Shopping

by Tanja
Amsterdam best shops

The main shopping streets in Amsterdam are Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat and PC Hooftstraat. But these streets don’t have the best shops in Amsterdam. The best shops in Amsterdam are to be found in the smaller streets: Haarlemmerstraat, Utrechtsestraat and the side streets of the main canals: the 9 streets shopping area.

Kalverstraat

Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat are the main shopping streets in Amsterdam. Kalverstraat runs from Dam Square, intersecting with Leidsestraat near the end. Both are pedestrian areas. At Kalverstraat you will find all major international shopping chains like H&M, Mango and Zara, as well as many sneaker stores and shoe shops.

Leidsestraat

Leidsestraat is a long shopping street that runs from Leidseplein Square up to Kalverstraat. The street is pedestrian-only. Trams run through it. Leidsestraat is famous for housing many quality shoe stores.

Main shopping street Kalverstraat, seen from Dam Square.

Kalverpassage Shopping Centre and HEMA

Kalverpassage Shopping Centre lies at the end of shopping street Kalverstraat. The store in the basement is Holland’s own Hema. Hema is the most famous shop for Dutch people. It’s a fairly priced store for general goods store and household ware. Its products are of simple but beautiful design. Also good for attractively priced souvenirs!

Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerstraat

On the other side of Dam Square runs Haarlemmerdijk. This is a rather cheesy pedestrian shopping street, with many fast food places. To find the good stuff, continue walking, crossing the bridge over the Singel canal. You have reached Haarlemmerstraat.

Find many small boutiques, great little places to eat and beautiful gift shops at Haarlemmerstraat. This street is also popular for its variety in brown bars, stylish cafés, and great restaurants. At the end of the street is one of Amsterdam’s favorite Art Film House.

Haarlemmerstraat is a wonderful shopping street in Amsterdam.

P.C. Hooftstraat

P.C. Hooftstraat is an upmarket shopping street. The place to shop for the most exclusive and luxurious brands. The Amsterdam P.C. Hooftstraat is home to Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and Dior.

Utrechtsestraat

Utrechtsestraat is a beautiful shopping street that runs from Rembrandtplein. Favorite places on Utrechtsestraat are:

The facade of record store Concerto at Utrechtsestraat, Amsterdam.

9 Streets

The ‘9 Streets’ cover the narrow side streets of the canal belt area between Dam Square and Jordaan Quarter. 9 Streets are popular and therefore very busy. The fashion tends to be more high end but housed in small, stylish boutiques.

9 Streets is also great for vintage shopping and designer goods. This Amsterdam shopping area also has great places to have lunch, to grab a beer with the locals or to eat out in Amsterdam.

Shopping for vintage and design at the 9 Streets District in Amsterdam.

Magna Plaza

Behind Dam square, behind the Amsterdam Royal Palace on Dam Square, there is an imposing neo-gothic building that once served as Amsterdam’s main post-office. It is now a mall in Amsterdam, great for shopping on cold days in Amsterdam!

Among many others, the Dutch Sissi Boy, fashion and interior design, is located in the basement. Apart from a café on the ground floor, there is also a food department on the second floor.

Shopping mall Magna Plaza
Former post office – now shopping mall Magna Plaza behind Dam Square

Bijenkorf department store

The most famous and ‘glamorous’ department store is at Dam Square. It’s called Bijenkorf. (‘Beehive’). Bijenkorf is the largest department store in Amsterdam. Chique in a Dutch way. It’s the Bloomingdale’s of Amsterdam.

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2 comments

Cecilia Castaño September 4, 2011 - 18:43

Hallo,I was in AMS last month and Im trying to find a shoe store that I visit, it´s really near Magna Plaza, maybe 3 blocks, it ´s a two floors location in a corner, the shoes are really modern and on the fist floor there´s a curvy wall where all the shoes are place in a square with a soft light. It was really cool but I was in a hurry so I couldnt take note of the place and now I want to recommend to my friends who visit the city.
Best regards, Cecilia

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Natalie February 3, 2012 - 23:10

I think you were talking about United Nude! I love their shoes.

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