Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its canals, rich history, and a shopping scene that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. From charming canal-side boutiques in the UNESCO-listed Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes) to the luxury boutiques of P.C. Hooftstraat, Amsterdam offers a retail experience for every taste and budget.
| Places to go Shopping in Amsterdam | |
|---|---|
| Shopping Malls | De Bijenkorf, Magna Plaza, Kalverpassage |
| Shopping Streets | Kalverstraat, Damrak, P.C. Hooftstraat, Haarlemmerstraat, Leidsestraat |
| Outlets | Akerpoort Outlet & Megastores, Amsterdam The Style Outlets |
| Luxury | Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat (P.C. Hooftstraat), De Bijenkorf |
Shopping Malls
Magna Plaza
- ℹ️ Housed in a stunning neo-Gothic building, originally the main post office, Magna Plaza is a cultural monument. Its grand piano and occasional live music add a unique touch to the shopping experience.
- 📍 Nieuwezijas Voorburgwal 182, 1012 SJ Amsterdam
- 🚋 Tram: lines 1, 2, 5, 13, 14, 17.
- 🛍️ Key Brands: Mango, Swarovski, Lacoste
- ⏰ Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 10:00-20:00, Thursday-Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 10:00-20:00
De Bijenkorf
- ℹ️ As the largest department store in the Netherlands, spanning 20,000 square meters, De Bijenkorf is a national monument known for its luxurious ambiance and curated selection.
- 📍 Dam 1, 1012 JS Amsterdam
- 🚇 Metro: line 52, Rokin stop.
- 🚋 Tram: lines 4, 14
- 🛍️ Key Brands: International luxury brands (e.g., Gucci, Louis Vuitton), exclusive Dutch designer brands
- ⏰ Opening Times: Monday 11:00-21:00, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 10:00-20:00.
Kalverpassage
- ℹ️ This modern three-floor mall connects Kalverstraat and Heiligeweg, featuring art installations like a squashed Volkswagen Beetle and innovative ceiling lighting, blending shopping with cultural flair.
- 📍 Kalverstraat 212-220 (Entrance 1), Heiligeweg 17-19 (Entrance 2), Singel 457 (Entrance 3).
- 🚇 Metro: line 52, Rokin stop.
- 🚋 Tram: lines 2, 12, 17.
- 🛍️ Key Brands: HEMA, The Sting, Costes, The North Face.
- ⏰ Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 10:00-19:00, Thursday, Friday-Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 10:00-18:30.
Shopping Streets
Kalverstraat and Damrak are the best areas for shopping at retail chain stores like Primark, Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, Desigual, Mango, and Foot Locker. P.C. Hooftstraat is best for high-end shopping and luxury brands. Haarlemmerstraat is a great shopping street for independent boutiques, vintage shops, and specialty stores.
| Street Name | Shopping Highlights |
|---|---|
| Kalverstraat | Amsterdam’s bustling main shopping street, ideal for finding major retail chains. It’s pedestrian-friendly and centrally located, making it perfect for a comprehensive shopping experience. |
| Damrak | Close to Kalverstraat and Amsterdam Central Station, is another key area, especially for Primark, ensuring easy access to this popular store. |
| P.C. Hooftstraat | Named after 17th-century Dutch historian Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, this street transformed into a luxury hub in the 1970s. Luxury brands (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior). |
| Haarlemmerstraat | For a quirky, authentic shopping experience, ideal for those seeking one-of-a-kind items. |
Outlets
- Akerpoort Outlet & Megastores.
- Amsterdam The Style Outlets.
Luxury / High-End Shopping
- Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat (P.C. Hooftstraat).
- De Bijenkorf
Tips for Shopping in Amsterdam
- Best Times to Shop: Visit on weekdays, especially mornings or early afternoons, to avoid crowds in busy areas like Kalverstraat. Weekends, particularly Saturdays, can be hectic.
- Tax-Free Shopping: Non-EU tourists can claim a VAT refund (21% standard rate) on purchases over a certain amount. Obtain a tax-free form from the store, get it stamped at customs (e.g., Schiphol Airport), and submit it via services like Global Blue.
- Sustainable Shopping: Amsterdam is a leader in sustainable retail. Visit stores like Sukha (Haarlemmerstraat 110) for eco-friendly clothing and home goods, or Otrium (online) for discounted sustainable fashion. Markets like Noordermarkt also offer organic and artisanal products.
- Seasonal Sales: Major sales occur in January (winter) and July (summer), with mid-season sales in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October). Black Friday in November is increasingly popular for discounts.
What to Buy in Amsterdam
- Delft Blue Pottery: These iconic blue-and-white ceramics, rooted in Dutch history, are perfect souvenirs. Find them at Heinen Delfts Blauw or Royal Delft shops in Amsterdam, offering vases, plates, and figurines.
- Stroopwafels: Thin waffles with caramel filling, available fresh at Albert Cuyp Market (Rudi’s Original Stroopwafels) or Van Wonderen (Kalverstraat 190) with creative toppings.
- Dutch Cheese: Gouda and Edam are must-haves. Purchase from De Kaaskamer or Amsterdam Cheese Company for authentic, vacuum-packed options ideal for travel.
- Clogs: Traditional wooden shoes, available as souvenirs at Zaanse Schans near Amsterdam for handcrafted versions.
- Designer Fashion: P.C. Hooftstraat offers luxury brands like Chanel and Gucci, while boutiques like Droog showcase innovative Dutch designs.
