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General Information
Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 till 18:00. Some shops deviate from these hours and stay open one or two hours longer, some Albert Heijn supermarkets even till 22:00. And especially on Monday morning most shops are closed till 13:00. On Thursday it is koopavond (= shopping evening) and all the shops stay open till 21:00. On Sunday many shops in the center of Amsterdam are also open from around 11:00 till 17:00. Banks are open weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00.
As with almost all the European Union countries the currency in the Netherlands is the Euro. Most places will accept credit cards, although in Holland it is more common to use a debit card (pin pas), so always ask before if it is possible to pay with credit card. Albert Heijn, one of the big supermarket chains in Amsterdam, does not accept credit cards for example. You can also use Cirrus and Maestro cards to withdraw Euros from the ATMs (pin automaat).
The high streets: Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat
The main shopping streets in Amsterdam are the Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat. It is basically one continuous walk from Central Station to the Leidseplein. The Leidsestraat has more exclusive shops like Filippa K, Karen Millen, Paul Warmer and Shoebaloo. There is also an exclusive department store called Metz&Co on the corner with the Leidsestraat and the Keizersgracht. The Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk are like any cities highstreet with shops like Zara, Bershka, H&M, Mexx and WE. There are also department stores like V&D and HEMA and drugstores like Etos and Kruidvat. Also check out the Xenos while you are there. In the Kalverstraat there is also the Kalvertoren, which is a shopping center with about 45 stores that sell many labels including Mango, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi and Marlboro. In the Kalverstraat there is also an upscale department store called Maison de Bonneterie that is home to labels such as Armani, Burberry, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Polo Ralph Lauren and others. It is a beautiful building so worth a visit to look inside.
Dam square
The Nieuwendijk en Kalverstraat are separated by Dam square. On the Dam square there is a large department store called de Bijenkorf (=the Beehive). It’s a trendy dynamic department store with a broad collection of clothes, cosmetics, furniture, kitchen accessories and many other things. And there is a large restaurant of the top floor. Behind the palace of Dam square there is another shopping center called Magna Plaza. Located in the old post office building it offers many different shops ranging from clothes shops to a Swarovski shop and the Toni & Guy hairdresser.
Negen Straatjes (Nine small streets)
De Negen Straatjes are nine small streets intersecting the canals between the Jordan area of Amsterdam and the Leidsestreet. These streets offer many small stores ranging from boutiques and vintage stores like Laura Dols and Episode to jewellers and cafes and restaurants, like the Coffee Company and Bertram & Brood.
Upscale shopping in the P.C. Hooftstraat
Located next to the Rijksmuseum and behind the Leidseplein is the posh street of Amsterdam called P.C. Hooftstraat. The P.C. Hoofstraat is the haven of designer brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani and other multi-brand stores. At the end of the P.C. Hooftstraat is the Van Baerlestraat with more shops like the popular Dutch brands Vanilia and Gaastra. There is also a Bagels & Beans where you can enjoy a coffee.
Antiques shopping in the Spiegelstraat
Running from the Rijksmuseum to the Herengracht is the Nieuwe Spiegelstraat. Following the construction of the Rijksmuseum in 1900 this area of Amsterdam became the center of antiques and curiosa. Shops is in the area have impressive collections of paintings, furniture, books, ceramics and jewelry. There is another terrific antique shop on the Prinsengracht outside this area called Prinsheerlijk Antique. They have a large collection of real antiques and it’s well worth a visit for just having a look. And another big antique and curiosa market is The Looier. Established thirty years ago it is the largest permanent indoor antique market in the Netherlands. It’s located close to Leidseplein on the corner of the Lijnbaansgracht and the Elandsgracht.
Street markets of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is rich in street markets. They are the best place to hunt down a bargain and find many different things from fruits and vegetables and other types of food to clothes, furniture, books and flowers. Most markets are closed on Sunday though.
Bloemenmarkt (Flower market)
The flower market is located on the Singel between Koningsplein and de Munt and was established in 1862. You can find a fast array of flowers and plants here and of course flower bulbs and other souvenirs. Some merchants will even ship for you to your country of origin.
Albert Cuyp Markt
Located on the Albert Cuyp straat, the Albert Cuyp Market is one of the most famous markets of Amsterdam. It celebrated it’s 100th anniversary in 2005. You will find everything here from foods and flowers to clothes, textiles and furniture. Don’t forget about the shops located behind the market. There are a few nice fabric and decoration stores located there.
Noordermarkt
The Noordermarkt is located around the Noorderkerk in the Jordaan area. On saturday it is a biological farmers market. On the weekdays it is a flea market with clothing, antiques, fabrics and bric-a-brac.
Dappermarkt
Voted as the best market of the Netherlands in 2007 and 2008, the Dappermarkt is located on the Dapperstraat in the east part of Amsterdam. It is home to about 200 stalls with a variety of products ranging from exotic and local foods to domestic appliances, clothing and footwear, flowers and plants and dvds and cds.
Waterlooplein market
The Waterlooplein market is located on the Waterlooplein, next to the modern city hall and the Music theater. The Waterlooplein market is a famous flea market with around 300 stalls. It’s a perfect place to shop for new or vintage clothes, jewelry, shoes, old books, curiosa and many special things.
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