Amsterdam Shopping

Amsterdam Shopping information

Best Areas

The main concentrations of shops are the Dam Square area (be sure to check out both East and West sides as the area stretches a fair bit beyond the actual square), the Jordaan district and the Pieter Cornelisz Hoofstraat. The main department stores can be found around the Dam Square. It is here, at Dam 1 that you'll find De Bijenkorf - Amsterdam's most prestigious department store. Inside, the store sells all manner of goods, from designer and high street clothing to fine foods. Along the streets either side of the square (Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk) you'll find Amsterdam's main shopping drag, and a variety of national, international and independent stores. The Jordaan district is slightly more personable. The area has more small independent shops and is interspersed with canals and picturesque squares. Glassware, artworks and other specialist goods are prevalent. Finally, PC Hoofstraat is the fashion centre of Amsterdam. The clothes are gorgeous but expensive, and only the fat walleted or wide-eyed venture down among Amsterdam's most exclusive boutiques.

Markets

If you are lucky with the weather, be sure to take in some of Amsterdam's gorgeous outdoor markets. The Albert Cuyp Markt (on Albert Cuypstraat), which sells anything and everything, is the biggest and probably the best of the city's markets. Closer to the middle of town are the Waterlooplein market (best for clothes), the Westermarkt on Westerstraat, the Noordermarkt (secondhand goods) on Noorderstraat, and several smaller markets worth exploring. For the visitor, the highlight of Amsterdam's markets is the wonderful array of fresh flowers, particularly during the spring and summer months when the city markets are turned into a riot of colour and the air is thick with the heady scent of flowers. Resplendent among the range of blooms on display is the distinctive and ubiquitous tulip - the national flower of the Netherlands. Make sure you check out the floating flower market on the Singel (at the top of the Leidsestraat). Albert Cuyp - The Albert Cuyp market is the best-known and busiest outdoor market in Europe, that attracts thousends of visitors every day, and is really crowded on Saturdays. The goods on sale at over 300 stalls range from fruit, vegetables, cheese, fish, poultry, to clothes, with prices among the cheapest in Amsterdam. The market is located in the Pijp district, surrounded with many pleasant cafes and small shops. Noordermarkt - In the cosy Jordaan quarter, near the Noorderkerk, the market held on Saturday will satisfied the curiosity of any visitor: second-hand books and clothes (looking for 60's outfits?), antiques, flowers, fresh food to buy or to eat there (broodworst, spring rolls, or delicious Dutch cakes?) with an area dedicated to all that is biological. Fabrics and general goods: every Monday from 9:00 to 13:00 Flea market, second hands clothes, biological goods: every Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00

What to Buy?

Few people come to Amsterdam just for the shopping. Having said that, the city can boast the large stores you'd expect to find in a European capital and a trip round the shops won't disappoint. One thing to note about Amsterdam is that its speciality products are less of the "souvenir" and more of the "vastly expensive" variety. The closest thing the city has to a speciality is diamonds, and naturally these rarely fall under the category of holiday purchasing. If you do want to stretch your budget to Amsterdam's most exclusive souvenir, we recommend you head to Coster Diamonds (Paulus Potterstraat 2-8. Tel: +31 (0)20-305-5555), conveniently located near to the Rijksmuseum, where you can see how the diamonds are cut before making your purchase. Click the voucher icon for an exclusive discount. The city also does a good line in antiques ranging from pocket-sized cigar cases to not so portable large chests, tables and furniture. The antique stores are mostly concentrated in the Spiegelkwartier near the Rijksmuseum, and carry excellent pieces - not always the cheapest, it must be admitted. Try Aronson Antiquairs on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 39, and don't miss the indoor market (Antiekcentrum de Looier) at Elandsgracht 109 (closed Fridays) or the market at the Nieuwmarkt (summer only). Amsterdam is an artist's city and original works of art or prints in all styles make a discerning souvenir, although again not a cheap option. Head to the Jordaan District for the best small galleries. The most useful advice is probably to allow yourself to get thoroughly lost, and see what you bump into. The more single-minded, or the short-of-time, could try Galerie Langenberg, Korte Prinsengracht 44, or Atelier 408 at Herengracht 408 in the afternoons. If none of these options appeals to your taste, or budget, more inexpensive products include Dutch speciality foods, cheese and chocolate. For cheeses, try Wegewijs Kaas at Rozengracht 32, or go to Hendrikse le Confiseur at Overtoom 448-450 for hand-made chocolates. Ultimately what Amsterdam does best is the wonderfully weird, which ranges from the eccentric to the downright scary. The city boasts a bewildering range of specialist shops. Ever heard of a condomerie? The "Condomerie Het Gulden Vlies" on the Warmoerstraat at the edge of the Red Light District is a mind-boggler - a condom for every taste and occasion. Or try the Waterwinkel (water shop) at Roelof Hartstraat 10, which stocks mineral waters from all around the world. You may not want to buy any, but aren't you a little curious?

Opening Hours

In general, shops open from 09h00-18h00, Mon-Fri. Some shops open until 21h00 on Thursday and until 17h00 on Saturday. The Bijenkorf department store, for one, opens on Sundays.

Tax Refund

Stores in the Netherlands charge a sales tax of 15.97% on consumer goods, which is included in the overall price. When leaving the Netherlands, non-EU tourists can apply for a tax refund on goods bought. The minimum purchase to qualify for a refund is EUR137 in one store in one day. To reclaim tax you need to request a tax refund form when you make a purchase, which will state the amount of refund due. Customs officials must stamp these documents as you leave the country and the refund will be processed and sent to you. Alternatively, you can purchase goods from shops participating in the Tax-free Shopping programme (look out for the Tax-free Shopping logo displayed in the window). Simply show your passport when you make a purchase and you will be given a Tax-free Shopping cheque showing the refund you are owed. As you leave the country, customs officials will stamp your cheques. You can claim your refund from the Tax-free Shopping desk or have it sent to you. For further information, Email: info@taxfree.nl.