Table of Contents
Shopping on Sundays in Amsterdam: What Should Visitors Know?
Shopping on Sundays in Amsterdam is permitted under local retail regulations, primarily to serve visitors staying in central areas.
This matters for international travellers because Sunday opening is common in tourist districts but not uniform across the entire city, which can affect planning.
From an editorial planning perspective, Sunday retail access is best understood as location-based rather than citywide.
Is Sunday shopping legally allowed in Amsterdam?
Yes, shops in Amsterdam are allowed to open on Sundays and public holidays under the city’s designated tourist area status.
Most retail businesses may operate between 06:00 and 22:00, except on Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and 4 May (National Remembrance Day), according to municipal retail rules updated in 2024.
Are all shops open on Sundays?
No, Sunday opening is optional, not mandatory.
Shops in the historic centre and major visitor areas usually open, while many neighbourhood shops outside the centre remain closed due to lower demand.
This is a frequent point of confusion for visitors who expect uniform opening hours across districts.
What are typical Sunday opening hours for shops?
Most shops that choose to open do so from late morning through early evening.
Large supermarkets typically close earlier, often by 20:00, including chains such as Albert Heijn and Dirk van den Broek, based on commonly updated store guidance for 2025.
Which shopping streets are most active on Sundays?
Amsterdam’s best-known shopping streets with consistent Sunday activity are concentrated in and around the city centre.
These areas are well served by trams and are within walking distance of major attractions.
The most visited shopping streets include:
- Kalverstraat
- Nieuwendijk and Korte Nieuwendijk
- Damrak and Rokin
- Dam Square and Magna Plaza
- Leidsestraat
- P.C. Hooftstraat
- Spiegelstraat and Spiegelkwartier
- Overtoom
- Ceintuurbaan
- Van Baerlestraat
- Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk
- De Negen Straatjes
- Damstraat and Oude Hoogstraat
- Utrechtsestraat
Are shopping centres open on Sundays?
Yes, several indoor shopping centres operate on Sundays, usually with reduced hours compared to weekdays.
Most centres open between late morning and early evening, depending on tenant participation.
Key shopping centres include:
- Amsterdamse Poort
- Boven ’t Y
- Kalvertoren
- Magna Plaza
- Osdorp Shopping Centre
- Plein ’40–’45
Can visitors shop for home furnishings on Sundays?
Yes, many large home-furnishing stores around Amsterdam are open on Sundays.
These retail areas are usually located outside the historic centre and are best reached by car or regional public transport.
Well-known locations include:
- Woonboulevard Cruquius
- Meubelboulevard Diemen
- Woonboulevard Purmerend
- Woonboulevard Zaandam
- IKEA
- Villa Arena
- Woonboulevard De Klaproos
Are department stores open on Sundays in Amsterdam?
Yes, several large department store chains operate on Sundays in central shopping areas.
Physical department stores are mainly located in the city centre and major shopping streets, with most opening from late morning to early evening.
Commonly operating department store chains include HEMA, Blokker, and C&A, based on store availability and branch-level opening guidance updated in 2025.
From an editorial planning perspective, visitors should note that former Dutch department store brands such as Vroom & Dreesmann no longer operate physical shops and should not be considered part of Amsterdam’s current retail landscape.
Does Sunday shopping affect public transport access?
No, Sunday shopping aligns with normal Sunday transport schedules.
Trams, metro lines, ferries, and buses operate throughout the day, though with slightly reduced frequency compared to weekdays, according to the 2026 GVB schedules.
FAQs
Q. Are shops open every Sunday in Amsterdam?
No. Shops may open, but participation depends on location and the owner’s choice.
Q. What time do shops usually open on Sundays?
Most open between late morning and early afternoon, with closing times often between 18:00 and 20:00.
Q. Are supermarkets open on Sundays?
Yes, but many close earlier than other shops, commonly by 20:00.
Q. Are shops closed on public holidays?
Some holidays allow opening, but Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and 4 May have restrictions.
Q. Is Sunday shopping better in the city centre?
Yes. Central districts have the highest concentration of open shops.
Summary: Who This Guide Helps and Why It Matters
This guide supports visitors planning a weekend in Amsterdam who want clarity on retail availability.
The key planning takeaway is that Sunday shopping is reliable in central areas but limited in residential districts, making location the primary factor when organising a Sunday itinerary.
How does parking affect Sunday shopping plans in Amsterdam?
Parking considerations can influence where visitors choose to shop on Sundays, particularly outside the city centre.
Some shopping centres and retail zones have different parking policies on Sundays than on weekdays, which can affect access and timing.
For visitors planning to travel by car, the overview of free parking in Amsterdam explains where parking may be available at no cost, how local parking rules work, and which areas are better suited for car access rather than public transport.
This allows visitors to combine retail planning with transport decisions, especially when visiting shopping centres or home furnishing areas beyond central districts.