77 Best Places to Shop in Amsterdam, Netherlands

What began in the early '70s as an erotic magazine outlet has grown into reputedly the largest brick-and-mortar English-language book emporium on the continent. True to its name, the shop is American-owned, but the selection is broad and eclectic, running the gamut from crime fiction to New Age and Manga. Students, teachers, and senior citizens (on Monday only) receive a 10% discount with a valid ID.

For the city's best selection of international newspapers, creative magazines, and highbrow periodicals, as well as the freshest local offerings, find your way to the unmissable red-and-white awning on the Spui.

At this award-winning perfumery you'll find niche perfumes and premium cosmetics and skin care by brands such as BDK Parfums, ByTerry, Lorenzo Villoresi, and Aromatherapy Associates. There are also signature treatments in the in-house city spa using the organic skincare brand Tata Harper and luxurious Italian products by Santa Maria Novella.

Even if you're not in the market for a new rock, the free, guided tour of (reportedly) the world's oldest diamond-polishing factory is certainly worthwhile. You'll learn all about the industry's "four Cs"—carat, color, clarity, and cut—and get to watch highly skilled diamond cutters plying their trade. There's also a replica of Coster's most famous cut: the Koh-I-Noor diamond, one of the prized gems of the British crown jewels.

Most department stores and toy shops in the Netherlands carry this iconic Dutch children's brand, which you may know as Miffy, but here, at the only dedicated Miffy store in the country, you'll find every imaginable Nijntje product—clothes, books, toys, night-lights, toothbrushes, and more.

Hands-down the best kitchenware store in Amsterdam. The city’s chefs and home cooks crowd into this family-run business for excellent advice on everything from oyster knives to stand mixers to espresso machines. Tulip-shape cookie cutters and wooden speculaas (spiced shortbread biscuits) molds are nifty (and useful) souvenirs.

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.

A stark white interior forms a restful backdrop for colorful design by well-known names like Hay, Serax, and Vitra as well as up-and-coming European designers at this delightful decor store where the friendly owners are always happy to help you find a special gift or something stylish for your home. From affordable art posters, Scandi-chic ceramic planters, and pop-artish slogan mirrors to wooden zebra coat hooks---you’ll find it here.

If you're looking for new, vintage, antique or custom-made jewelry by a trusted name in the local jewelry scene, a visit to this family-owned store, situated on a tiny street near the University of Amsterdam, is a must. From authentic Art Deco earrings and chunky 80s gold vintage chain bracelets to classy, contemporary engagement rings, you'll find it here. By appointment only.

With more than 400 cheeses, all aged in the shop’s very own cheese cave, this is easily one of the best cheese shops in the Netherlands—and, some say, in all of Europe. There’s also an interesting selection of oils from Provence-based Château d’Estoublon, as well as charcuterie and crackers. Stock up on bread next door at the excellent French bakery Le Fournil de Sébastien and then head to nearby Beatrixpark for a picnic.

Invest in some of the city’s most stylish shorts, chinos, and cheerful swim trunks at the B Corp-certified Amsterdam-based menswear brand’s flagship store. Designed locally and handmade in Portugal, MR MARVIS first became known for the “perfect shorts” but has since expanded its sustainably produced menswear range. It’s loved by locals for details such as secret pockets and partially elasticized waistbands for the “ultimate fit.”

The quiet square around Noorderkerk transforms into a lively marketplace twice a week. Every Saturday (9 am to 4 pm), it’s home to an organic boerenmarkt (farmers' market) cherished by local foodies for the impressive selection of fruits and vegetables, local honey, plus plenty of meats and cheese. On Monday mornings (until 1 pm), there's a flea market full of secondhand clothing, books, antiques, and memorabilia.

Casual, preppy threads for men, women, and children can be found here, along with home wares, toys, and toiletries. There are other locations in Centrum, Oud-Zuid, and the Eastern Canal Ring.

While the Haarlemmerdijk shopping street is home to a wide range of noteworthy stores, this one stands out for its collection of global lifestyle brands dedicated to sustainability. With a collection spanning two levels, there's plenty to browse, from apparel, accessories, and books, to stationary, home goods and more. Occasional events like hot sauce tastings and live music enhance the shopping experience. Foodies will enjoy the cacao bar with a range of artisanal chocolate, raw cacao, fair-trade coffee, and baked goods on offer.

Stop here to discover handcrafted gifts and unique souvenirs—everything in stock is made in or around Amsterdam, and each has its own special story. This spacious shop in De Hallen sells original products from over 90 local creatives, artisans, and independent makers. The impressive range of products spans from food and drinks to art, books, jewelry, sustainable fashion, and other novel finds.

Entering UN feels more like walking into an art gallery than a shoe shop. And it's no wonder: the creative mind behind this brand's flagship store—and the various models of the signature floating-heeled pump contained therein—is Rem D. Koolhaas, nephew of the famous Pritzker Prize–winning architect Rem Koolhaas. In addition to architectural footwear for him and her, there's also a selection of striking bags and watches.

On Saturday, Amsterdam’s finest organic and artisanal food producers descend on a small square behind the Concertgebouw. There's a fishmonger, a granola and muesli specialist, a pancake stall popular with local kids, and, of course, plenty of organic produce from local farms.

Stock up on local cheese from Erik's Delicatessen and dried fennel sausages from Brandt & Levie.

Founded in 2007 by Myon Veenendaal and Barbara Hilbrink, this fashion and lifestyle brand celebrates "enduring style" and a "seasonless wardrobe" over trends that come and go. The brand's flagship store offers a good selection of its European-produced mid-range women's fashion basics and some homewares.

This self-titled ''hybrid store'' blurs the lines as a place where you can see and buy the work of a diverse range of Amsterdam-based artists, designers, and makers within the realm of art, beauty, clothes, and nature and design, hence the name. There are regular cross-over collabs and pop-ups here, too.

This century-old market on Albert Cuypstraat is the beating heart of De Pijp. It's open Monday–Saturday, rain or shine, and you're likely to hear the vendors barking out their bargains over the sound of a street musician. Stalls sell food, clothing, fabrics, plants, and household goods from all over the world. Be sure to try some Dutch snacks, like freshly made stroopwafels (thin waffle cookies with a layer of caramel sandwiched in between) or patat (french fries served with mayonnaise or satay sauce).

The largest covered art and antiques market in the Netherlands is a cooperative, housing more than 55 dealers and 10,000 objects. You may have to browse through a lot of junk, but you wouldn't be the first to end up with a great buy on an antique doll, a first-edition book, or military memorabilia.

This antiquarian's heaven, housed in a former department store, offers five floors of treasures on Amsterdam history. Specialties of this family-run business include books on pre-18th-century art, classical archaeology, architecture, biology, and the Olympic Games, as well as topographical maps and prints. It also offers a fair share of other literature nicely shelved by subject.

Chocoholics, take note: this Oud-Zuid institution not only sells handmade bonbons in sophisticated flavors like Earl Grey, cranberry-caramel, and black sesame-lychee, but will also custom-design just about anything you can imagine in chocolate. Several options are available for those with lactose, gluten, or cacao allergies. There is also a shop on  Molsteeg 11, offering ArtiChoc's most famous in-house specialty, Hemelse Stenen or ''Heavenly Stones," meltingly soft chocolate squares with nuts.

Founded in 1967, this shop is treasure trove of jewelry, fabrics, furniture, and other curiosities—both old and new—from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

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. 

Stop by this highly respected specialty shop for art books after visiting the nearby Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, or Rijksmuseum. The store also has an interesting selection of highbrow literature and nonfiction.

In business since 1792, this is one of the city's oldest and finest jewelers. In fact, founder Adrianus Bonebakker was famously commissioned by King Willem II to design a royal crown. While Bonebakker still manufactures and sells high-end jewelry and diamonds, you'll also find watches and fine jewelry by the likes of Ole Lynggaard, Pasquale Bruni, Boucheron, and Messika.

Women inspired by the betwixt-beach-and-bar look of Ibiza should sashay their suede ankle boots here for brands such as Isabel Marant Étoile, Paul & Joe, Antik Batik, Ganni, Masscob, and Joseph.