[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam is the perfect place to find unique and interesting items for every budget.

Amsterdam is a renowned shopping destination, with many malls, markets, and independent shops to explore. Whether looking for high-end department stores for luxury shopping, galleries for collectors, or vintage clothing, you’ll find it all in Amsterdam. The city’s residents have an eclectic blend of fashion and home décor tastes, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Take a break from shopping and explore the city’s markets, where you can find rare books, antiques, souvenirs, and more. A special mention goes to the floating market, where you can buy tulips, a beloved export of the Netherlands. With so much to explore, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy for hours in Amsterdam!

The Best Places for Shopping in Amsterdam

1. DE NEGENSTRAATJES

The Negen Straatjes, which translates to “Nine Little Streets” in English, is a quaint shopping area situated in the heart of Amsterdam. This small but mighty area is comprised of nine little streets: Reestraat, Hartenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Berenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Oude Spiegelstraat, Runstraat, Huidenstraat, and Wijde Heisteeg. The Negen Straatjes is bordered by the Singel to the East and the Prinsengracht to the West.

This quiet area is a boutique lover’s haven, offering a variety of stores, from jewelry stores to art galleries, shoe shops, to fashion boutiques. With such variety, you’re sure to locate at least a few great finds. Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee, a cold beer, or a delicious slice of apple pie at one of the cute cafes or pubs.

The Negen Straatjes is highly recommended for some of the best shopping in Amsterdam because it is brimming with cute boutique shops and charming cafes.

2. ALBERT CUYP MARKET

The Albert Cuypmarkt is a vibrant and colorful destination that provides a variety of shopping and food-tasting opportunities. With numerous vendors offering goods such as clothes, accessories, and flowers, the market is a great place to get a bargain. Fresh produce like seafood, cheese, and vegetables can also be found. 

Don’t forget to sample some delicious international treats throughout the day, including Dutch specialties like kroketten, stroopwafels, cheese, and herring. These make for a tasty mid-morning snack. 

For a unique shopping experience that also offers food-tasting opportunities, the Albert Cuypmarkt is highly recommended.

3. PC HOOFTSTRAAT

The PC Hooftstraat is an internationally renowned shopping street in Amsterdam that fashionistas should not miss. Here, you will find top brands such as Lacoste, Mulberry, Gucci, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit or simply window shopping, the PC Hooftstraat is the perfect place to soak in the stylish grandeur. 

The area also offers plenty of other attractions. The Museum Quarter is located nearby, where you can visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. There are also several excellent restaurants and cafes in the vicinity.

4. HAARLEMMERSTRAAT & HAARLEMMERDIJK

Head to the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk for an unforgettable shopping experience. Here, you’ll find a wide range of independent boutiques and specialty shops selling everything from fashion to kitchen gadgets. With such a diverse selection, there’s sure to be something for everyone. 

When you’re feeling worn out from all the shopping, there are plenty of hip and cost-effective cafes and restaurants in the area to have a drink or grab a bite to eat. Complete your enjoyable day with a visit to the oldest cinema in Amsterdam, “The Movies.” After a full but fun day, you’re guaranteed to walk away happy and satisfied.

5. Leidsestraat

Leidsestraat is a bustling 500-meter stretch in Amsterdam-Centrum between Prinsengracht and Herengracht canals. Along this street, you can find various exclusive stores offering high-end brands like Filippa K, Karen Millen, Abercrombie & Fitch, Paul Warmer, and Camper. There are also more budget-friendly options, such as Onitsuka Tiger, COS, and Brandy Melville, closer to Herengracht.

At the southwestern edge of Leidsestraat lies the Leidseplein Square, home to various restaurants, cafés, theatres, and clubs. If you’re not navigating Amsterdam by bicycle, getting here is easy as Leidsestraat is one of the city’s main commercial streets, accessible by tram and bus.

6. MAISON DE BONNETERIE

The Maison de Bonneterie is an exquisite family-owned shopping center that offers an amazing shopping experience. It boasts an impressive selection of brands such as G-Star, Marc Jacobs, Hugo Boss, Scotch & Soda, and Ralph Lauren. Visitors can also book a personal shopper to help them find the perfect item.

The Maison de Bonneterie is more than just a shopping center. It also features a hair salon and spa on the second level, so you can take some time to pamper yourself with a pedicure. After a day of shopping and relaxation, you can find a nearby restaurant to grab a bite to eat.

For all these reasons, the Maison de Bonneterie is highly recommended for some of the best shopping in Amsterdam. It provides top fashion items, a spa, and personal shoppers, making it a perfect destination for all your shopping needs.

7. KALVERSTRAAT

The Kalverstraat is a bustling shopping street in Amsterdam and is said to be over 600 years old. It starts from Dam Square and ends at Muntplein. This street is lined with a variety of stores, such as V&D, Zara, H&M, Nike, Rituals, and Lush, offering a wide range of products from clothing to shoes, toys to books. 

It is even home to one of Amsterdam’s malls, the Kalvertoren. Whether you are looking for something specific or want to do some window-shopping or people-watch, the Kalverstraat promises a fun day out. It is no surprise that it is recommended for Best Shopping as it caters to every style and budget, both men and women.

8. SPIEGELKWARTIER

The Spiegelkwartier is a must-visit destination for antique lovers and art aficionados. Located directly across from the Rijksmuseum, this area, whose name translates to “Mirror Quarter” in English, is home to more than 70 specialty shops with a variety of unique items. From furniture and chandeliers to Oriental art, old scientific instruments, music boxes, and Delftware, the Spiegelkwartier is sure to have something to satisfy any taste.

In addition to the numerous shops, the Spiegelkwartier is also conveniently located near a number of other attractions. The area is close to the Allard Pierson Museum, FOAM, and numerous cafes and restaurants. So, when you need to take a break and rest your feet, you won’t have to go far.

For these reasons, the Spiegelkwartier is a great destination for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind treasures and is worth a visit.

9. Utrechtsestraat

Utrechtsestraat is a busy street along the Keizersgracht Canal, on the eastern edge of Amsterdam’s Canal Ring. It is a great place for shopping, with a range of concept stores selling home décor, gadgets, clothing, and accessories. There are also plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars, so you can take a break while shopping.

Concerto is one of the street’s standout stores. It is one of Amsterdam’s largest music stores, having first opened its doors in 1955. It occupies five shopfronts and sells a variety of genres, including pop, jazz, classical, dance, and world music. You can also find a range of vinyl records and CDs, as well as feature films, TV series, and documentaries on DVD.

10. WATERLOOPLEIN FLEA MARKET

Waterloopleinmarkt is one of Amsterdam’s many open-air markets. Located on Waterlooplein, this bustling market exudes an energetic atmosphere, with vendors offering an ever-changing selection of items. There is something for everyone, from bicycles and furniture to second-hand clothes, art, books, electronics, and quirky knick-knacks. 

Visitors to Waterloopleinmarkt can take their time and wander up and down the aisles in search of unique finds. The market is known for its great bargains and is a great place to look for souvenirs. After browsing through the market, visitors can replenish their fluids at one of the cafes nearby. Be aware the market is open every day except Sunday. 

Waterloopleinmarkt is highly recommended for those looking for great bargains and unique items.

11. DE BIJENKORF

De Bijenkorf, a chain of high-end department stores, is a popular destination for shoppers in the Netherlands. The first store opened in Amsterdam in 1870 and is located in a majestic building towers over Dam Square. The store’s name, “beehive,” is fitting because the store is always buzzing.

Customers can find a variety of brands from Gucci, Bjorn Borg, Diesel, and Ralph Lauren. In particular, the Premium Denim Department offers a great selection of skinny jeans, dyed denim, and other fashionable items. De Bijenkorf also stocks shoes, accessories, beauty products and household items.

For these reasons, De Bijenkorf is highly recommended as one of the best shopping in Amsterdam. It is a one-stop shop for all your fashion and lifestyle needs.

12. Bloemenmarkt

Bloemenmarkt is a famous flower market located in the city center of Amsterdam. Situated along the banks of the Singel Canal, between Koningsplein and Muntplein, the market is composed of a series of houseboats filled with an array of flowers. Visitors to Bloemenmarkt can find a variety of blooms for sale, including tulips, orchids, narcissus, geraniums, and roses.

Since 1862, the market has been providing botanists and other customers with the opportunity to buy seeds, bulbs, pots, and soil in addition to pre-made bouquets. Moreover, souvenirs featuring tulips and Amsterdam themes can be found at Bloemenmarkt.

13. MAGNA PLAZA

The Magna Plaza is an impressive building across the street from the Royal Palace and Dam Square. It was formerly the Amsterdam post office, and its archways add an extra element of luxury. Inside, the three floors of shopping offer a diverse selection of items. You can find jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, skincare, cosmetics, and Dutch cheese.

When you need a break from shopping, Grand Café Ovidius and The Views provide a welcome respite. Refresh yourself with a refreshing beverage and light snack, then return to the shopping.

The Magna Plaza is recommended for the best shopping category for these reasons. The beautiful architecture and variety of available items make it an ideal destination.