Shopping in Amsterdam
Discover 27 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Amsterdam, Netherlands. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Albert Cuyp Market
Largest street market in Amsterdam, and the best-known street market in the country. It is iconic for the "De Pijp" neighborhood and its working class inhabitants. There is something for everyone here, whether you're looking for delicious Dutch treats, clothing or second-hand cameras. There's also a wide array of stores that cater to the city's Surinamese, Antillean, Turkish and Moroccan inhabitants, giving the market and neighborhood a strong multicultural feel. Can get very crowded, so watch out for pickpockets.
M-Sa 09:00-17:00 Website -
Athenaeum Boekhandel
One of the most renowned book stores of Amsterdam because of its wide array of fiction and more academic titles. It is very popular among local students; however, their study books are also interesting reading material for non-graduates. They have a particular large selection of books in the humanities, including history, media, language, culture and international relations.
Spui 14-16 M 11:00-18:00, Tu-W, Sa 09:30-18:00, Th 09:30-21:00, F 9:30-18:30, Su 12:00-17:30 Website -
The Nine Streets
Nine narrow streets enclosed between the main canals from the Prinsengracht to the Singel, south-west of Dam Square. The northernmost street is Reestraat and to the south is the Runstraat. The streetnames are marked with a sign of the Nine Streets, and some shops have a flyer of this area. You can find a lot of boutiques, specialist shops, galleries and restaurants here.
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Noordermarkt
On Monday morning the Noordermarkt is a flea market selling fabrics, records, second-hand clothing etc., and forms part of the Lapjesmarkt mentioned above. On Saturday, the Noordermarkt is a biological food market, selling a wide range of ecological products like organic fruits and vegetables, herbs, cheese, mushrooms etc. There is also a small flea market.
M 09:00-13:00, Sa 09:00-16:00 -
Bloemenmarkt
The world's only floating flower market, open daily on the Singel between Koningsplein and Muntplein. It is very touristy, but you could do worse than buying your tulips here. Make sure you buy pre-approved bulbs if taking them to the U.S. or Canada. They will have the holographic licence and export tag on the bag.
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Design020
A large interior design centre that is an architectural highlight by itself. Plenty of interesting interior shops like Kartell and Kasstoor, and also don't miss the café as it has a roof terrace with a great view on the water. Free parking.
Pedro de Medinalaan 89 Tu-Sa 10:00-18:00 -
Waterloopleinmarkt
A well-known but fairly overrated market near the city hall. Partly flea market, partly alternative and second hand clothing and accessories. More oriented towards tourists than to locals.
M-Sa until about 17:00 -
Waterstones
Another good tip for English literature. Prices on the high side, but there's a good selection of fiction and children's books. They also have magazines, newspapers and board games.
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Santa Jet
Prinsenstraat 7. This little boutique specializes in hand-made imports from Latin America. You can find everything from mini shrines made of tin, to lamps, to kitschy postcards.
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Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat
Probably the wealthiest street of the country where Dutch celebrities go for a new pair of designer shoes. Better bring a filled wallet if you're planning to buy something here.
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De Beeldenwinkel Sculpture Gallery
This is a gallery for sculpture lovers, with bronze statues, pottery, abstract sculpture, raku-fired statues and marble figures sculpture to suit every budget and taste.
Berenstraat 29 -
The Book Exchange
A second-hand bookstore specialising in English books, and has a large selection, with an especially good selection of travel writing, detectives, and SF/fantasy.
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Spui
Every Friday and Sunday a market is held on the Spui. Friday has books on sale, while Sundays are all about art and antiques.
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Lapjesmarkt
A specialist market concentrating on selling cloth and material for making clothes, curtains etc. Mondays only.
Westerstraat M 09:00-13:00 -
Lindengracht
Selling a wide range of goods, fruit and vegetables, fish and various household items. Saturday only.
Sa 09:00-16:00 -
The American Book Center
Excellent shop for literature and books in the English language, particularly on American culture.
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Dappermarkt
In the east, behind the zoo, and was voted best market in the Netherlands.
Dapperstraat M-Sa 09:00-17:00 -
Ten Katemarkt
Third largest in Amsterdam with food, households, flowers and clothing.
M-Sa 08:00-17:00 -
IJgenwijs
Nice shop for presents and home decoration. It is about to close.
IJburglaan 1285 -
Tjikky+Ko
For kids's clothing.
Krijn Taconiskade 128P -
Bij'tij
Boutique.
Krijn Taconiskade 126 -
Frontrow
Boutique.
IJburglaan 1277 -
Ien Lifestyleshop
Boutique.
Diemerparklaan 52 -
Sevenlands
Boutique.
IJburglaan 1359 -
SUBURB Denim
Boutique.
IJburglaan 1499
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Amsterdam: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Amsterdam is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Amsterdam's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 27 shopping spots in Amsterdam sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Amsterdam
Amsterdam's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Amsterdam often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Amsterdam sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Amsterdam
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Amsterdam's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Amsterdam prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Amsterdam close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Amsterdam, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Amsterdam.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Amsterdam light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Amsterdam
The most meaningful souvenirs from Amsterdam are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Amsterdam
Like most cities, Amsterdam's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Amsterdam
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Amsterdam — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Amsterdam
Where to shop in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has 27 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Amsterdam.
What souvenirs to buy in Amsterdam?
The best souvenirs from Amsterdam are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Amsterdam?
Yes, Amsterdam has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Amsterdam?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Amsterdam. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Amsterdam as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Amsterdam is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Amsterdam.
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