area is well known amongst locals, but less by tourists. A real hidden secret of Amsterdam which is situated between the Prinsengracht and the Singel. This place is perfect if you are looking for a unique souvenir or present.

4. Bloemenmarkt

   The Bloemenmarkt (Flower market) is an unique street, since it’s actually a a floating market! Yes, you read it right, “floating market”. In Amsterdam you see lots of houseboats were people live in. In this case, the berthed houseboats on the water happen to be shops. It’s the perfect place for gift shopping. Dutch tulip bulbs, potted plants and all kind of other plants are waiting to get wrapped in gift paper.
   The Bloemenmarkt is a great place to combine with your shopping in the Kalverstraat. Since it’s quite a short street. Just make a short stroll through it. It is located in between Koningsplein and Muntplein. Parallel to the Bloemenmarkt is Amsterdams most famous gay clubbing street.

5. Magna Plaza

   This extraordinary building is designed by P.C. Peters which also designed the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station. The purpose was a luxurious post office. Nowadays the building houses one of the few shopping malls of Amsterdam. Inside you’ll find four floors with fashion and beauty stores. Magna Plaza is a perfect alternative for the Kalverstraat when it’s raining or cold outside.
   The atmosphere in Magna Plaza can be described as romantic, thanks to the impressive building with perfect fit lighting. In the weekends and in the holidays there’s a piano in the middle of the building where live music is being played. In December the piano is replaced with an enormous Christmas tree. You can reach Magna Plaza by foot from Central station it’s only a 10-minute walk. You’ll find the building right behind the Royal Palace Dam Square. If you haven’t found what you were looking for, other shopping areas are just around the corner.

6. Kalvertoren

   Another indoor shopping area can be found in the Kalverstraat, near Rembrandt Square. It is called Kalvertoren, which translates into the Kalvertower. This place is perfect when you prefer one location that satisfies all your shopping needs. In the Kalvertoren you’ll a variety of stores ranging from clothing stores to stores that sell garden furniture, plenty coffee cafés, and of course the Dutch favorite Hema. That is a department store. If you’re up for a break from shopping, make sure not to miss the cafe on the top floor. You can enjoy a drink while having a really nice view of the city.

7. Spiegelkwartier

   The Spiegelkwartier compares best to the 9 straatjes shopping area. Here you’ll find lots of unique one-of-a-kind stores, galleries, and boutiques.
   It is the best place of Amsterdam when you’re up to see shop for art. Besides art you’ll also find many luxury shops, all with their own unique assortment. Expect unique paintings, sculptures, porcelain, collector’s items and other decorative goods. Even if you’re not sure if you’re really going to buy something, just take a quick walk through the streets in this area. Walking this area will make you feel like walking through a free museum. Don’t be surprised to find pieces of world-famous artist like Vermeer or Karel Appel. In the area there are plenty of good restaurants in case you’re up for a break from shopping.

8. Bijenkorf

   For the many Dutch citizens The Bijenkorf is their favorite department store. The Bijenkorf is a chain that has multiple stores in The Netherlands. The one located at Dam square in Amsterdam is the oldest one, its history dates all the way back to 1870. The translation for Bijenkorf is “beehive” which perfectly represent the buzzing of the stores.
   In the Bijenkorf you’ll find lots of local and world famous brands. Most of the products found there can be labeled as high quality ‘luxury product’ and are priced as such. The assortment consists largely of clothing, odors, make-up, jewelry, odors and suitcases. But there’s also an in-store hairdresser. So you’ll find practically everything you need to return home shining like a diamond.

9. Czaar Peterbuurt

   The Czaar Peterbuurt is a relatively undiscovered shopping area that’s pretty popular among locals. Here you’ll find stores owned by independent entrepreneurs. The stores that you’ll find here are offering specialty products. Products like: wine, cheese, African coffee specials, olives, flowers, furniture, decoration and handcraft products. This makes it perfect for buying some original souvenirs, that you won’t find in the souvenir shops. It is located 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.

10. Utrechtsestraat

    The romantic atmosphere of the Utrechtsestraat will get a special place in your hearth. With the many concept stores, designer stores, interior stores, and not to forget the best music stores of Amsterdam. This place is perfect to spend some quality time. There are many typical Amsterdam restaurants, bars and lunchrooms to keep you going. It is located in between the Rembrandt square and runs towards the Frederiksplein.

11. The Beethovenstraat

    In Amsterdam South you’ll find this place that’s for sure less crowded compared to most of the areas listed above. It is a hidden secret, since it does have a broad shopping street, with plenty of fashion stores, boutiques, upscale patisseries, and perfumeries. A real alternative laid back shopping area in the city.

Are you curious what you can combine with your shopping experience in Amsterdam? Take a look at all the things that you can do in Amsterdam!