American Book Center
Centrum
As the name hints, this Hague branch of the long-standing Amsterdam institution sells English-language magazines and books aimed primarily at an American audience.
6 Best Shopping in The Hague, Netherlands
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There is a plethora of intimate, idiosyncratic boutiques to explore in The Hague; in larger department stores, you can easily kid yourself that you're there for the architecture—several are housed in period gems. With its historic and artistic connections, the city's art and antiques trade has naturally developed a strong reputation, and you can certainly find treasures here. Despite the Dutch reputation for thrift, haggling for antiques isn't done. That said, some kind of discount can almost always be arranged if you offer to pay in cash. Late-night shopping in The Hague is on Thursday until 9. Increasingly in the center of town, you'll find larger stores open on Sunday; many shops take a half day on Monday.
Denneweg, Frederikstraat, and Noordeinde are best for antiques shops, galleries, and boutiques. For quirky, one-of-a-kind gift shops, try Molenstraat and Papestraat. You'll find chain stores in the pretty, light-filled Hague Passage (Spuistraat 26), which dates to the 1880s and is the Netherlands' last remaining period mall. In the little streets behind the Passage are more fashion and housewares boutiques. Between the Venestraat and Nieuwstraat is the charmingly named Haagsche Bluf (the name is akin to the "hot air" coming out of Washington, D.C.) pedestrian mall, featuring mainly clothing chain stores.
Backers & Zoon
Customers at Backers & Zoon receive the sort of personal attention one would expect from an old-fashioned family jeweler. There's a sophisticated stock of pieces, including signet rings, diamond rings, and Fabergé-style accessories. Prices are not for the fainthearted.
De Bijenkorf
Holland's premier department-store chain has a reputation for combining class with accessibility and is excellent for cutting-edge housewares, fashion accessories, and clothing basics. Do look, too, at the building's period detailing: stained-glass windows, carvings, and original flooring adorn the sweeping stairway on the left of the store.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Emma
Tucked away from the crowds is Emma, a tiny, very feminine store complete with whitewashed walls and a wooden floor. The owner specializes in silver plate and costume jewelry, much imported from Paris and Berlin. She also stocks a small range of fabulous chandeliers—sometimes in unusual colors, like purple.
FG Van den Heuvel
For handmade men's shirts, visit the diplomats' favorite supplier, FG Van den Heuvel, in business since 1882.
Smelik & Stokking
These contemporary art specialists welcome browsers, and they have a pretty sculpture garden full of unusual pieces.
