5 Best Places to Shop in Amsterdam-Oost, Amsterdam

This trusted gourmet food shop has more than 100 foreign cheeses and a large selection of local varieties, including various boerenkazen (raw milk farmhouse cheeses) and a few own-brand labels. There's also a well-chosen assortment of charcuterie, artisan bread, and more than 150 wines, with an emphasis on organic, biodynamic, and French bottles. It's a perfect stop for picnic essentials before heading to the lovely Oosterpark nearby.

Looking to stock up on original gifts for the (grand)kids back home? Head to this colorful toy store and boutique on trendy Javastraat, where you'll find brands like Petit Monkey, Bobo Choses, Konges Sløjd, and Janod for kids up to 10. There's also a specialist in-house hairdresser, where the littles can perch on unicorn, VW bus, or motorcycle seats. Every kids' haircut (€29.50) includes your choice of plaits, glitter, or a rainbow of spray-on colors. 

Since 1910, this popular market has been a consumer crossroads in Amsterdam-Oost. Running the length of the eponymous street, the market's 250 stalls sell everything from discount clothing and cosmetics to flowers and fabrics. The food offerings are just as diverse and include halal lamb kebabs, Indonesian loempia (egg rolls), and Dutch kibbeling (deep-fried battered cod).

This prizewinning artisan bakery, which mills its own flour and uses no additives or preservatives, was founded by the Hartog family back in 1896, and despite its good name (or perhaps because of it) remains a small-scale operation to this day. To sample the whole-wheat specialist’s breads and Dutch treats, such as speculaas (spiced shortbread biscuits) and oliebollen or Dutch beignets (a must-try in the holiday season), join the queue.

The idea for this “sustainable warehouse” came from owner Magali Heuberger’s love of handicrafts and her drive to make eco alternatives accessible to people. The result? A destination store with a delightful selection of quirky, brilliantly made homewares and gifts with "a solid story."