If you love shopping, there are few things more exciting than visiting a new city. Whether you’re planning a blow-out trip or you just feel like having a mooch, you’ll find lots of unique retail spots in Amsterdam.
From designer and vintage fashion to lots of sleek homeware, produce, and art, the Dutch capital boasts plenty of shopping areas to satisfy any taste. Just looking for a souvenir? The Dam has you covered, with street stalls and themed shops scattered throughout the bustling centre.
Let’s take a look at some of the most significant shopping hotspots in Amsterdam. Spend less time planning and more getting excited about your new buys!
Shopping Hotspots in Amsterdam
Ready? Choose one of these areas and get ready to discover the deals and delights you’ve been dreaming of.
De NegenStraatjes (The Nine Streets)
Amsterdam’s ‘Nine Streets’ is the ideal choice for an authentic Dutch shopping experience. Let’s start with the beauty of the area. The Nine Streets are located in the heart of the central canal district, straddling Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht.
Stroll around the narrow lanes in the shadow of some of the city’s most picturesque architecture, surrounded by designer boutiques, one-of-a-kind vintage shops, and independent speciality stores. This is a perfect way to ease yourself into Amsterdam’s shopping scene and a great place to spend an afternoon while you’re in the city.
The Museum District
It might not be the first place you’d think of for shopping in Amsterdam, but the Museum District is home to some of the city’s best-loved designer boutiques. From Chanel and Mulberry to Guess, Fendi, and Cardier, there are plenty of places to pick up a luxurious treat.
Dam Square
Yes, it’s very touristy. But the area around Dam Square boasts lots of great shopping to sink your teeth into. Visit De Bijenkorf, a famous Dutch department store, and explore several floors of clothes and more. If you feel like shopping on a rainy day in Amsterdam, there are few better choices.
There are lots more places to explore in and around Dam Square, including plenty of classic souvenir shops, so spend a day here and get a feel for central Amsterdam.
Kalverstraat
This is one of the main shopping streets in Amsterdam. Kalverstraat is a broad pedestrianised street, perfect for a complete shopping experience.
Wander in and out of your favourite chain stores, like Zara, H&M, Topshop, and Footlocker. There are also lots of shoe shops and a beautiful Maison de Bonneterie, a high-end Dutch department store with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just visiting Kalverstraat for a browse, you’re sure to leave with a new purchase in-hand.
Utrechtsestraat
Utrechtsestraat is another picturesque street in central Amsterdam. Head to Essentiel for high-quality fashion basics and eye-catching pieces. GeitenWollenWinkel is a concept store selling sustainable fashion and lifestyle bits. Try Jan for great gifts and treats for yourself, or Maison NL for beautiful homeware.
Jordaan
One of Amsterdam’s best-loved neighbourhoods, choose Jordaan for a maze of bohemian delights. From vintage and second-hand stores to artists studios, galleries, and concept stores, the area is a creative haven. Jordaan is home to The Nine Streets, which we’ve already mentioned, but there’s much more to discover here.
Explore Lindengracht Market for over 200 stalls selling local produce and Dutch delicacies. You haven’t visited Amsterdam if you haven’t eaten a fresh stroopwafel, a caramel-filled waffle, hot off the stove! You can also explore lots of homewares, clothing, and flowers at Lindengracht Market.
Noordermarkt is another exciting Dutch market in Jordaan. The square has been used in this way since the early 1600s. Head there on Monday for a flea market full of treasures, or visit on a Saturday morning for a local farmer’s market, bursting with organic produce.
Bloemenmarkt
If you’re after a unique shopping experience in Amsterdam, Bloemenmarkt is the place for you. This is the only floating flower market in the world, located on the Singel canal amid the city’s UNESCO-listed area. You can visit any Monday to Saturday, rain or shine, and enjoy the beautiful colours and sweet aromas of the stalls. Pick up some tulip bulbs to plant in your garden or souvenirs to make somebody smile.
This one-of-a-kind market dates back to 1862 when local flower farmers would sell their harvests from barges on their way into the city centre. Today, the barges are fixed in place with glasshouses for stalls, so you can walk around and browse the flowers just like a regular market.
KNSM Island
This is another unusual destination making use of Amsterdam’s waterways. KNSM is a human-made island in the city’s Eastern Docklands, named after the Royal Dutch Steamboat Shipping company who used to have its headquarters there. Today, it’s a residential area with impressive architecture and lots of independent spots. It’s our place of choice for modern homeware and design shops.
Spiegelkwartier
An absolute must for art and antique lovers, Spiegelkwartier is home to more than 70 shops and galleries. Whether you’re a keen collector or a window shopper, there’s something for everyone here. Discover unique paintings, ceramics, jewellery, glassware, and more. This is a perfect place to pick up something special.
Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk
Haarlemmerstraat is a quirky stretch of Amsterdam with over 200 independent shops, cafés, and restaurants to explore. Spend a few hours browsing the speciality spots here, and along Haarlemmerdijk, and see what you can find. This alternative shopping district is popular among locals and visitors alike, so the vibe is always great.
Try to plan your visit for a Wednesday, and you’ll be rewarded with the local farmers market which springs up here every week.
If it starts to rain, or you need a break from the hustle and bustle outside, dive into The Movies. It’s the oldest functioning cinema in the city, with a beautiful art deco interior and a history dating back to 1912.
Beethovenstraat
Beethovenstraat is another of the best shopping streets in Amsterdam. Head here to browse and buy at a more leisurely pace than in other parts of the city. It’s in the Oud-Zuid district, close to Vondelpark and Museumplein, where leafy streets and beautiful architecture create an excellent atmosphere.
You’ll find upscale fashion retailers, tempting bakeries, and swish perfumeries scattered around, as well as lots of charming cafés and restaurants to refuel.
Batavia Stad Amsterdam
Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet is around an hour’s drive or train ride out of central Amsterdam, so there’s no way you’ll stumble upon it. But if you’re searching for some serious bargains, it’s well worth the journey to get there.
This Amsterdam outlet is home to over 250 shops, cafés, and restaurants, so it’s easy to spend a full day exploring. You’ll find lots of big brands at discounted prices, so you can save on the things you love. From Ralph Lauren and Nike to Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, and many more, you’re sure to find whatever you’re looking for.
To make your trip to Batavia Stad even more enjoyable, why not take the low-cost shuttle bus straight there from Amsterdam? The Batavia Stad shuttle runs from the city centre at 10:00 and gets back in at 16:00, and a return ticket will cost just €5 per person. It’s the first bargain of the day!
Getting Around Amsterdam
Shopping can be tiring. If you don’t feel like walking between destinations as well as walking around them, you’re in luck! Amsterdam is home to a fabulous public transport network, so you can get all around the city with minimal effort.
Whether you want to travel from your hotel to a shopping hotspot, or you’re looking for a quick way to hop around the city, there are lots of services to make life easier. You can choose buses, trams, and Metros in Amsterdam, with plenty of stations and stops scattered all around.
Choosing a public transport ticket
There are a few options when it comes to choosing your public transport tickets in Amsterdam. You can pick up a single journey ticket from any station or stop, or choose a multi-day pass to get you through your entire visit.
We recommend a multi-day pass, which you can use for a period of 24, 48, or 72 hours depending on what you need. The I Amsterdam City Care and OV-Chipkaart are two great options. When you have your card set up, simply swipe on and off buses, trams, and Metros to get wherever you’re going.
When does Amsterdam public transport run?
Public transport is available between 06:00 and 00:30. This includes trams, buses, and Metro services which can get you all around the city. If you’re enjoying Amsterdam’s famous nightlife, you can also take a night bus back to your hotel after 00:30. Or, order a taxi to pick you up and whisk you off to bed.