SD › Amsterdam › Shops & Markets
Updated: May 26, 2022
By Santorini Dave
See Also
Bloemenmarkt
9 Best Shops in Amsterdam
Old Amsterdam Cheese Store • Medieval Center
Renowned for its award-winning mature Gouda, this store has several branches across the city, with the original in Damrak. Numerous cheesy souvenirs to choose from: including green and red pesto Gouda, hemp Gouda, and smoked cheese. Cheese paraphernalia also, from cheese hatchets to specialized cheese knives. Hour-long cheese and wine tastings arranged.
Map • +31 20 330 1602
Nikkie • Vondelpark
The flagship store of Amsterdam-based actress and TV presenter turned designer, Nikkie Plessen. Street-smart women’s fashion here includes bomber jackets, trench coats, strapless dresses, jumpsuits, and T-shirts with bold slogans. Accessorize your outfit with Hexagon overknee boots or Nikkie sneakers.
Map • +31 20 358 5185
Scotch & Soda • Medieval Center
Amsterdam brand of hip streetwear gone global. Men’s and women’s apparel includes velvet jackets, jeans with colorful flourishes, neon silk shirts, and leather gloves.
Map • +31 20 528 7661
Blond • De Pijp
If you’re blonde, like blondes, or are into kitschy and adorable gifts, check out this store whose blonde owners adorn mugs, plates, teapots, and dishes with funky, colorful designs. Pottery aside, they also put their designs on mobile phone cases, stationery, homeware and more. Custom-made design possible; just let them know what you want.
Map • +31 20 428 4929
Condomerie Het Gulden Vlies • Red Light District
The world’s first condom specialty boutique, selling condoms in every imaginable size, color, flavor, and design. Vegan condoms, eco condoms, forest-fruit flavored condoms – they’re all here. There’s also a fun range of lubricants and condom-themed postcards, clothing, posters, and even snacks. Gentlemen, if you use their website’s guidelines to measure yourself, the staff can help you get the right fit.
Map • +31 20 627 4174
Heinen Delftware • Southern Canal Ring
The Netherlands’ distinctive blue-and-white Delft pottery has been going strong since the 16th century, and this highly regarded outlet sells Delfts Blauw both for ornamental and everyday use in all price ranges. There’s everything from miniature porcelain clogs to hand-painted tulip vases and plates, designed by renowned artists. The staff can assist with packaging and shipping.
Map • +31 20 440 2222
Pied a Terre • Museum Quarter
Europe’s largest travel bookstore, with a skylit interior and attached café. There are over 600,000 maps here, travel guidebooks in various languages, gorgeous coffee table books with glossy travel photos for inspiration, an array of globes, and indispensable local books, such as Learn to Cycle in Amsterdam by Ruth Oei-Abraham.
Map • +31 20 627 4455
The Magic Mushroom Gallery • Medieval Center
Recreational marijuana and magic truffles are legal in the Netherlands, and this is a branch of the leading “smart shop” chain. Friendly staff will help you choose from a large selection of weed, truffles, bongs, and pipes, and advise beginners which strain and intake method would be best for you. (Just remember not to try and bring any home as a souvenir.)
Map
Marie-Stella-Maris • Western Canal Ring
Amsterdam-based and locally beloved range of high-end beauty products. For each item you purchase, a percentage goes towards clean water projects around the world.
Map • +31 85 273 2845
6 Best Amsterdam Food, Flea, and Flower Markets
Albert Cuyp Market • De Pijp
Amsterdam’s legendary street market. Spread across several blocks of Albert Cuypstraat in De Pijp, this lively market is great for people-watching, shopping for all sorts of offbeat souvenirs (furry clogs, anyone?), fresh produce, and munching on some traditional Dutch street food snacks. Don’t miss the raw herring with sweet pickles and the gooey, caramel-filled stroopwafel (choose between regular and chocolate).
Map
Bloemenmarkt • Southern Canal Ring
This famous flower market has been based here since 1860, when flower sellers would moor their barges here and hawk their wares. While the market is no longer floating, it makes for a particularly colorful spectacle during the spring tulip season (April to mid-May). You can buy tulip bulbs and tulip-themed souvenirs (clogs, fridge magnets) year-round.
Map
IJ Hallen • Amsterdam Noord
Europe’s largest flea market takes place once a month inside a warehouse in Amsterdam Noord, easily reachable by free ferry from Centraal Station. With over 750 vendors, it’s a great place for bargain hunters in search of vintage clothing, collectible bric-a-brac, antiques, and more.
Map
Foodhallen • Amsterdam Oud-West
Inside the revamped former train depot that’s been turned into a cultural complex, Foodhallen is a superb indoor food market specializing in gourmet street food. You can spend days grazing on dim sum, macarons, Mexican tacos, Korean chicken wings, waffles, noodles, and other delicious offerings.
Map
Noordermarkt • Jordaan
This busy farmers’ market takes place in front of the Noorderkerk in Jordaan on Mondays and Saturdays. Vendors sell a full spectrum of homemade pastas, olives, organic produce, locally made meat products and more.
Map
Waterlooplein Market • Nieuwmarkt en Lastage
Operating Monday to Saturday, this outdoor flea market comprises over 300 stalls and is a great place to soak up some Dutch culture. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it’s a good place to browse for vintage clothes, accessories, or even grab some fried fish for a quick snack.
Map
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