Shopping
Shopping in Amsterdam: the Nine Streets, the Jordaan and the markets
Amsterdam is a city for lovers of small shops, vintage and design along the canals. Here is our guide to shopping in Amsterdam, from the Nine Streets and the Jordaan to PC Hooftstraat and the Albert Cuyp market, with canal-side hotels.
Bicycle bells ring, canal boats glide slowly past, and on a narrow side street between two canals a vintage shop has a coat you never planned to buy. Amsterdam is not a city of huge department stores, but of small discoveries: independent designers, cheese shops, second-hand bookshops and markets where locals actually shop.
Almost everything lies within the canal ring, so you walk or cycle between areas. Here are the neighbourhoods we recommend, and the hotels right in the middle of them.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to choose the right shopping area in Amsterdam
Small shops and vintage: the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
Chains and department stores: Kalverstraat and De Bijenkorf on Dam Square.
Luxury: PC Hooftstraat by Museumplein.
Markets: Albert Cuyp in De Pijp and the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan.
Antiques and art: the Spiegelkwartier between the Rijksmuseum and the canals.
The Nine Streets: little lanes between the canals
The Nine Streets, De 9 Straatjes, run between the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Here you will find vintage, small fashion labels, homeware, cheese and coffee bars in old canal houses. It is Amsterdam’s most charming shopping area and perfect for a slow day.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Canal houses in the Nine Streets
Pulitzer Amsterdam: in the heart of the Nine Streets
The Pulitzer is made up of a row of old canal houses joined into one hotel, right in the Nine Streets. You step out of the door straight into the shops.
The garden inside the block is a quiet oasis when the streets are busy.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Pulitzer Amsterdam
The Dylan Amsterdam
On the Keizersgracht
The Dylan: quiet on the Keizersgracht
The Dylan sits on the Keizersgracht, also in the middle of the Nine Streets. It is small, elegant and calm, with a courtyard and a good restaurant.
For a discreet stay with the small shops all around you.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at The Dylan Amsterdam
The Jordaan and the Noordermarkt
The Jordaan, west of the canal ring, has narrow streets, galleries, small design shops and traditional brown cafés. On Saturdays the Noordermarkt by the Noorderkerk sells organic food, cheese and second-hand goods, and the Monday market in the same spot has textiles and vintage.
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
In the old library on the Prinsengracht
Andaz Prinsengracht: design in the old library
Andaz is on the Prinsengracht in a former library building, with playful interiors inspired by the city’s history. The Jordaan and the Nine Streets are close by.
A good choice for design, canal views and short distances.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
Kalverstraat and Dam Square
Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk are the pedestrian streets with the big chains, and the De Bijenkorf department store stands on Dam Square. Magna Plaza, a shopping centre in the old post office behind the Dam, has shops under high vaulted ceilings.
De L’Europe Amsterdam
On the Amstel by Muntplein
De L’Europe: the classic on the Amstel
De L’Europe stands on the Amstel, next to Muntplein and the start of Kalverstraat. It is an Amsterdam classic with views over the water.
For a grand hotel with Kalverstraat and the flower market close by.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at De L’Europe Amsterdam
PC Hooftstraat and Museumplein
PC Hooftstraat is Amsterdam’s luxury street, with the big fashion houses in a row next to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Spiegelkwartier, between the museums and the canals, is known for antique dealers and galleries.
Conservatorium Hotel
A former music school on Museumplein
Conservatorium: luxury by the Van Gogh Museum
The Conservatorium occupies a former music school on Museumplein, a short walk from PC Hooftstraat. Its glass-roofed atrium is one of the finest spaces in the city.
For combining luxury shopping with museums.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Conservatorium Hotel
De Pijp and the Albert Cuyp market
The Albert Cuyp market in De Pijp is Amsterdam’s best known street market, open most days, with cheese, stroopwafels, flowers and clothes. The streets around it have small shops, coffee bars and restaurants.
Sir Albert Hotel
A former diamond factory in De Pijp
Sir Albert Hotel: the diamond factory in De Pijp
Sir Albert is in a former diamond factory in De Pijp, a few minutes from the Albert Cuyp market. The rooms have tall windows and a warm, modern style.
A hotel for staying in a local neighbourhood with a market and good restaurants.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Sir Albert Hotel
Tax free shopping and opening hours in Amsterdam
The Netherlands is in the EU, so visitors who live outside the EU, including UK residents, can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop. Ask for a tax free form and have it validated before you leave.
Most shops in the centre open on Sundays, and many open a little later on Mondays. The big sales come in January and July.
When should you book your hotel?
Tulip season in spring and King’s Day on 27 April: the city is full, so book early.
December: the light festival and Christmas trees along the canals.
Flexible rates: choose a cancellable room if you are planning far ahead.
Frequently asked questions about shopping in Amsterdam
Where is the best shopping in Amsterdam?
The Nine Streets and the Jordaan are best for small shops and vintage, Kalverstraat and De Bijenkorf for chains and department stores, PC Hooftstraat for luxury, and the Albert Cuyp market and Noordermarkt for markets.
What are the Nine Streets in Amsterdam?
The Nine Streets, De 9 Straatjes, are nine small cross streets between the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals. They are known for independent shops, vintage, homeware and coffee bars.
Are shops in Amsterdam open on Sundays?
Yes, most shops in the city centre open on Sundays, often from midday. Some also open later on Mondays.
When is the Albert Cuyp market open?
The Albert Cuyp market in De Pijp is open most days except Sunday. Come in the morning for the best choice.
Where should I stay for shopping in Amsterdam?
The Pulitzer and The Dylan are in the middle of the Nine Streets, Andaz is on the Prinsengracht near the Jordaan, De L’Europe is by Kalverstraat, the Conservatorium is by PC Hooftstraat and Sir Albert is by the Albert Cuyp market.