Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most enjoyable cities for shopping.
The city’s compact layout, walkable neighbourhoods, and mix of independent boutiques, well-known international brands, vibrant markets, and charming specialty stores create a shopping experience that feels both effortless and endlessly diverse.
This guide offers the most complete overview of where to shop, what to expect, how to get around, and which streets are worth exploring, based on verifiable information and proven local knowledge.
Table of Contents
Amsterdam Shopping Hours
The Netherlands has flexible retail laws, and Amsterdam, especially the city centre, operates with extended opening flexibility, particularly because of its tourism.
Typical Opening Hours (City Centre)
- Monday: Often 11:00–18:30
- Tuesday–Saturday: ~10:00–18:00 or 19:00
- Thursday (Late Shopping Night): Many shops open until 21:00
- Sunday: Most central shops open from ±12:00–18:00
Outside the centre, hours vary more by neighbourhood and shop type.
Public Holidays
Shop opening on holidays in Amsterdam is not uniform. Regulations vary by:
- Municipality
- Business category
- Individual store decisions
Tip: Always check individual store hours on Google Maps or the store’s website before visiting during holidays.
Amsterdam’s Top Shopping Streets
To help visitors explore efficiently, here are Amsterdam’s most notable shopping areas, organised by shopping style, not just lists.
A. Luxury & High-End Fashion
P.C. Hooftstraat
Amsterdam’s luxury boulevard with international designer brands and premium boutiques, located beside Museumplein.
Cornelis Schuytstraat (Oud-Zuid)
Upscale, elegant, local. Designer clothing, refined boutiques, gourmet shops.
Van Baerlestraat
A stylish continuation of the Museum Quarter shopping zone with fashion, beauty, and home décor.
B. Trendy, Local & Boutique Shopping
De 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets)
A historic cluster of canal-crossing streets filled with indie boutiques, local designers, vintage shops, and small cafés.
Utrechtsestraat
A beautiful, stylish street known for music stores, design boutiques, high-quality food shops, and fashion.
Haarlemmerstraat & Haarlemmerdijk
Often praised as one of the most vibrant shopping stretches in Amsterdam. A mix of fashion, vintage, concept stores, specialty foods, and lifestyle shops.
Spiegelkwartier
Amsterdam’s antiques and art district. A concentrated collection of antique shops, galleries, and collectors’ stores.
Beethovenstraat
A quiet, high-quality street popular with locals for fashion, children’s shops, and gourmet food.
C. Mainstream Fashion & Everyday Shopping
Kalverstraat
The busiest shopping street in the Netherlands. Home to major high-street brands.
Nieuwendijk
One of the city’s oldest shopping streets runs from Centraal Station toward Dam Square.
Leidsestraat
A pedestrian-friendly shopping street connecting the centre to Leidseplein. Fashion, shoes, lifestyle brands.
Damstraat
A short but lively street connecting Dam Square with a mix of souvenirs, streetwear, and fast shops.
D. Home Décor, Lifestyle & Interior Design
Overtoom
A long street with home-furnishing shops, outdoor stores, and specialty retailers.
Ceintuurbaan (De Pijp)
Concept stores, home décor, lifestyle brands, and independent boutiques.
Additional Design & Furniture Destinations (Amsterdam + Region)
- Villa ArenA (Amsterdam-Zuidoost)
- IKEA Amsterdam (Zuidoost)
- Woonboulevards (Zaandam, Cruquius, Diemen, Purmerend)
Amsterdam’s Markets
Amsterdam has dozens of markets, varying from daily food stalls to vintage markets. These include:
Major Daily/Weekly Markets
- Albert Cuyp Market (De Pijp) – Food, clothes, Dutch treats
- Waterlooplein Market – Vintage, second-hand, curiosities
- Dappermarkt (Amsterdam Oost) – Fresh produce, multicultural food
- Ten Katemarkt (Oud-West) – Everyday goods + De Hallen nearby
Specialty & Occasional Markets
Markets, such as design, creative, and neighbourhood markets, run year-round. The well-known Sunday Market at Westergas is one of the most popular, though dates vary.
Tip: Always check dates, seasonal markets, and Sunday events are not weekly.
Shopping Centres & Indoor Options
Perfect for rainy days or all-in-one browsing.
Magna Plaza
A historic building behind Dam Square with curated shops.
Kalvertoren
Indoor fashion and lifestyle mall on Kalverstraat.
Amsterdamse Poort (Zuidoost)
Large suburban shopping centre.
Boven ’t Y (Noord)
Convenient indoor mall near ferry connections.
Osdorpplein / Plein ’40–’45
Neighbourhood shopping centres with a wide range of retail.
Hidden Gems
Gerard Doustraat & Ferdinand Bolstraat (De Pijp)
Lifestyle boutiques, bakeries, Dutch brands, small studios.
Czaar Peterstraat (Oost)
A charming street packed with independent stores, sustainable brands, and specialty food shops.
Jordaan Side Streets
Small ateliers, local makers, galleries, leather goods, ceramics.
NDSM Wharf (Noord)
Creative studios, vintage warehouses, pop-up design markets.
Getting Around: How to Shop Efficiently in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is exceptionally easy to navigate.
Most Useful Tram Lines for Shoppers
- Tram 3: Connects several shopping streets + major markets
- Tram 2: Runs through the museum district + the luxury zone
- Tram 4: Direct to Utrechtsestraat
- Metro 52: Fastest north–south link (Centrum → De Pijp → Zuid)
Walking and cycling are perfect for boutique-heavy neighbourhoods like the canal belt.
Suggested Shopping Routes
A. Classic Amsterdam Shopping Route (Half Day)
Centraal Station → Nieuwendijk → Dam Square → Kalverstraat → De 9 Straatjes → Canal cafés
B. Luxury Route
Museumplein → P.C. Hooftstraat → Cornelis Schuytstraat → Van Baerlestraat
C. Trendy & Indie Route
Haarlemmerstraat → Jordaan side streets → Noordermarkt (on market day) → Utrechtsestraat
D. Home-Decor Route
Overtoom → Ceintuurbaan → Van Baerlestraat → Villa ArenA (optional)
Smart Shopping Tips
- Bring a reusable bag (shops may charge a fee).
- Many boutiques close earlier than big chains.
- A VAT refund may be available to non-EU visitors at participating stores.
- Sunday crowds peak in the afternoon, so go before 12:00 for a calmer experience.
- Side streets often have better prices than main tourist zones.
- Always check opening hours for holidays or special events.
Conclusion
Amsterdam offers a shopping experience unlike any other European city: diverse, compact, full of character, and easy to explore.
With elegant luxury streets, vintage treasure spots, bustling markets, neighbourhood boutiques, and indoor shopping centres, the city has something for every style and budget.
Looking for a Vintage & Sustainable Fashion Store?
If you love unique pieces, second-hand treasures, or environmentally-conscious boutiques, don’t miss our full guide to the best vintage and sustainable fashion stores in Amsterdam.
It includes curated recommendations, insider neighbourhood picks, and practical tips for finding authentic items across the city.