Quirky Amsterdam shops you should visit
Look around and you’ll find the most unusual shops waiting right next to the cheery facades of the canal houses. This list will take you along to Amsterdam’s quirkies specialty stores that give the city its unique flavour. Get ready for a fun day out and make room in your suitcases because there’s no way you’re leaving without a souvenir or two.
De Pindakaaswinkel
This handmade peanut butter shop with over 10 varieties is beloved by the locals. If you’re looking to bring some variety into your peanut butter sandwiches, this is the spot to check out. They’ve got coconut sea salt peanut butter, dates and cinnamon, chilly pepper and lemongrass, white chocolate and many others.
De Pindakaaswinkel, Czaar Peterstraat 169 | Friday - Saturday, 12:00-18:00
Terra Incognita
Terra Incognita is a haven for all those who love rocks, crystals and fossils. This little shop stocks rare crystals, minerals, fossils, jewellery and meteorites.
Terra Incognita, Van Baerlestraat 77-HS | Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00-18:00
't Japanse Winkeltje
You'll find a range of exclusive and handmade products crafted by young Japanese artists, including ceramics, calligraphy, kimonos, books and folding paper, at ‘t Japanse Winkeltje. To deep-dive into the culture, follow their workshops; they have a Japanese-language course, an origami workshop and a tea tasting.
t Japanse Winkeltje, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 177 | Monday - Saturday, 10:00-18:00
Salon de Thé in Het Kleinste Huis
The Smallest House in Amsterdam houses both a delightful tearoom and a tea salon that occupies the building’s miniature first floor. They have a truly wide range of loose-leaf tea sure to satisfy the pickiest customer, including their own custom blend which makes a great Amsterdam souvenir.
Het Kleinste House, Oude Hoogstraat 22 | Tuesday - Saturday, 12:00-17:00
De Knopenwinkel
This is a button shop: yes, yes, a button shop for the discerning button collector, or simply those who sew. From mother of pearl buttons to glass and wood, modern and vintage, this shop has everything. There is also a miscellaneous section filled with art, accessories and vintage clothing.
De Knopenwinkel, Herengracht 383-389 | Monday - Sunday, 10:00-18:00
De Koekboekhandel
This cosy bookshop exclusively stocks cookbooks from all over the world. This small independent bookshop also hosts book signings and events with special tastings.
De Koekboekhandel, Haarlemmerdijk 133 | Wednesday - Saturday, 11:00-18:00
De Posthumuswinkel
This store holds a piece of Amsterdam history as it dates back to 1865. De Posthumuswinkel is all about stationery, rubber stamps, wax seals and pens.
De Posthumuswinkel, Sint Luciënsteeg 25 | Tuesday - Friday, 10:00-17:30 PM, Saturday, 11:00-17:30
Gastronomie Nostalgie
This peculiar antique store specializes in cutlery and everything necessary for a classical dinner table. Expect vintage finds and lots of silverware, bread baskets, carafes, napkin rings, and other finds that will fuel your longing for a delightful dinner party.
Gastronomie Nostalgie, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 304 | Monday - Saturday, 11:00-18:00, Sunday 11:00-17:00
Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje
Step into this old-school Dutch candy shop and you will find yourself in the neighbourhood’s favourite. Typical Dutch candy includes the famous liquorice known as ‘drop’ that can be very divisive, the ‘perendrups’ with a sweet-sour coating and a variety of toffees.
Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje, Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 2 | Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00-17:00
The Mouse Mansion - Shop & Studio
The Mouse Mansion is a miniature museum and a shop in one. The museum part is made of complex mouse mansions and follows the characters of Sam and Julia, who live very full lives. There’s even a marina in the back. The store fosters the creative spirit with little mouse dolls, character books and everything you need to build your own mouse mansion from furniture kits to stickers, papier-mâché supplies and a full playhouse set.
The Mouse Mansion, Eerste Tuindwarsstraat 1HS | Mnday-Sunday, 10:00-17:00
Lambiek comic book store
Lambiek specializes in comics, graphic novels and strip books. It is also one of the oldest comic shops in the world with a part of it functioning as an art gallery.
Lambiek, Koningsstraat 27A | Monday to Saturday, 11:00-18:00
