Luxury shopping in Amsterdam
No matter what you’re looking for, Amsterdam is a shopper’s paradise. For those with more discerning taste, the city has an excellent selection of luxury shops, ranging from designer fashion houses to unique boutiques and custom-made items you won’t find anywhere else. While a couple of high-end department stores are right in the centre, you’ll also find charming shopping streets tucked in between more residential streets. Here are our tips on exclusive shopping in Amsterdam.
P.C. Hooftstraat
Named after the 17th-century poet and playwright Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, the P.C. Hooftstraat has been an exclusive shopping destination since the 1970s. Located near the Museumplein, this street is your first stop for big-name designers like Hugo Boss, D&G, MaxMara, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Gucci and more, alongside high-end jewellers like Boutique Tourbillon.
De Bijenkorf
On the edge of Dam Square, De Bijenkorf will keep you entertained for hours. The selection extends from fashion, handbags and shoes to housewares, luggage and electronics. On the ground floor, there are several luxury shop-in-shops like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Gucci.
Van Baerlestraat & Willemsparkweg
Around the corner from P.C. Hooftstraat is Van Baerlestraat, where you’ll find several renowned Dutch fashion designers like Pauw, The People of the Labyrinths and Fred de la Bretonière, known for its functional yet elegant boots and handbags. If you’re looking for a bit of pampering, book an appointment at the Soap Treatment Store for a facial, manicure or massage. Or for moccasins, loafers, sneakers and brogues, Floris van Bommel has you covered. Then, wander through this glittering shopping gallery for a taste of Dutch design and super-exclusive brands at the Conservatorium Hotel's Van Baerle Gallery. You’ll find jewellery at Bonebakker, children's clothing and bedding from Dutch brand Club Cinq, and the most extensive collection of Cuban cigars in the Netherlands at La Casa del Habano. From Van Baerlestraat, head deeper into Amsterdam Zuid, down the lovely Willemsparkweg. Try on an elegant dress at Thalians, whilst lovers of distinctive furniture and lighting should head to Edha Interieur. Willemsparkweg also has a variety of tempting cafés and restaurants if you want to grab a bite and rest your feet.
Cornelis Schuytstraat & Beethovenstraat
Halfway down the Willemsparkweg, you’ll cross the Cornelis Schuytstraat – the perfect place to create a new outfit. Step inside French Connection for the best in British design. Admire the designer shoes at Shoebaloo or Manwood, and then find the perfect earrings or watch at one of the many jewellers on the street. For luxury shopping with points for sustainability, head to Salon Heleen Huisman to unearth a second-hand designer treasure, from Balenciaga to Prada and Loewe. The showroom in Jacob Obrechtstraat near Vondelpark is open by appointment only. A few blocks from Cornelis Schuytstraat, Beethovenstraat hides many treasures in this reasonably compact shopping street. Here, you’ll find famous Dutch designers like Pauw and jewellers and specialty shops. The English Hatter offers a selection of hats for distinguished gentlemen. If your taste in luxury extends to food, stop by Huize van Wely for amazing chocolate bonbons.
All that glitters…
As one of Europe’s diamond capitals, Amsterdam is the ideal place to shop for jewellery. You can buy loose diamonds here but might prefer jewels you can wear out of the store. For the inside scoop on the diamond industry and an opportunity to shop, visit Gassan or Coster Diamonds. You’ll find several small speciality jewellers on the shopping streets listed above but for big names like Bvlgari, Cartier or Tiffany & Co, head straight to the P.C. Hooftstraat.
In the region
There's more to the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area than pretty polders, cheese and windmills. Head to the harbour at Lelystad and bask in a luxury shopping spree at Batavia Stad. It may look like a cute village, but it's an outlet shopping centre, home to hundreds of big-name brands that boast wallet-friendly prices. Here's our full round-up of shopping hotspots in the Amsterdam Area.
Beauty boutiques
Boasting world-renowned brands such as Diptyque, Aesop, Creed and Laura Mercier, you’ll find the right skincare solution, perfume or make-up at Skins Cosmetics. Fully trained staff are on hand to offer personalised advice, and a make-up artist is ready to give you that shopping-to-dinner touch-up you’ll be craving. For more beauty and wellness, check out this dedicated guide to beauty boutiques in Amsterdam.
Tax-free shopping
- And remember: non-EU residents are eligible to claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases in the European Union. In the Netherlands, the VAT is 21%, and the minimum spend is €50. To claim a refund, visit Customs before leaving the EU to get a stamp. You can either send the stamped receipt back to the store for a full VAT refund or make use of the following services:
- Shop only at retailers affiliated with Global Blue. Ask for a tax-free cheque and reclaim the VAT at their desk at the airport. Visit www.global-blue.com for more information.
- Shop wherever you like, save your purchase receipt and reclaim the VAT online or at the VAT Free service desk at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, departure hall 3. Visit www.vatfree.com for more information.
