Make some unique and trendy purchases in Amsterdam

The laid-back lifestyle of Amsterdam is popular among Dutch locals and foreign visitors. Make the most of your stay in this unique city and make some choice purchases to act as mementos of your experience

Lana de Wit

Shopping in Amsterdam

From flea markets to books markets, Amsterdam has it all. Dutch designers craft some of the world’s best products, from vintage home items to fashionable clothes. Some of the most common souvenirs purchased in Amsterdam are the typical traditional items: wooden clogs, tulips and Dutch cheese. The best spot for this kind of thing is Dam Square, where you will find as much Dutch merchandise as you could ever wish for in the souvenir shops.
If you are looking to make larger, practical purchases in Amsterdam, why not buy a bike? After all, it is how pretty much everyone gets around this vibrant city. You’ll fit right in as you zip up and down the narrow, elegant streets. If you are really looking to spend, you might consider purchasing a boat or even a house boat in Amsterdam. Now there’s a truly local experience!
The popular district of Jordaan is a great place to make purchases in Amsterdam. Well known among students and artists for its galleries, markets, boutiques, bars and pubs, it’s an interesting section of the city with a lot of character. Besides visiting the much-frequented Amsterdam Tulip Museum, which celebrates the national flower of the Netherlands, this area is ideal for making unique purchases.
Jordaan has a history of being considered the poor side of town during a time when the city’s immigrants suffered social unrest. Today, small, inviting cafés and bakeries line its narrow side streets. It is thriving with life and both budget eateries and high-end restaurants can be found and enjoyed here. You'll surely be peckish after all those purchases in Amsterdam!

Choice shopping areas

Nine Streets is as its name implies: 9 streets along the canal belt, each a unique world with its own distinctive charm. It is situated within walking distance from the Royal Palace. You should also take some time to visit the city's many open-air markets, like the Spui with its arts and crafts or the Noodermarkt which sells organic produce. “Shop 'til you drop” is a common mantra in Amsterdam and if you want to experience this in a unique place then head to the Bloemenmarkt (“flower market”). This floating market is set up on house boats on the canal and is the only one of its kind in the entire world. Here, thousands of flowers are sold across dozens of shops. There’s really nothing like it anywhere else.
On the hunt for trendy furniture? Home items might be some of the best purchases you could make in Amsterdam. Browse some of the city’s best goods at stores like the Frozen Fountain, with its contemporary-style home décor and furniture produced by world-renowned, local designers.
 Making purchases in Amsterdam should include touring the Local Design Markets, where you’ll be sure to find something to suit every budget and every personality. Amsterdam also has many art stores where you can find fine and unusual art, from traditional old masterpieces to modern and exotic contemporary styles.
Come sunset, as the city’s colours fade to deeper hues, Amsterdam turns into something from a picture postcard. You never know what’s around the corner – perhaps another hidden shop, a secret gallery, an inviting café to relax in at the end of the adventure. There are always more treasures to uncover in this stimulating city.

An affordable hotel in the city with the best facilities? Check out NH hotels on a budget in Amsterdam.

Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!

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