This post shows you the best areas and stores for a great shopping experience in Amsterdam.
Whether you are a tourist in Amsterdam or have recently moved here, knowing where you can do the best shopping is always helpful.
As a 10 years Amsterdam ex-pat I can tell you exactly which are the best shopping areas, where you can find the best clothing stores in Amsterdam, the best place for luxury shopping, and more.
No need to wander the streets for hours looking for the best places to shop (by all means, Amsterdam is gorgeous, so do feel free to explore if you have the time) – in this post I’m showing you exactly where to go, depending on what type of shopping you are interested in.
The Best Amsterdam Shopping Areas & Streets
Just like in any major European capital, most of Amsterdam’s main shopping areas and streets can be found in the city center.
These are the main places where you can go shopping in Amsterdam:
KALVERSTRAAT
Kalverstraat is one of the biggest shopping streets in Amsterdam and stretches from Dam Square to Muntplein square for about 1km (0,62 miles).
It is also one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, so don’t forget to look up from the store windows and admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings.
This is the best place to shop if you are looking for high fashion stores such as Zara, Mango, H&M, Uniqlo, beauty stores (ICI Paris XL, Douglas, Rituals), shoe stores (Manfield, Ecco, Geox), and many more.
It is THE busiest shopping street in Amsterdam, especially during the weekends and winter holidays, so expect crowds. My advice: plan your shopping early in the morning.
HOW TO GET TO KALVERSTRAAT
- Walking: walk straight ahead from Amsterdam Central Station to Dam Square. From the center of the square continue on the narrow street – Kalverstraat – towards Muntplein square. Duration: 10 minutes.
- by Tram: take tram 4, 14, or 24 from the central station 1 stop to Dam Square. Duration: 6 minutes.
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LEIDSESRTAAT
This is a gorgeous shopping street in Amsterdam and the most picturesque one in my opinion. You’ll be shopping and enjoying the beautiful canals at the same time.
Leidsestraat starts at Koningssluis and ends at the famous Leidseplein (Leidse square), taking you over the Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals.
This is the “upscale” version of Kalverstraat, with shops such as Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Hugo Boss, and Maje.
You will find many cafes and restaurants in this area so it’s the perfect place to shop and enjoy a well-deserved drink with a canal view afterward.
HOW TO GET TO LEIDSESTRAAT
- Walking: as you walk on Kalverstraat turn right on Heiligeweg, near van Wonderen Stroopwafels (the famous Dutch sweets). Duration: 22 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.
- by Tram: take tram 2 or 12 from the central station and step out at Keizersgracht. Duration: 11 minutes
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P.C. HOOFTSTRAAT
If you’d like to do some luxury shopping in Amsterdam, then P.C. Hooftstraat is the place to go.
You will find here all the major designer stores such as Channel, Dior, Burberry, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Michael Kors, and many more.
The street takes its name from a famous Dutch historian, poet, and playwriter – Pieter Cornelisz Hooft, and is located in the poshest neighborhood of Amsterdam: the Museum district (Amsterdam Zuid). Think of it as the Kensington of Amsterdam. If you’ve visited London, you will definitely see the resemblance.
HOW TO GET TO P.C. HOOFTSTRAAT
- Walking: it is a long walk from the central station, but definitely a beautiful one, highly recommend it. Duration: 37 minutes.
- by Tram: take tram 2 or 12 from the central station and step out at Museumplein (Museum Square). Duration: 20 minutes
The 9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
The 9 Streets is a lovely area on the Amsterdam canals, just behind Dam Square that you should definitely not miss. It is a group of charming, old streets, packed with cozy cafes, trendy boutiques, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, and more.
If you’d like to hang out where the locals do, then this is the place!
HOW TO GET TO THE 9 STREETS
- Walking: 19 minutes walk from Central Station, via Dam Square
- by Tram/ Metro: take trams 4, 14, 24, or the metro from the central station and step out at Rokin. Duration: 10 minutes
Utrechtsestraat
Maybe a less famous shopping street, yet quite unique and definitely worth the visit is Utrechtsestraat (Utrecht Street).
Start at Rembrandtplein (Rembrandt Square) and walk as long as you feel like it. You will find on Utrechstestraat a mix of upscale brands (Filipa K) and local designers, vintage stores, and lots of cozy cafes and restaurants. (you have to try Pata Negra, they have the best tapas).
HOW TO GET TO UTRECHTSESTRAAT
Walking: 24 minutes walk from Central Station
by Tram/ Metro: take tram 4 or 14 from the central station and step out at Rembrandtplein. Duration: 11 minutes.
PRO TIP: Stores in Amsterdam generally close around 6 pm during weekdays, with the exception of Thursdays, when they stay open until 9 pm. It is what the Dutch call “dinsdag koopavond”, meaning Thursday shopping evening.
The Best Clothing Stores in Amsterdam
You can find the best clothing stores in Amsterdam either on PC Hoofdstraat (upscale, designer stores) or on Kalverstraat for more mainstream brands such as Zara, Mango, and H&M.
If you’re looking for premium athleisure stores, Lululemon is located in the 9 Streets area.
My favorite place to shop for clothes in Amsterdam is De Bijenkorf. This is the “Nordstrom” or |Selfridges” of The Netherlands, and you can find all the best clothing brands in one place.
Luxury Shopping in Amsterdam
As you’ve already seen by now, the best place for luxury shopping in Amsterdam is the P.C Hooftstraat and The Bijenkorf shopping mall.
Feel free to explore the entire Museum district, around the P.C Hooftstraat, as you will discover more luxury stores in this area.
Amsterdam is also the best place to shop for diamonds, being a renowned diamond center for hundreds of years.
Check out Coster Diamonds at Museum Plein or Gassan Diamonds in Dam Square.
The Best Shopping Mall in Amsterdam
The best shopping mall in Amsterdam (and the Netherlands actually) is definitely De Bijenkorf.
It is a high-end department store owned by the Selfridges Group, located very centrally, in Dam Square.
You can find everything here from designer clothes and footwear to luxury home accessories and cosmetics.
Besides Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL, and Celine, you can also find here some of my other favorite brands such as REISS, ba&sh, Ted Baker, COS, and more.
There is a restaurant with a beautiful terrace on the 5th floor, so make sure to check it out if you’re here, the view is great.
PRO TIP: if you are traveling from outside of the European Union, make sure to stop by the tax-free lounge.
DE BIJENKORF AMSTERDAM OPENING HOURS:
- Monday: 11.00 -21.00
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10.00 – 21.00
Address: Dam 1, Amsterdam
Besides, the Bijenkorf, there are several other shopping malls in Amsterdam you might want to check out:
1. MAGNA PLAZA
A wonderful historical building in neo-gothic style, just behind the Dam Palace, the Magna Plaza is another great shopping mall to visit.
I would add this one to your list even just for the beauty of the building itself and the amazing view of Amsterdam from the higher floors.
You will find here stores like Mango, Sissy Boy, and America Today.
OPENING HOURS
- Monday – Sunday: 10.00 – 21.00
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182I, 1012 SJ Amsterdam
PRO TIP: if you are visiting Amsterdam during the winter holidays, make sure to pop inside to see the suspended Christmas tree.
2. GELDERANDPLEIN
Gelderlandplien is a smaller shopping mall located in the South of Amsterdam with a mix of clothing stores, beauty shops, food, and drinks.
You will find here clothing brands such as Costes, Petite Bateau, Bever (outdoor gear), and Mango.
One thing to know is that the shopping malls in Amsterdam (and in The Netherlands in general) are much smaller compared to the ones in other European countries or the US. There is no “mall culture”, no cinemas inside the shopping malls or many restaurants.
The Dutch like to spend their time outdoors or inside the many cozy cafes, or restaurants so shopping malls purely serve the purpose of buying the things they need.
The Best Souvenir Shops in Amsterdam
Want to take some tulips or colorful wooden clogs back home to your family and friends?
You will find A TON of souvenir shops all around Amsterdam, yet the best one, in my opinion, is 100% Holland, at Dam Square.
It’s got everything you can possibly think of, from wooden tulips, clogs in all colors and sizes, apparel, and even Christmas tree decorations with famous Dutch landmarks. Yep, my family’s Christmas tree has already a Dutch windmill in it. 🙂
You can also find good quality souvenir shops at the Flower Market and at Muntplein.
100% Holland:
Address: Dam 19, Amsterdam
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 9.00-22.00.
Heinen Delfts Blauw is another great souvenir shop, which specializes in traditional Delft blue items. So if you are looking for something more special, definitely try out this store.
Heinen Delft Blauw:
Address: Muntplein 12, Amsterdam
Opening. hours: Monday – Sunday 9.30 – 20.00
Amsterdam Shopping – Final Thoughts
I hope you found my Amsterdam shopping guide useful and that you’ll try out some of my recommendations.
If you have any questions on Amsterdam, feel free to ask them in the comments, I’m always happy to help!
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