Discover the best places where to go shopping in Amsterdam. The city doesn’t have big shopping centers or outlets, but it does have many neighborhoods and streets to choose from. So, you’ll certainly be able to do some good shopping.
Amsterdam’s main shopping streets
Amsterdam isn’t famous for having large shopping malls or enclosed outlets full of stores, but it does have extensive shopping streets – and there you can find everything. This is because there are streets with luxury stores, famous brands, stores that only exist in the city and sell exclusive products, antique stores, accessory stores and many others.
That’s why we’ve listed Amsterdam’s main shopping streets below.
1. Kalverstraat Street in Amsterdam
This is the city’s most famous shopping street. It is right in the center and is closed to cars or other vehicles, with only pedestrians allowed through, which makes shopping much easier. There you’ll find clothes stores, books, electronics, cafés, restaurants, a museum and even a church.
There are large European department stores, such as H&M, Zara and Primark, which has a giant five-storey unit on the Kalverstraat. There are also several stores selling small local brands.
The street is also very busy because it is a frequent stop for tourists and locals. It even has a number of Amsterdam landmarks around it.
2. PC Hooftstraat in Amsterdam
Looking for designer stores? Then head to Amsterdam’s PC Hoofstraat, which is famous for its glamor and the number of celebrities who shop at stores like Gucci, Channel and Cartier, for example. And even if you’re not planning on spending a lot of money on bags or clothes, it’s worth stopping by. This is because, as well as being close to the city’s tourist areas, the street is very charming and beautiful.
3. Haarlemmerstraat in Amsterdam
This is the ideal street for food lovers. Full of cafés, typical food stores and restaurants, strolling along it is a journey through the flavors of Holland. On Haarlemmerstraat, there are also bookshops and a few clothes stores, so you can do a bit of shopping there.
Take your time to wander around the street, so you can get to know everything at your leisure. And if you can, plan to have a meal there too, because it’s worth it.
4. De 9 Straatjes streets in Amsterdam
The nine streets are great for shopping in Amsterdam. They are located in the Jordaan district, one of the coolest and most charming in the city. There are many antique stores, boutiques, thrift stores, cozy cafés, art stores and much more.
You can also visit famous brand stores such as H&M, but it’s really the ideal area for those who enjoy art, music and more unusual products.
5. De Bijenkorf department store in Amsterdam
This department store in Amsterdam is similar to Harrods in London. It’s very luxurious, like a big shopping mall that sells clothes for men, women and children, most of which are resold from big brands. There is also a cosmetics, homeware and books section.
On the top floor of the store is the Bijenkorf Kitchen, a self-service café/restaurant. It’s worth a visit.
Extra tips for shopping in Amsterdam
Shopping hours: the stores in Amsterdam are open during business hours. So be careful not to risk finding the stores closed. On weekdays, for example, with the exception of Thursday and Sunday, stores are usually open between 9am and 6pm.
Thursday is called Koopavond, the shopping night, when the stores don’t close until 9pm. It’s a tradition in 1976. This is certainly one of the best days for shopping. On Sundays, the hours are even more restricted, usually from 9am to 5pm.
Shopping discounts: whenever you’re in Amsterdam, look out for the words Korting, Uitverkoop, Opruiming or Sales, as they all stand for discounts or offers and mean that the store is on sale.
In January and July, for example, most stores offer a big clearance sale with lots of discounts because of the change of seasons. During these two periods, the shopping streets become more crowded, especially in July, when it’s high season (summer there).
Save money on your trip to Amsterdam:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Amsterdam cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Amsterdam tickets in the cheapest and safest way – for parks, museums and ticket combos. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Amsterdam. You will find out the best area, the hotels that we have stayed there and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
