Where to shop in Amsterdam
Find everything from high-end fashion to ethical brands
The best places to shop in Amsterdam
When it comes to big brands and high street names, you'll find all the usual suspects in Amsterdam – often in beautiful surroundings.
But did you know the city has a thriving ethical shopping scene?
Whether you love hunting down designer labels, picking up handmade homeware or seeking out eco-friendly shops, grab your canvas tote and make a break for Amsterdam.
Shopping in Amsterdam
From artisan markets and bijou boutiques to glittering department stores and multi-storey malls, shopping opportunities abound in Amsterdam. Not sure where to start? Take a look at a few of our favourites…
The Maker Store
Hannie Dankbaarpassage 39, 1053 RT
Bringing together quirky pieces and innovative products by over 90 artists and designers, The Maker Store is a must-see indoor market.
Housed in a lovingly restored Victorian tram shed, it's light, bright and packed with everything from art and homeware to clothing, jewellery and wooden toys.
Just make sure you set aside plenty of time to explore every creative nook and cranny, factoring in a refuel at the food court next door.
De Bijenkorf
Dam 1, 1012 JS
If you're after the grande dame of Amsterdam shops, make a beeline for De Bijenkorf at number one Dam Square.
This landmark emporium – whose name means 'the beehive' – is shopping heaven for designer label-lovers.
Stop by to stock up on all the big names in fashion, homeware and beauty, as well as bits for the kids and a bite to eat at the stylish in-store restaurant.
Hit the nine streets or an incredible Amsterdam shopping mall
De Negen Straatjes are nine narrow streets in central Amsterdam, dotted with everything from art galleries and boutiques to pavement cafés dishing up freshly made, sugar-dusted poffertjes. Perfect for a pancake-y power boost and a spot of people-watching.
A short stroll across a canal, you'll find the imposing Magna Plaza. It's worth visiting for the architecture alone, but step inside to browse three floors of local and international brands, along with – what else? – a luxury Dutch cheese shop.
Ethical and zero-waste shops in Amsterdam
It’s no surprise that this liberal city is a step ahead when it comes to eco-friendly and ethical shopping. Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week is held annually, manufacturer-monitoring NGO Made-By has inspired ethical consumption and there's even a clothes shop in Amsterdam that operates a borrowing ‘library’. If you’re just passing through, here’s our pick of the city’s top eco-friendly and zero-waste shops.
Hempstory
142 Oudezijds Achterburgwal, 1012 DV
This innovative space aims to show off hemp’s lean, green versatility. The eco-friendly fibre has been worked into strokably soft separates, lotions and potions, furnishings, jewellery, artworks, insect-repellent and more.
The bright-white, light-flooded space they’re showcased in is a tranquil spot to stay a while. Stop at the on-site café for plant-based teas, smoothies and cakes.
Six & Sons
Haarlemmerdijk 31, 1013 KA
From skincare and fragrance to clothes, bags and jewellery, Six & Sons is a treasure trove of beautiful products from a range of sustainable brands.
Their carefully curated list of partners each has a story to tell, whether they strive to use recycled materials, source organic fabric, donate to charity or come up with innovative manufacturing processes. Pop in for a peek.
Verse
Gerard Doustraat 84, 1072 VW
With an ever-changing line-up of sustainable, ethically sourced clothing, accessories and beauty products, Verse is a must for dedicated followers of eco-friendly fashion.
Drop by the boutique to browse organic cotton hoodies and jeans, vegan bags, cruelty-free, non-toxic make-up and more, by designers committed to being earth-kind.
Little Plant Pantry
Bosboom Toussaintstraat 45-H, 1054 AN
As well as all the bulk-buy organic wholefoods you could ever possibly need, this friendly spot has a deli counter for takeaway treats.
Pick up hot and cold plant-based dishes, along with delicious smoothies – all made daily using the freshest ingredients, and wrapped up in minimal, environmentally friendly packaging.
Their aim: to offer 'food your granny would make if she was vegan'. Yum.
Delicious Food
Westerstraat 24, 1015 MJ
If you're in the market for organic goodies and zero-waste staples, this place more than lives up to its name.
Perched on the outskirts of bustling Noordermarkt, Delicious Food champions produce from independent farmers and suppliers, and whips up all manner of incredible baked marvels.
Grab a slice of freshly baked apple pie, and pick up some homemade spread, luxury muesli or organic wine to take home. We challenge you not to buy everything in sight.
Noordermarkt
Noordermarkt 48, 1015 NA
For an old-school zero-waste shopping trip, head to one of Amsterdam's markets.
Our favourite is Noordermarkt, with its colourful stalls packed with fruit, veg, herbs, honey, flowers and freshly baked pastries and bread.
Bring your own containers and join the crowd of locals on a Saturday morning, browsing to your heart's content before picking up picnic bits and foodie souvenirs.
Frequently asked questions about shopping in Amsterdam
De Negen Straatjes (nine streets) are a shopping hotspot, with their cluster of boutiques, galleries and cafés.
If it's clothes you're after, head to the designer stores of Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat (sometimes shortened to P.C. Hooftstraat), or the more budget-friendly Kalverstraat.
On rainy days, department stores like De Bijenkorf or shopping centres like Magna Plaza are the place to be.
Six & Sons and Verse work hard to find suppliers who live up to their sustainable, ethical aims. Both stock clothes, accessories and more, and are well worth a look.
Little Plant Pantry and Delicious Food are great for stocking up on staples, without the packaging. They also do tasty takeaway treats. Be sure to sample the smoothies from Little Plant Pantry and the baked goodies from Delicious Food.
Absolutely! Along with all the big brands you know from home – in shopping malls and department stores – you'll find designer boutiques, quirky artisan markets and lots of eco-friendly and ethical shops.
Make sure you save room in your suitcase as you're bound to bring back lots of souvenirs.
