I love The Haarlemmerstraat. It’s a really cool, fairly long street with boutiquey shops and cafes. You’ll find everything from shoes, independent labels and second-hand clothes to food, interior design and collectables as well a divine arthouse cinema called The Movies (most films are in English and subtitled so it’s a great tip for a quirky evening out and do grab a bite at their dark and cosy restaurant afterwards). Other top tips are Two For Joy coffee roasters (or Dutch chains Bagels and Beans or Coffee Company); Vinnies for lunch; De Pizzabakkers for dinner and IJscupyje or Petit Gateau for dessert.
Also on the Haarlemmerstraat (and popping up all over town) are both Stach and Marqt – a trendy organic supermarket with bread freshly-baked four times a day – and on your way out the door, be sure to buy a bar of the best named confectionery of all time – Tony’s Chocolonely – which tastes just as good as it sounds. You can find loads more about this amazing brand here.