Do you know about Kalverstraat? What about Leidsestraat? Surely, you've heard about P.C. Hooftstraat, too, right? Any bona fide shopaholic living in
Amsterdam should be familiar with these places. Why? These spots offer some of the best shopping in the city. Amsterdam may not be known as a fashion capital, but it's still a stylish metropolis with fabulous shopping. They range from streets lined with designer boutiques to prestigious malls and department stores packed with the most famous luxury labels in the world. If you have all the money in the world to spend on the finer things in life, you'll want to head to these amazing places!
Negen Straatjes
Negen Straatjes isn't just one of Amsterdam's central neighborhoods, but it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district, which as its name says is made up of nine lively streets, is also right at the heart of the old centre of the city. The place boasts as many historic landmarks as the Dutch capital itself. And in between these hotspots are cool boutiques, shops, and more that offer a quirkier retail scene. There's Episode on Berenstraat, for example, which is one of Amsterdam's best vintage stores. Velour on Huidenstraat, on the other hand, is a fabulously curated contemporary clothing store you shouldn't miss!
Kalverstraat
Kalverstraat is practically synonymous with shopping in Amsterdam. This is one of the city's two main retail streets and is often the more popular since the stores here are world-famous brands that are largely affordable. Familiar names like H&M, Uniqlo, Zara, Pull & Bear, and more line this beloved strip, offering the latest trends at more accessible prices. Though these aren't exactly the most luxurious labels out there, they're still popular enough that they're worth your hard-earned cash!
Leidsestraat
Located in the Jewish Quarter, another of
Amsterdam's central neighborhoods, Leidsestraat is the more high-end contrast to Kalverstraat's slew of high-street brands. The shops here aren't necessarily designer, but they're undoubtedly more luxurious compared to the latter. Expect names like Brandy Melville, Karen Millen, Filippa K, Paul Warner, and COS to line this fashionable street. Some of these are still largely affordable, but their prices are undoubtedly more premium at the same time. Nevertheless, they offer fabulous finds that are both trendy and timeless.
Utrechtsestraat
Utrechtsestraat is another of Amsterdam's more luxe shopping streets, this time around the eastern edge of Amsterdam-Centrum. Its location within the city's famous canal district already makes it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike, but its fabulous retail scene is what keeps them coming back for more. No less than the chic MaisonNL Concept Store, Teym, bellerose, Filippa K, Mochi, and agnès b. all have shops here. They're styles are always in style and the quality of their clothes is undoubtedly high!
Haarlemmerdijk
Most of
Amsterdam's public transport systems lead back to the Central Station, which is right by the beloved Haarlemmerdijk shopping street. What's great about this retail scene is that it's a mish-mash of boutiques, concept stores, and the like. Marbles Vintate is one such highlight, offering high-quality secondhand pieces that you won't find anywhere else. JUTKA & RISKA is another standout as it's a local brand known for its colorful pieces and interesting textiles. These are the kinds of wardrobe-worthy stores that are always a bang for your buck!
Beethovenstraat
You might be surprised to find out that music doesn't necessarily define Beethovenstraat, another of Amsterdam's go-to shopping destinations. The street may be named after the iconic German composer, but this place is fashion and lifestyle all the way. Check out Molteni&C's Flagship store here and get your hands on luxurious, Italian-made furniture to fill your
luxury apartment in Amsterdam. There's also The Atelier Munro House, one of the best places to get tailored men's suits in the entire city. Whatever it is you're shopping for, you're sure to get the highest quality on Beethovenstraat.
P.C. Hooftstraat
Gucci! Christian Dior! Bottega Veneta! Prada! Loewe! These are just some of the familiar names you'll find all lined up in the fabulous P.C. Hooftstraat street in the affluent Oud-Zuid area. This is Amsterdam's ultimate luxury shopping destination, featuring some of the biggest and most famous brands in the world. In a way, this is the Dutch capital's answer to iconic retail streets like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Oxford Street in London, and Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. This place is definitely not for the faint of wallet!
De Bijenkorf
Now, let's talk about Amsterdam's premier department stores and malls. First up is De Bijenkorf, an entire treasure trove of popular and underrated brands. Here, you'll see a mix of established labels and local and European designers that you should check out. Max Mara, Maje, Sandro, and Zadig & Voltaire are just some examples of the former, all known for their high-quality pieces and timeless styles. Beyond them, you'll also see less familiar names like Phase Eight, a British brand making a name for itself in cocktail-wear.
Magna Plaza
Magna Plaza is largely considered the most prestigious department store in Amsterdam. Known for its collection of high-end brands and luxury labels, it's comparable to the famous
department stores in Paris, New York City, London, and the like. It's pretty historic, too, since it's the first retail establishment of its kind at the heart of the city. Brands like Lacoste, Swarovski, Mango, and more fill up this striking neo-Gothic space. You just know that you'll get your money's worth here!
De Hallen
No list of the best spots for shopping in Amsterdam is complete without mentioning De Hallen! A cultural center in its own right, it's an institution of a retail establishment that's as much a tourist attraction as it is a hotspot. It's mostly famous as a venue for fashionable events in the city, but the place also has its fair share of standout shops. There's Denim City, for example, which is one of the best places to get jeans and other denim items in the city. LaSalle, on the other hand, sells timeless clothing that’s as luxurious as any of the big brands out there.
Want to go shopping in Amsterdam? Then you'll need to know the best places in the city for it. From retail streets to department stores, get to know the best spots to spend your money in the Dutch capital.
