Shopping in Amsterdam

Best Areas, Streets, and Local Tips

Amsterdam has a compact shopping area where different styles and price ranges are close together. You can move from large retail chains to small independent shops within minutes, often within the same neighbourhood.

Shopping is spread across several areas, each with a clear focus. The city centre offers busy streets and department stores, while nearby side streets provide a quieter setting with more specialised shops. There are also practical locations such as Schiphol, where shopping is organised around convenience and travel needs.

In this guide, we outline the main shopping areas in Amsterdam, including city centre locations, clothing streets and airport options. This helps you plan an efficient route and avoid unnecessary detours.

Amsterdam shopping streets

Kalverstraat

Kalverstraat is the best-known street for shopping. It is the busiest shopping street in the Netherlands and focuses on international brands and fast fashion. The street connects Dam Square with Muntplein and attracts a steady flow of visitors throughout the day.

Just off Kalverstraat, you find the Kalvertoren, a multi-level indoor shopping centre with a mix of retail stores and places to take a short break. This part of the city centre becomes crowded, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or choose a weekday.

Beyond the main shopping street, Amsterdam offers several areas with a different pace and character. These streets are close to each other but feel more local and less focused on large retail chains.

The 9 Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

The 9 Streets run through the canal area and connect a series of smaller shopping streets. Here you find independent boutiques, vintage shops and smaller clothing stores. The selection is more distinctive, with items that are not widely available elsewhere in the city. Prices are typically higher, reflecting the more specialized range.

PC Hooftstraat

PC Hooftstraat presents a clear contrast. This street focuses on luxury shopping, with a concentration of high-end brands and designer stores. Even without the intention to buy, it offers a different perspective on Amsterdam's retail landscape and is easy to combine with nearby areas. These locations are generally less crowded than Kalverstraat, although they still attract steady foot traffic during peak hours.

Shopping malls in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has fewer large shopping malls compared to other cities. Most shopping happens on streets rather than indoors. Besides Kalvertoren, you can visit Magna Plaza, a historic building with shops near Dam Square. It is smaller than typical malls but worth a short visit if you are nearby. For larger indoor shopping centers, you need to travel outside the center, for example, to Amstelveen.

Amsterdam is not a typical "mall city", but there are several well-known shopping centers where you can shop indoors. Here are some of the most popular shopping malls in Amsterdam.

De Bijenkorf (city center)

De Bijenkorf department store building in Amsterdam near Dam Square

A large department store near Dam Square with a wide range of brands, from mid-range to luxury. You find clothing, shoes and accessories across multiple floors. Useful if you want variety in one place.
You find a wide mix of clothing casual wear, business outfits, designer fashion, shoes and accessories. Brands range from mid-level to luxury. Easy to combine with Dam Square and Magna Plaza.
More info about De Bijenkorf

Kalvertoren (city center)

Located on Kalverstraat, this is the most central shopping mall.
Easy to combine with Kalverstraat and Dam Square.
Good if you want a quick indoor shopping stop.
More info about Kalvertoren

Magna Plaza (near Dam Square)

Magna Plaza historic neo-Gothic shopping center building in Amsterdam

A historic building converted into a shopping center.
The building itself is worth seeing.
Shopping is secondary to the architecture.
More info about Magna Plaza

Gelderlandplein (Amsterdam South / Buitenveldert)

A modern and spacious shopping center outside the busy center.
Less crowded and more practical than the city center.
Good mix of daily shopping and fashion.
More info about Gelderlandplein

Amsterdamse Poort (Amsterdam Southeast)

Winkelcentrum Amsterdamse Poort shopping center in Amsterdam Southeast

A shopping center near Bijlmer Arena.
More budget-friendly compared to the city center.
Good if you want practical shopping.
More info about Amsterdamse Poort

Amsterdam Schiphol

Shopping before you head out after a vacation?
Amsterdam Schiphol offers a wide range of stores. If you have time before your flight, Schiphol is structured and very easy to navigate compared to the city center.

Schiphol Airport Amsterdam duty free shops are located after security and are mainly duty free for travelers outside the EU. You find cosmetics, alcohol, souvenirs, and some fashion items.

Combining the main areas

Most shopping routes in Amsterdam naturally connect these locations. You can start at Dam Square with De Bijenkorf, walk through Kalverstraat, visit Kalvertoren along the way and then continue towards the 9 Streets. This combination gives a clear overview of what Amsterdam offers. Large retail chains, indoor shopping and independent boutiques are all within walking distance.

Practical tips for shopping in Amsterdam

Shops in Amsterdam usually open around 10:00 and close around 18:00.
On Thursdays, many stores stay open later. Sundays have shorter opening hours, typically from 12:00 to 17:00.
Payment by card is standard. Some smaller stores may not accept cash.
Bring a bag with you, as many shops charge for bags.

Conclusion: Where to shop depending on your plan

If you want convenience, stay in the city center. If you prefer unique stores, choose areas like the 9 Streets. For quick and structured shopping, Schiphol is a practical option. By choosing the right area, you save time and avoid unnecessary crowds.