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.
10 Best Places to Shop 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
Centrum
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
Dille & Kamille
The Hague's branch of this popular Dutch chain is the perfect place to find kitchenware items and other trinkets for both home and garden.
Douwes
The centrally located Douwes sells a good range of English-language magazines and books alongside its core Dutch range.
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.
Farmers' Market
The most central traditional street market in the city is an organic farmers' market that is generally held on Lange Voorhout on Wednesday 8–6.
FG van den Heuvel
For handmade men's shirts, visit the diplomats' favorite supplier, FG van den Heuvel, in business since 1882.
Lange Voorhout
From late April until mid September on Thursday and Sunday, an antiques market takes over Lange Voorhout. Wandering through the stalls on a fine day, perhaps to the accompaniment of a street musician, makes for a lovely experience. An alfresco café supplies that all-important coffee and apple cake.
Smelik & Stokking
In business more than 50 years, these contemporary art specialists welcome browsers, and they have a pretty sculpture garden full of unusual pieces. Note that there are two store locations, directly across the street from one another.
