Almost certainly, the best place to start shopping is the Nine Little Streets (‘Negen Straatjes’). These narrow streets intersect the main canals between the Leidsestraat and the Jordaan district, and are dotted with great restaurants, cafés, art galleries, jewellers, boutiques and vintage stores. Whilst its definitely a draw for tourists, the shops are also loved by locals, and you get to cross some of Amsterdam’s loveliest canals.
It would be impossible to list all our favourite places to shop and eat here – the boutiques change regularly but are always a mix of brands you might have heard of and brands you haven’t. No matter how many times I visit I always discover new things, so allow a couple of hours, keep to the pavement to avoid being shouted at by cyclists, and steer clear of the TikTok driven faddy queues for chips, cookies or sandwiches – trust me all the places without influencer action are just as good – if not better!
Top tip if you need a bite to eat, head over to our “Eating out in the Nine Streets” post, packed with all the best places to dine in this fabulous little mecca.
