Shopping in Amsterdam

The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Located in the heart of the city's historic canal district, this area of nine narrow streets called the Negen Straatjes was constructed during the 17th century. The Nine Streets intersect the main canals between the Leidsestraat and the Jordaan district, and are dotted with great restaurants, cafés, art galleries, jewellers, boutiques and vintage stores. With an exceptional array of styles, trends and prices, this area is truly a shopper’s paradise.

Upscale designers and labels

Head to the museum district for luxury shopping at its best. The P.C. Hooftstraat is Amsterdam’s most exclusive shopping street, featuring brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and more within a few short block. Continue down the Van Baerlestraat for brands like Vanilia, Gant and Miss Sixty. Famous Dutch designers like lingerie guru Marlies Dekkers have shops on the Cornelis Schuytstraat.

Department stores and shopping centres

The Maison de Bonneterie is an upscale department store on the Kalverstraat with a variety of designer brands like Armani Jeans, Burberry, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, Ferragamo, Gant, Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Riani and Marc Cain. Vroom & Dreesmann, the largest department store chain in the Netherlands, offers a more affordable shopping experience. It's also a great place to grab lunch or a cup of coffee. De Kalvertoren shopping centre is home to 45 shops. Magna Plaza, a beautiful shopping centre in a stunning historical building, is located just behind Dam Square. De Bijenkorf might be Amsterdam's most-loved department store, with an outstanding selection of high-end brands, the latest trends and fabulous sales.

The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat

The two main shopping streets in Amsterdam’s city centre are the Kalverstraat and the Leidsestraat. Of the two, the Leidsestraat has the more exclusive shops like Filippa K, Karen Millen, Paul Warmer and Shoebaloo. The Kalverstraat is home to all the shops you would expect to find in a large European city like H&M, Mexx, Zara and Esprit.

Art & antiques in the Spiegelkwartier

Following the construction of the Rijksmuseum in 1900, the Spiegelkwartier emerged as Amsterdam’s centre for antiques and art. More than 70 antique shops and galleries in this area boast impressive collections of paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, tribal and Asian collectibles. Whether centuries old or completely modern, you're bound to find something here that strikes your fancy.

The Haarlemmerdijk

The Haarlemmerdijk is a long, trendy shopping street, stretching from east to west towards Central Station. It is a lively strip where you will find everything from shoes, independent labels and second-hand clothes to specialty food products, interior design items and Dutch collectables.

The Beethovenstraat

Less crowded than other shopping areas, the Beethovenstraat is a broad street offering fashion, perfumeries and upscale patisseries. Located in Amsterdam's swanky Zuid district, it's the perfect place to shop for luxury items at a more leisurely pace.

Tax-free shopping

Non-EU residents are eligible to get back the Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases in the European Union. In the Netherlands the VAT is 19% and the minimum spent €50. To get 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: 

1) Shop only at retailers affiliated with global blue, ask for a tax-free cheque and then reclaim the VAT at their desk at the airport. Visit www.global-blue.com for more information.
2) Shop wherever you want to shop, save your purchase receipt and then reclaim the VAT online or at the vatfree.com service desk at Schiphol Airport, Departurehall 2. Visit www.vatfree.com for more information.

Shop opening times

Shops in Amsterdam are open every day of the week, but hours vary. Opening times may differ slightly per shop and district, but here are some general guidelines:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 09:00 - 18:00

• Thursday: 09:00 - 21:00

• Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00

• Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00