Amsterdam is one of the most magnificent cities in the world, nestled in the Netherlands (aka Holland). There is no other place like Amsterdam in the entire Netherlands where one can discover so many splendid shopping areas. Amsterdam is well-known for its shopping culture, which is why it is often referred to as the shopping hub in the Netherlands. The shopping streets in this city have a multitude of things to offer. Here, you can find a cluster of malls, markets, and individual stores that will keep you occupied for hours. Each neighborhood of Amsterdam offers some or other distinctive things for everyone, featuring upscale department stores for the elite class & autonomous galleries for the connoisseurs. Also, it will not be wrong to say that Amsterdam is a treasure trove for antiques, rare books, souvenirs, and vintage clothing.
Here is a specially curated list of 12 spectacular shopping sites to explore in Amsterdam.
1. Albert Cuyp Market
The Albert Cuyp Market is a popular open-air market in Amsterdam that offers a broad range of items and is a great place for big bargains. Notably, the Albert Cuypmarkt is one of the biggest daytime markets in Europe, situated in the multicultural De Pijp neighborhood in the south of the city center. This market is a must-visit, whether you are looking for fresh produce, food, clothing, crafts, or practically any other thing. It features around 260 stalls that are open six days a week. Here, you will come across a sweeping range of fresh fruits, veggies, fish, meat, & spices sold directly by the farmers, alongside a variety of fabrics, clothes, accessories, cosmetics, etc.
Location: Albert Cuypstraat, 1073 BD Amsterdam, NetherlandsTimings: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Sundays)
2. Kalverstraat
Kalverstraat is one of the main shopping streets that attracts numerous shoppers in Amsterdam with an array of retail options. It runs over a length of 750 m from Dam Square to Muntplein. The history of Kalverstraat (Calf Street) goes back to the 14th century when the cattle market was held here. Today, Kalverstraat Street is lined with stores of striking high-end brands. Here, you will find large department stores, numerous boutiques, beauty brand stores, and trendy fashion and footwear stores, like H&M, Zara, Hollister Co, Levi’s, Nike, and Esprit. Also, you can shop for perfumes & souvenirs. Walking from the Amsterdam Central Station, if you take Nieuwendijk Street, you will have around 2.5 km of shopping before arriving at Muntplein Square.
Opening Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Note: On Thursdays, most shops remain open until 9:00 PM.
3. Leidsestraat
Leidsestraat is one of the bustling shopping streets in Amsterdam, set amidst King Square and Leidse Square. Leidsestraat, along with Kalverstraat, is considered the go-to street for shopping in Amsterdam. It runs amidst the Prinsengracht and Herengracht canals. Along its length of around 500 m, visitors can find exclusive brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Karen Millen, Filippa K, Paul Warmer, and Camper. The initial part of this street is famous for its shoe shops. The street has been a pedestrian zone since 1971 and, therefore, is closed to cars and bicycles. However, it is one of the main commercial streets in Amsterdam, which you can easily access by tram or bus.
4. The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
De Negen Straatjes is a renowned shopping area in Amsterdam. Most of the architecture around this district has retained the iconic old-school charm of narrow brick buildings. Huidenstraat, Hartenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Reestraat, Runstraat, Berenstraat, Wijde Heisteegis, Gasthuismolensteeg, and Oude Spiegelstraat are collectively named as Negen Straatjes. Set along the famous Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Singel canals this area is considered a shoppers' haven in Amsterdam as visitors can find an outstandingly broad range of styles & trends here. Also, you will find various designer boutiques, art galleries, jewelry & gift shops, and vintage stores with one-of-a-kind items in this area. Also, there are many cafés to take a break & enjoy views of Amsterdam’s delightful canals.
5. Utrechtsestraat
Utrechtsestraat is a lively street situated between Rembrandtplein and Frederiksplein, running across three canals - Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Prinsengracht. This elegant street houses a range of restaurants, cafes, stylish boutiques, interior design stores, concept stores, and gift shops offering home décor items, gadgets, clothing, and accessories. Notably, Utrechtsestraat also features Concerto, one of the biggest music stores in the city, where music lovers can browse through sections dedicated to jazz, pop, classical, dance, and world music to buy new and second-hand vinyl records, CDs, & DVDs.
6. P.C. Hooftstraat
P.C. Hooftstraat is conceivably the most luxurious shopping street in Amsterdam that fashion enthusiasts should not miss! It is situated in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, between Stadhouderskade and Vondelpark. The street has a stretch of 300 m and is renowned for its hip and stylish ambiance, as the finest global brands are located here. Chanel, Gucci, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, & Ralph Lauren all have their Amsterdam flagship stores on this street. Also, there are some Dutch brands, including Schaap en Citroen for jewelry and Rivièra Maison for designer merchandise. P.C. Hooftstraat is a must-visit as even if you do not want to buy a designer dress, the imposing storefronts on the street serve as a modish backdrop for photos!
Specialty - Luxury brands' stores
7. Spiegelkwartier
Encompassing more than 80 antique dealers and independent art galleries, the Spiegelkwartier neighborhood is the place for antiques & modern art. It is located within the Amsterdam Canal Ring, close to the iconic Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, & Nine Streets. Featuring classic Dutch houses, Spiegelkwartier has been the hub of the national art and antiques trade of Amsterdam for the past 80 years. Notably, Spiegelgracht is the main shopping thoroughfare of this neighborhood, where visitors can find ceramics, jewelry, antiques, rare paintings, and other quirky collectibles on exhibit. Some notable venues set here are Galerie Lieve Hemel, European Makers Gallery, and Gallery Delaive. It fascinates collectors from all around the globe.
Specialty - Art & Antiques
8. De Bijenkorf
De Bijenkorf is a premium department store chain in the Netherlands that offers a top-notch luxury shopping experience. Here, you can shop marvelous products from exclusive designer brands like Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors. The merchandise at De Bijenkorf includes it all - clothing, cosmetics, shoes, accessories, household goods, toys, gourmet chocolate, & more. The offerings are always diversified to integrate more brands and stuff.
Notably, the shoppers who are Non-European residents are eligible for tax refunds on shopping at De Bijenkorf for over 50 Euros every day. Across the Netherlands, only De Bijenkorf has the instant tax refund service. Also, it enables payment in different currencies & accepts all major credit cards. Their multilingual employees offer outstanding customer service.
Location: Dam 1, 1012 JS AmsterdamOpening Hours: Monday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
9. Magna Plaza
The Magna Plaza is a 19th-century monumental building built in the neo-gothic & Neo-Renaissance style by Dutch architect P.C. Peters. It is a four-story indoor mall situated opposite Dam Square and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The Magna Plaza embraces an extensive selection of renowned brands like Swarovski, Mango, America Today, & Lacoste, along with Dutch specialty stores offering cheese, tulip bulbs, wooden clogs, & more. It has a Food Department, which is a 1,100 sq m food hall on its second floor, where you can enjoy delicious dishes. With a multitude of global and local brands offering so many types of products, the Magna Plaza is an enjoyable visit for everyone. During the holiday season, numerous visitors come here every year to shop for unique souvenirs.
Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182 I, 1012 SJ AmsterdamOpening Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
10. Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk
The Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk are the main streets of the Haarlemmerbuurt neighborhood, beginning at the Singel canal and stretching to the Marnixstraat. The Haarlemmerstraat is the extension of the Nieuwendijk, another shopping street, and Haarlemmerdijk is an extension of Haarlemmerstraat further west. Both streets are considered as one shopping district. In 2011, Haarlemmerstraat/dijk was awarded the title of the nicest shopping street in the Netherlands. Here, you will spot various independent boutiques and specialty shops lined on these streets, offering a myriad of products, from fashion accessories to kitchen gadgets. There are more than 200 shops in the area. Also, the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk are called the Food Alley of Amsterdam, due to the presence of splendid food shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
11. Noordermarkt Farmers Market
The Farmers Market at Noordermarkt is a biological fresh food market. Here, visitors can find everything from flowers, fruits, and vegetables to fresh handmade cheese, pasta, honey, bread, fish, herbs, spices, mushrooms, and more. The Noordermarkt market is one of the foremost official farmer's markets in the country and has a lot to offer. It is a go-to spot for locals for weekly shopping & catching up with friends. It is conveniently located in the charming Jordaan neighborhood and has many cafés and restaurants around it. The best apple pie in the city - Winkel 43, is also here. Besides, the market also offers products like beautiful ceramics, antique goods, candles, & soaps.
Location: Noordermarkt, 1015 MV AmsterdamTimings: Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
12. Waterlooplein Flea Market
The Waterlooplein Market is an amazing open-air market that is one of the oldest flea markets in Amsterdam and the Netherlands as well. It is a legendary and world-renowned market, located in the center of Amsterdam, near the Rembrandt House Museum. Established around 133 years ago, this market features around 300 stalls. The flea market is one of the pleasant & friendliest places, full of energy and colorful vibes. Here, you can get antiques, books, second-hand clothing & accessories, art, shoes, jewelry, bags, bicycles, and more. So, take your time to explore the alleyways of Waterlooplein market, where superb bargains meet special finds for the visitors. Also, several food trucks are set around the market, offering Italian, Lebanese, & Greek snacks.
Location: Waterlooplein 2, 1011 NZ Amsterdam
Timings: Monday - Saturday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Closed on Sunday
Amsterdam is a spectacular shopping destination with a broad selection of shops serving different styles & tastes. The shopping prospects in the city are immense, and it has something for everyone. Whether you are seeking something special or just want to explore the markets & streets, you will have a great experience. With all the big brands & International fashion chains, Amsterdam is a wonderland for shopaholics. You will not find such an exquisite collection of high-end fashion houses & boutiques. So, do not forget to include Shopping in Amsterdam in your itinerary while planning your trip to this city!