Shopping in Amsterdam

Most of the information on this page can be found in the VVV brochure 'Shopping in Amsterdam,' which contains a map illuminating shopping areas.

Shops often close early on Saturdays and most are not open on Sunday. Shops will frequently not open until the afternoon on Mondays, or sometimes not at all. Thursday is 'late shopping night'; you can expect most shops to be open in the evening.

Listings

• Albert Cuyp market
• Amsterdamse Poort
• Beethovenstraat
• Cornelis Schuytstraat
• De Negen Straatjes
• Haarlemmerbuurt
• Hoogstraat
• Jordaan
• Kalverstraat-Heiligeweg-Spui
• Koningsplein/Bloemenmarkt
• Leidsestraat
• Magna Plaza
• Museumkwartier
• Nieuwendijk
• Prinsheerlijk
• Spiegelkwartier
• Utretchtsestraat
• Waterlooplein
• Westerstraat
• Zeedijk

Albert Cuyp is a large open-air market open every day except Sunday. It is near Sarphatipark and the Heineken Brouwerij. There are permanent shops behind the stalls. It is a good place to buy fresh vegetables and fruit, cheap clothing, and Turkish food.

Located some distance from the center near the Ajax stadium, Amsterdamse Poort is perhaps the largest shopping area in Amsterdam. The numerous shops serve the crowded neighborhood of Bijlmer.

Beethovenstraat is in the southern part of Amsterdam near Beatrixpark. It has a number of luxury and specialty shops.

Located a bit beyond Museumplein behind Concertgebouw, Cornelis Schuytstraat has an unusual mix of businesses including specialty shops, fashion outlets, craft shops and bookstores.

This is an area between canals with a traditional character. At one time hide and leather were processed here.

Located near the river IJ and the Jordaan district, this is an old style neighborhood with residential and shopping areas. Plaques and monuments mention the area's links with trade and shipping. The former west Indies headquarters are in this area. It is within 10 minutes of Centraal Station.

Starting from the southeast side of Dam and continuing to near Waterlooplein, this area has a range of clothing shops, from tie-dyed skirts to second-hand to goth.

With canals, courtyards, and criss-crossing streets, this 17th century working-class district offers small shops and a leisurely atmosphere.

Kalverstraat is located between Dam and Muntplein and dates to 1393. The street is crowded with shoppers on foot--motor vehicles are not allowed access. Club clothing and shoes can be found in abundance. There are also two bookstores with English books near Spui. Kalverstraat is the last street in Dutch Monopoly, making it quite expensive.

Located on the Singel canal between Heiligeweg and Leidsestraat is Koningsplein and the famous flower market.

At the time of this writing, construction on the street means that no trams are running through it. You can either start from Kalverstraat and walk towards Leidseplein, or take a tram to the square and walk back. Leidsestraat is known for being open late.

Magna Plaza is behind Dam on the palace side. It was built in the 19th century as the head post office and is now a shopping centre with quite a few shops. It is open 7 days a week and is near Centraal Station.

The area near Museumplein, where three major museums--the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum--can be found, offers fashion, leatherware and jewelry shops.

Between Centraal Station and Dam is Nieuwendijk, one of Amsterdam's oldest shopping streets.

Occupying two 17th century streets, Prinsheerlijk offers jewelry, accessories and wine shops. It is near Centraal Station.

Spiegelkwartier is between the Rijksmuseum and the city center. Most art and antique shops are located in this area.

Some of the most diverse shops can be found in this area. Antiques, jewelry, modern furniture, tulips, pastry shops and hardware stores are available behind the facades of old buildings.

The flea market at Waterlooplein sells items ranging from electronic equipment to old records to leather jackets.

Westerstraat is within 10 minutes from Centraal station. It is part of the Jordaan district.

The area runs from St. Olofskapel to the Waag, which formed part of the medieval city walls. There are many small, varied shops. The area is often referred to as Chinatown because of the numerous Chinese shops and restaurants. It is very near central station. Sex shops can be found on the streets to the west of Zeedijk.

Last modified on August 9, 2001 by leon@yapc.org.
All content copyright © 2001 Yet Another Society, Inc.