Amsterdam: Shopping

Albert Cuyp Market With over three hundred stalls selling everything from food to home accessories and thousands of visitors everyday, The Albert Cuypmarkt is the busiest daily outdoor market in Europe. Visit for the basement bargains and the tasty Dutch street food. De Pijp; Albert Cuypstraat
family | culture | art

Bloemenmarkt Thousands of herbs, plants, bulbs, and flowers can be browsed–and bought at this floating flower market, which has been serving gardeners since the mid-1800’s. A word to the wise: only bulbs pre-approved for export can be imported to North America so ask before you buy. City Center; Singel between Koningsplein and Vijzelstraat
family | open market

De Kaaskamer For visiting and local gourmands, “the Cheese Room” is a place of pilgrimage. Learn the difference between Belegen and Oude Amsterdam as part of a crash course on Dutch cheese; leave with a souvenir wedge from over 200 tasty varieties. Jordaan; Runstraat 7; 011-31-20-623-3483
culinary | moderate | specialty

Droog @ Home This gallery and boutique is a temple of iconic, contemporary Dutch design. Quirky, playful furniture and home accessories – all for sale – form the bulk of the collection. Rotating exhibitions provide an added draw for design and art fans. Centrum; Staalstraat 7B; 011-31-20-523-5059; www.droogdesign.nl
trendy | expensive | décor

Frozen Fountain This landmark Dutch design store maintains its edge by maintaining strong relationships with both local and non-Dutch designers. If you can’t carry home the furniture, go for kitchen equipment and housewares. Southern Canals; Prinsengracht 645; 011-31-20-622-9375
design | designer | home

Gassan Diamonds If you’re looking for a diamond, you’ve come to the right place – Amsterdam has 24 diamond-cutting shops. Before you whip out your wallet, head to Gassan Diamonds where free, informative factory tours bring the industry to life and educate buyers on the basics of diamond buying. The company is also known for their soft sales pitches. Centrum; Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173 – 175; 011-31-20-622-5333; www.gassandiamonds.com
expensive | classic

Magna Plaza The city’s grand former post office has been transformed into a fantastical shopping space with an atrium and Neo-Gothic arcades; expect a mixture of local designers and global brands. Medieval Center; Nieuwzijds Voorburgwal 182; 011-31-20-626-9199; www.magnaplaza.nl
moderate | designer | mall | home

Negen Straatjes Laid out like a tic-tac-toe board in the center of the Western Canals, these “nine alleys” feature eclectic displays selling everything from art books to designer shoes, men’s and women’s fashions, vintage clothing, housewares and antiques, even a shop that specializes in toothbrushes. Western Canals; www.de9straatjes.nl
market | designer

News Photo Part museum and part art gallery, News Photo takes the latest images from headlines and blows them up big – magnetic walls allow for instantaneous exhibition. If you like what you see, print out a version to take home. Medieval Center; Haarlemmerstraat 24-26; 011-31-20-330-8400; www.newsphoto.nl
gallery | arts

PC Hooftstraat Amsterdam’s answer to Rodeo Drive, this street between the Vondelpark and Museumplein is named for a revered Dutch poet and playwright. Its designer boutiques are the chic place to buy everything from eyeglasses to kitchenware. Old South; PC Hooftstraat; www.pchooftstraat.nl
expensive | designer

Puccini Bomboni This artisan chocolate maker does an excellent rendition of traditional flavors like Gianduja and Milk-Almond, but it’s the unconventional flavors like Tamarind, Lemon Grass, and Tea that attracts gourmands. Centrum; Staalstraat 17; 011-31-20-626-5474; www.puccinibomboni.com
culinary | moderate | specialty

Van Gogh Museum Shop The gift shop of the world famous museum offers numerous posters and reproductions as well as stationary, cards, and an astonishing array of affordable souvenirs celebrating Holland’s most well-known artist. Museum District; Paulus Potterstraat 7; 011-31-20-570-5200; www.vangoghmuseum.nl
family | budget | art | souvenirs

Waterlooplein Flea Market The most frequent and frequented market takes place on Waterlooplein, near the Stopera (City Hall), with some 300 stalls specializing in vintage clothing, used books and, well, you never quite know what treasure will turn up. Southern Canals; Waterlooplein, near the Stopera (city hall)
budget | flea market