Amsterdam Shopping
Shop till you drop! No worries about Amsterdam. The centre is home to the principle international chains in all price categories, but also has enough small scale charming stores to offer. Many stores are concentrated in the Dam area. More specifically, the Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat and Nieuwendijk house the stores you all know. If your demands are a bit higher, the Magna Plaza mall or the PC Hooftstraat will be happy to serve you. De 9 straatjes near Spui are another good option. For sure, the variety of the shops of Amsterdam will not disappoint you!
Shopping streets and malls Amsterdam
Like every decent capital city, Amsterdam offers a lot of opportunities for the shopaholics. The main shopping streets are Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat and Nieuwendijk, which cover the route from the main station to Leidseplein. You will find many of the main international stores and chains there, together with some souvenir stores and an occasional smart shop (for cannabis seeds and other supplies). The main malls here are Magna Plaza, right behind the Palace at Dam Square, and the Kalvertoren, in the Kalverstraat. Alternatively, the five floors of the Bijenkorf department store, right at Dam, will ensure that you find what you need. A music store rightly called ‘Fame’, in the Kalverstraat, is heaven on earth for music fans. Apart from CDs of virtually every musical stream, they sell DVDs and games.
Bijenkorf, Dam 1
Fame, Kalverstraat 2-4
Small and stylish Amsterdam
If you are more the type for smaller stores and charming streets, there are several options. One of the best is probably the so-called 9 straatjes (the 9 little streets) area. Situated to the west of Dam and Spui, and closed off by the four canals, you will find a lot of nice and fancy stores here. Fashionistas can admire the wonderful shoes and bags of Antonia by Yvette; culinary adepts will wet their appetite with the incredible cheeses (and more) of de Kaaskamer. If your wallet is in a good mood, you can’t miss out on the PC Hooftstraat, between Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein, to gaze at the creations in the windows of the big names: Gucci, Armani, Louis Vuitton and Chanel have found their home here. Another occasion is the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, where you can find all kinds of antiquaries and artistic stores.
Antonia by Yvette, Gasthuismolensteeg 16-18
De Kaaskamer, Runstraat 7
Markets Amsterdam
With regard to markets, Amsterdam has enough to offer. The most famous one is probably the Albert Cuypmarkt in the homonymous street. Here, you will find a lot of food, but also clothes. The multicultural Dappermarkt recently won the second position on The New York Times’ list of best markets worldwide. For second hand clothes, try the charming market at Lindengracht or the no-nonsense market of Waterlooplein. If you are into organic food, you might like the markets at Noordermarkt or Nieuwmarkt.
All markets are situated in the straat (street) or markt (market) by the same name.