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Whether you go for Baroque antiques or cutting-edge fashion, the variety of goods available in Amsterdam’s boutiques, street markets, and concept stores is mind-boggling, and hunting for that special purchase akin to grand entertainment.
If you enjoy the thrill of the chase, explore the charming, mazelike streets of the Jordaan and The Nine Streets, in the Western Canal Ring, where you'll stumble upon a surprising number of vintage fashion boutiques, high-end denim brands, art galleries, local design outlets, and specialty-food stores.
For high-end shopping, Amsterdam's priciest street is the P.?C. Hooftstraat, in the Museum District–-affectionately called "the P.?C." (pronounced “pay say”). Porsches and Range Rovers are parked on the street, and many shop interiors mimic stately Dutch mansions, replete with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and antique furnishings. Don't neglect the nearby Van Baerlestraat, Willemsparkweg, and Cornelis Schuytstraat, where you're likely to discover a hyperchic home accessory or premium investment piece for your wardrobe. At the other end of the scale, join the crowds on the Leidsestraat, Kalverstraat, Damrak, Rokin, and Nieuwendijk, where flagship stores, major chains, and department stores stand shoulder-to-shoulder with inexpensive fashion outlets and cheesy souvenir shops.
If that's all a bit too noisy and crowded, head to the Spiegelkwartier for a quieter, more refined shopping experience, with proportionately escalated prices. You’ll find elegant antiques shops whose beautiful displays include antique art, maps, furnishings, jewelry, and clocks. Collectors, museum curators, and antiques dealers routinely shop here for old Delft and Makkum treasures. If you have time, visit one of the daily outdoor markets: the bustling Albert Cuypmarkt in De Pijp is one of the oldest and best known. Be sure to explore the neighborhood’s many concept stores and hip indie boutiques as well, and make a pilgrimage to nearby Utrechtsestraat for its fantastic food, fashion, and lifestyle stores. There are lesser-known Sunday markets, like the organic Pure Markt at Frankendael Park and the Maker Market at De Hallen, or check out the Sunday Market and Neighbourfood Market at Westergasfabriek.
Founded by a duo of graphic and industrial designers, this canal-belt store boasts the Netherlands’ largest collection of restored vintage industrial lighting from around the world, much of it from the early 20th century. Design devotees will be delighted. The store is open by appointment only.
Hands-down the best kitchenware store in Amsterdam. The city’s chefs and home cooks crowd into this family-run business for excellent advice on everything from oyster knives to stand mixers to espresso machines. Tulip-shape cookie cutters and wooden speculaas (spiced shortbread biscuits) molds are nifty (and useful) souvenirs.
Stop here to discover handcrafted gifts and unique souvenirs—everything in stock is made in or around Amsterdam, and each has its own special story. This spacious shop in De Hallen sells original products from over 90 local creatives, artisans, and independent makers. The impressive range of products spans from food and drinks to art, books, jewelry, sustainable fashion, and other novel finds.
Founders Anna de Lanoy Meijer & Nina Poot take inspiration from their travels to Bali, India, and Thailand for their colorful, creative, and affordable jewelry, housewares, and clothing. There’s a second store in De Pijp at Gerard Doustraat 94.
Stop by this highly respected specialty shop for art books after visiting the nearby Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, or Rijksmuseum. The store also has an interesting selection of highbrow literature and nonfiction.
With an emphasis on "real food"—local, seasonal, and sometimes organic—and transparent production practices, this sustainable supermarket offers everything from fresh fish, meats, and cheeses to baked goods. A variety of organic wines, artisanal snacks and drinks like kombucha are available, too. Note that only credit and debit cards are accepted.
Filled with teak-wood canisters and jars bearing Latin inscriptions, fragrant with the perfume of seeds, flowers, and medicinal potions, this health-and-wellness store has been in operation on Nieuwmarkt since 1743. Gold-lettered wooden drawers, barrels, and bins contain not only spices and herbs, but also teas and a daunting array of dropjes (licorice).
Established in 1994, the city's first "smart shop" promotes mind-body awareness. Besides the usual "natural drug" suspects, you'll find a selection of "harm reduction kits," said to speed recovery following a hyperconscious weekend. In the back of the shop you can experiment under the safe guidance of the knowledgeable staff, accompanied by loungy beats.
Now commanding prime real estate far from anything red-lighted, Mail & Female was one of the first businesses in Europe to present women's sex toys in a tasteful manner when they launched more than 20 years ago. If you want to get serious about better sex, they also organize workshops.
Whether you’re shopping for a gift or for a little something for yourself, this eclectic shop stocks a bit of everything: jewelry, clothes, shoes, housewares, and toys. The cheerful staff are always ready to help you find just the right thing.
This modern skating outlet stocks ice skates in all styles, from wintertime canal gliding to hockey, and is also the Netherlands' largest in-line skate shop. There are also a wide variety of skateboards, from Penny boards and cruisers to longboards and e-boards. You'll find top brands such as Rollerblade, K2, Powerslide, Viking, Raps, Bauer, CCM, a large variety of noren, the most popular style of speed skates for adults, as well as training skates for children.
