14 Best Places to Shop in Medieval Center, Amsterdam

What began in the early '70s as an erotic magazine outlet has grown into reputedly the largest brick-and-mortar English-language book emporium on the continent. True to its name, the shop is American-owned, but the selection is broad and eclectic, running the gamut from crime fiction to New Age and Manga. Students, teachers, and senior citizens (on Monday only) receive a 10% discount with a valid ID.

For the city's best selection of international newspapers, creative magazines, and highbrow periodicals, as well as the freshest local offerings, find your way to the unmissable red-and-white awning on the Spui.

Entering UN feels more like walking into an art gallery than a shoe shop. And it's no wonder: the creative mind behind this brand's flagship store—and the various models of the signature floating-heeled pump contained therein—is Rem D. Koolhaas, nephew of the famous Pritzker Prize–winning architect Rem Koolhaas. In addition to architectural footwear for him and her, there's also a selection of striking bags and watches.

Established in 1841, this Dutch department store chain offers affordable fashion for the whole family, ranging from 100% organic cotton baby clothes to plus-size cargo jeans and recycled swimwear. There are always sales racks, and if you have the patience to paw through them, you may be rewarded with some discounted gems. The Kalverstraat store is one of five in Amsterdam alone; for other locations, visit the website.

Trendy boys and girls flock here for fashionable street wear from labels such as maharashi, Billionaire Boys Club, Rick Owens, and Walter van Beirendonck, as well as the latest sneakers and shoes from Premiata, Grenson, and Both. Do check out the work of local and international artists in the adjacent gallery.

"The Beehive" is still the nation's best-known department store, where shoppers swarm for top international lines of designer clothing, shoes, and cosmetics, along with a decent array of furniture and appliances, and one of the best stationery selections in town. Recent renovations, including a tax-free lounge and various ground-floor store-within-a-store boutiques, have focused on attracting international shoppers looking for premium brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chloé, Givenchy, Tiffany & Co., and LOEWE.

The city has a number of book markets, although its most famous takes place every Friday on leafy Spui Square. Under the little white tents, it's an antiquarian- and used-book browsing paradise.

A discreet, well-informed staff promote healthful sexual practices at this condom emporium (with an equally handy online store). You'll find a colorful collection of rubbers and novelty condoms as well as allergy-free and made-to-measure options.

This shop started out in 1935 as a specialist in English hats and caps. Later, they added pullovers, tweed jackets, tartan scarves, and many other trappings of the English gentleman to their inventory. The cozy shop may be small, but there's plenty to choose from—and they still sell hats, too. There are also locations in Oud-Zuid, Nieuwmarktbuurt, and Amstelveen.

Founded in 2009 by the (then) student Guillaume Philibert, who wanted to challenge the status quo and design a premium sneaker at a fair price point, this Amsterdam-based label's now-famous Low Top has successfully bridged the gap between street wear and fashion, winning international acclaim along the way. Visit the flagship store to peruse the entire collection of innovative footwear as well as ready-to-wear luxury streetwear, bags, accessories, and eyewear for men and women.

One of the Netherlands' most popular stores offers original and affordable own-brand household items, clothing, stationery, gardening tools, and bicycle equipment. Shelves are also stocked with other goodies cherished by the Dutch, such as smoked sausages, traditional candy (think cinnamon candy canes and salty licorice), and pink cream custard cakes. You could call it the Dutch equivalent of Target in that you walk in to buy one thing and leave with a lot more. See the website for other locations.

This reputable purveyor of fine antique silver and jewelry has been in business since 1823. A miniature silver windmill with moving sweep makes an elegant souvenir, or treat yourself to an exquisite set of preworn pearl-and-diamond earrings or gold cufflinks.

Calling itself the “epicentre of Dutch design,” this 3,229-square-foot store at the W Amsterdam claims to have the world's best collection of Dutch fashion, art, and design. Its notable lineup features around 60 local labels, including important designers like Maarten Baas, Jelle Mastenbroek, and GHYCZY, as well as high-end fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands like Victor&Rolf, Rijkje Jewelry, and Fugazzi fragrances. Up-and-coming artists and designers are represented, too, and there are occasional art exhibitions and launch parties.

Much-lauded Dutch footwear designer Fred de la Bretoniere has been selling men's and women's leather footwear since 1970. It's no surprise that his handiwork—combining simplicity, style, sustainability, craftsmanship, and quality—has been entered into the permanent collections of several Dutch design museums. This is the shop to find a classic style that still lets you walk with your own unique verve. There is another location on Utrechtsestraat 77 in the Eastern Canal Belt and at Van Baerlestraat 44V in Oud-Zuid.