Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
Shopping
During the Golden Age, Amsterdam was the world's warehouse, stuffed with
riches from the far corners of the earth. The capital's cupboards are still stocked
with all kinds of exotica (just look at that Red Light gear!), but the real pleasure
here is finding some odd, tiny shop selling something you'd find nowhere else.
Specialities & Souvenirs
Dutch fashion is all about cool, practical designs that don't get caught in bike spokes.
Dutch-designed homewares bring a creative, stylish touch to everyday objects. Antiques,
art and vintage goodies also rank high on the local list. Popular gifts include tulip bulbs,
Gouda cheese and bottles of
jenever
. Blue-and-white Delft pottery is a widely available
quality souvenir. And, of course, bongs and pot-leaf-logoed T-shirts are in great supply.
Department Stores & Chains
The busiest shopping streets are Kalverstraat by the Dam and Leidsestraat, which leads into
Leidseplein. Both are lined with clothing and department stores, such as Dutch retailers
Hema and De Bijenkorf. The Old South's PC Hooftstraat queues up Chanel, Diesel, Gucci
and other fancy fashion brands along its length.
Boutiques & Antiques
At the top of the Jordaan, Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk are lined with hip
boutiques and food shops. To the south, the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) offers a satisfy-
ing browse among its offbeat, pint-sized shops. Antique and art buffs should head for the
Southern Canal Belt's Spiegel Quarter, along Spiegelgracht and Nieuwe Spiegelstraat.
