Shopping in Amsterdam – what to buy and where to shop, City guides

understand the problem: shopping in Amsterdam without wasting time or money

Many visitors land in Amsterdam, step into the first tourist shop they see, and leave with overpriced tulip magnets or cheese of doubtful quality. Others wander around aimlessly, unsure what to buy in Amsterdam or where to find real Dutch brands instead of generic souvenirs.

The goal is clear: use limited time in Amsterdam to buy quality, local products in the right areas, without overpaying or getting stuck in tourist traps. This guide focuses on practical choices, specific locations and concrete actions so that every shopping hour in the city actually pays off.

step 1 – decide what you actually want to buy

Before walking into the first shop, define a clear plan. This prevents impulse buys, helps avoid decision fatigue, and makes it easier to compare shopping in Amsterdam with London or other cities on the same trip.

First, choose the main categories:

• Edible souvenirs: cheese, stroopwafels, chocolate, licorice (drop), gin (jenever)
• Everyday Dutch design: homeware, ceramics, stationery, kitchen tools
• Dutch fashion & lifestyle: clothing, sneakers, bags, bike accessories
• High‑end & luxury: designer fashion, watches, jewelry, interior design
• Classic souvenirs: tulip bulbs, Delftware, canal house items
• Coffee shops & cannabis products (only if that is a clear goal, and only for use in the Netherlands)

Then set limits:

• Time: decide how many hours to devote to shopping (for example, one afternoon or a morning plus evening)
• Budget: set a rough budget per category (for example, €30 for food, €80 for clothes)
• Luggage: check how much space and weight are left, especially for liquids and glass. Remember airline rules for carry‑on liquids.

step 2 – learn what to buy in Amsterdam (and what to avoid)

Use this as a concrete shopping checklist. Pick 3–6 items that fit your budget, luggage and interests, instead of trying to buy “a bit of everything”.

food & drink worth buying

• Cheese – gouda, old Amsterdam, boerenkaas. Buy vacuum‑packed cheese from:
  • Specialty shops like De Kaaskamer (9 Streets) or Kaaskelder for more variety and advice
  • Normal supermarkets like Albert Heijn for budget‑friendly options
• Stroopwafels – fresh at Albert Cuyp Market or pre‑packed from:
  • Van Wonderen Stroopwafels (touristy but visually appealing and gift‑friendly)
  • Supermarkets for cheaper family packs that travel well
• Chocolate – look for Dutch brands, not random tourist packs. Supermarkets and specialty shops often stock better quality at lower prices than souvenir stores.
• Drop (licorice) – buy small packs to test first; flavors can be very strong and salty. Once you like a style, buy a larger bag.
• Jenever or Dutch gin – for checked luggage only; buy sealed bottles from liquor shops or supermarkets and check alcohol limits for your home country.

non-food items that travel well

• Dutch design homeware – mugs, vases, trays, kitchen tools, posters. These turn into daily reminders of the trip.
• Dutch brands fashion – jeans, sneakers, raincoats, minimalist clothing that fits the local “functional but stylish” look.
• Bike accessories – bell, saddle cover, lights or panniers; typical Dutch items that are easy to use at home.
• Canal house items – prints, calendars, small decorative objects with canal house silhouettes or maps of Amsterdam.
• Tulip bulbs – only if packaging clearly states they are approved for export to your home country and you know your customs rules.

Things to skip or handle carefully:

• Very cheap Delftware in bulk tourist shops – usually generic imports rather than true Delft pottery.
• Cheese sold without vacuum packing – difficult to transport, shorter shelf life, and may cause problems at customs.
• Large fragile items – hard to carry, easy to break, and stressful to protect during the rest of the trip.
• Cannabis products for export – in many countries it is illegal to bring them across borders, even if they are legal in the Netherlands.

step 3 – choose the right shopping areas in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam becomes much easier when each neighborhood is used for what it does best. This way you avoid backtracking and wasting time.

1. de 9 straatjes (9 streets) – compact for curated shopping

Best for: Dutch design, independent boutiques, good souvenirs from Amsterdam.

Expect:

• Small design shops with ceramics, prints, and home accessories
• Clothing from local designers and Dutch brands
• Quality cheese shops within a short walking distance

Plan 2–3 hours here for a focused session: walk each of the nine streets and step into any store that clearly highlights Dutch or local brands, rather than only “Amsterdam” printed on generic items.

2. kalverstraat & nieuwendijk – mainstream and fast fashion

Best for: budget fashion, familiar international brands, last‑minute essentials such as extra socks, chargers or sportswear.

Find:

• Global chains for clothes, shoes and sportswear
• Electronics and phone accessories
• Some tourist shops mixed in, especially closer to Dam Square

Use this area if you need to replace or add basic clothing and everyday items, rather than for unique things to buy in Amsterdam.

3. PC hooftstraat – Amsterdam luxury shopping

Best for: high‑end fashion, watches, jewelry, premium Dutch and global labels.

Expect:

• Flagship luxury stores (similar to London’s Bond Street or Paris’s Avenue Montaigne)
• High prices and polished service, with a focus on full‑price current collections

Use this street for Amsterdam high‑end shopping or if you want to directly compare the London vs Amsterdam luxury experience. Prices are generally comparable to other Western European capitals, sometimes with small variations due to taxes and exchange rates.

4. the nine streets + jordaan – more local, less chain

Beyond the 9 Streets, walk into Jordaan for a slightly quieter and more residential feel:

• Small concept stores with curated selections of fashion and design
• Local art galleries and design shops selling prints, ceramics and accessories
• Cafés for breaks between stores, ideal for reviewing what you have already bought

5. shopping centers: magna plaza and others

Magna Plaza (behind Dam Square):

• Indoor “shop in shop Amsterdam” experience with multiple brands under one roof
• Shops in Magna Plaza Amsterdam include fashion, design, and souvenirs in a compact space
• Useful on rainy days or when time and energy are limited

Other options:

• De Bijenkorf (Dam Square) – high‑end department store with many Dutch and international brands, ideal if you prefer to shop in one large, organized space.
• Smaller malls and passages around Central Station – good for quick errands, last‑minute snacks or basic souvenirs before catching a train or flight.

step 4 – where to buy specific types of items

practical places for food souvenirs

1. Go to a normal supermarket (Albert Heijn, Jumbo).
   • Buy stroopwafels, chocolate, hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), drop and other packaged snacks.
   • Check “bonus” or discount offers for better value; supermarket loyalty promotions can make a noticeable difference.
2. Add at least one specialty shop for quality:
   • Cheese shops for vacuum‑packed whole or half wheels, with staff who can recommend flavors and explain aging.
   • Market stalls at Albert Cuyp Market for fresh stroopwafels served warm, plus nuts and dried fruits that also travel well.
3. Check packaging carefully:
   • Expiry dates long enough to survive the trip and a few weeks at home.
   • Sealed plastic and intact vacuum for cheese; avoid damaged or swollen packaging.

best approach to Dutch fashion and lifestyle

1. Identify Dutch fashion brands of interest in advance (for example, G‑Star RAW, Scotch & Soda, Suitsupply, Filling Pieces, Rainkiss, and other labels that match your style).
2. Visit brand stores in central areas or De Bijenkorf for multiple labels in one building if time is short.
3. Try clothes and shoes on instead of guessing sizes; Dutch sizes may differ slightly from UK or US sizing, and returns are harder once you leave the country.

finding quality design and “good souvenirs from Amsterdam”

• Use 9 Streets and Jordaan for independent design stores with curated selections instead of mass‑produced souvenirs.
• Check museum shops (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh) for art prints, scarves, books and design items linked to actual Dutch art and history.
• Choose flat, durable items (posters, notebooks, small ceramics) that travel well and fit easily into suitcases or backpacks.

Focus on souvenirs that will actually be used at home: kitchen tools, notebooks, quality food, or clothing. Avoid items created only for tourists that have no real function or connection to your daily life.

step 5 – avoid common shopping problems

tourist traps and overpriced items

To avoid paying more than necessary:

• Do not buy everything in the first shop on Damrak or near Central Station; walk at least a few streets away from the main routes.
• Compare prices in at least two shops before buying cheese, stroopwafels or T‑shirts, especially in highly touristic areas.
• Look for clear labels and producer information on food and ceramics; transparent labeling usually signals better quality.

luggage, customs and transport

• Pack liquids and cheese in checked luggage only; wrap glass bottles in clothes or bubble wrap to prevent breakage.
• Check customs rules for your home country; many forbid plants, bulbs or cannabis products even if sold legally in the Netherlands.
• Keep receipts accessible in case customs officers request them, especially for higher‑value items like watches or designer bags.

time pressure

If only one afternoon is available:

1. Spend 1–1.5 hours in 9 Streets for design, fashion and more unique pieces.
2. Spend 30–45 minutes in a supermarket for food souvenirs and everyday Dutch snacks.
3. Use the remaining time for a quick visit to Magna Plaza or De Bijenkorf if you prefer concentrated indoor shopping with many options in one place.

step 6 – adjust for different budgets and travel styles

on a tight budget

• Use supermarkets for most food items; they often stock authentic local brands at local prices.
• Buy small, flat souvenirs: tea towels, postcards, notebooks, magnets with interesting designs rather than generic images.
• Skip PC Hooftstraat; use Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk for basics and occasional sales.

mid-range traveler

• Balance supermarkets and specialty shops: one or two high‑quality cheeses plus several supermarket snacks.
• Choose one or two Dutch design pieces instead of many small trinkets; a single great item will likely bring more long‑term joy.
• Visit 9 Streets and Jordaan as your main shopping zones, with short visits to department stores if needed.

luxury-oriented visitor

• Plan 2–3 hours in PC Hooftstraat and De Bijenkorf for luxury fashion, accessories and cosmetics.
• Look for Dutch luxury fashion and interior design brands to bring home something that is less common outside the Netherlands.
• Use chauffeur, taxi, or hotel car for easy transport of bags, especially after larger purchases.

step 7 – check results and plan storage for the trip home

Before leaving Amsterdam:

1. Lay out all purchases in your hotel room or accommodation, ideally on a bed or large table so nothing gets forgotten.
2. Sort items into hand luggage and checked luggage:
   • Liquids, cheese, heavy food – checked luggage, protected from pressure and leaks.
   • Fragile ceramics – hand luggage, wrapped in soft clothing, scarves or towels.
   • Important receipts – store photos on your phone and keep the physical copies together in one envelope.
3. Repack methodically:
   • Place fragile items in the center of the suitcase, away from edges and wheels.
   • Use shoes and clothes as padding so that items cannot move around during transport.

quick summary

• Define what to buy in Amsterdam before hitting the streets: focus on food, Dutch design, and useful souvenirs that fit your lifestyle.
• Use the right areas for the right goals: 9 Streets and Jordaan for design and local shops, Kalverstraat for basics, PC Hooftstraat for luxury, Magna Plaza and De Bijenkorf for a concentrated “shop in shop Amsterdam” experience.
• Buy food souvenirs mainly in supermarkets plus one good specialty shop; choose vacuum‑packed, clearly labeled products with long shelf lives.
• Prioritize Dutch brands fashion and everyday design over generic trinkets that could come from any city.
• Watch luggage limits, customs rules and fragility when choosing what to buy in Amsterdam, and pack methodically before departure.

Handled this way, shopping becomes one of the most practical and enjoyable things to do in the Netherlands, and a clear reason why Amsterdam is worth visiting beyond its canals and museums.