Shopping In Netherland

Shopping in the Netherlands is a pleasant experience and there are several prominent retail destinations. Modern shops and designer stores are housed in many towns and cities in historical and picturesque buildings. Although the Dutch aren’t exactly the biggest consumer of trade fashion, they enjoy their shops with unique and artsy clothes, so expect to see a few alternative and niche shops compared with other big European cities.
Amsterdam is the most famous shopping district of the Netherlands with high-quality fashion and accessories, combined with popular highway clothing, gems, and lots of niches, and arty shops. In comparison with the mega malls, which dominate in other parts of the world, the picturesque setting of the town gives it an air of freshness.
Netherlands has several popular flower markets most notably in Amsterdam and Utrecht, attracting many floral experts and window shoppers. From bulbs to bouquets, flowers are one of the Netherlands’ prize products. For traditional Dutch cheese, a stop in the town of Gouda is a must-see, literally dedicated to the creamy, rich dairy delicacy and a chance to learn about the history and see how it is made. Another great place to buy Dutch cheese is at the traditional cheese market of the Netherlands, which is based in Alkmaar every Friday from mid-April to mid-September.
Another favorite thing to buy from the Netherlands is decorative Delftware. These handcrafted, blue, and white hand-painted pottery and tiles depict scenes of everyday Dutch life and its history. Delftware tiles are not only used as wall decorations but also as trivets or cheeseboards which can be found in just about every gift shop in the country.

Amsterdam is a shopper’s paradise. You can shop at vintage shops, department stores, concept stores, luxury brands, local markets, design stores, up-and-coming Dutch designers, and independent shops. In Amsterdam, different areas offer different shopping experiences. Amsterdam is full of small shops with their imports from all over the world. Amsterdam loves a concept store and you’ll find them for both adults and kids around the city offering clothes.

Amsterdammers love sugary stuff and some fabulous boutiques are offering world-class chocolates and tempting sweets. The city is a paradise for book lovers and Amsterdam has wonderful bookshops with unique books from all over the world.

Amsterdam is famous for its diamond industry, with many diamond cutters and factories still active in the city. The city center is not big so you can just walk through all the shopping streets of this city, which make shopping in Amsterdam exciting.

Amsterdam, renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, is also a paradise for shoppers. From charming boutiques to bustling markets and high-end fashion stores, the city offers an eclectic mix of shopping experiences. Whether you’re hunting for unique souvenirs, designer labels, or local delicacies, Amsterdam has something to offer for every taste and budget.

1. Pc Hooftstraat: Pc Hooftstraat is the most exclusive shopping street in the Netherlands. The street is a fashion lover’s paradise with all luxury designer brand names like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, DKNY, Mulberry, Tiffany & Co, Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, and Tommy Hilfiger along with 200 designer stores. Many world-famous celebrities do their shopping on this street.

2. Kalverstraat: Kalverstraat is a pedestrian-only shopping street and the busiest shopping street in the city center. All major retail chains have a presence on this street like Zara, H&M, Mexx, Esprit, Pull & Bear. On this street, you will find fashion stores, music and bookstores, specialty stores, and fast food outlets.

3. De 9 Straatjes: De 9 Straatjes also known as Nine Streets are nine streets and alleys in the heart of Amsterdam’s historical canal district. The street has numerous boutiques, vintage and designer stores, bookstores, delicacy stores along with several restaurants and cafés. The street also has individual shops with many specializing in just one line such as candles, scented oils, handmade jewelry, beads, and buttons.

4. Bloemenmarkt: The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. It is the perfect place for gift shopping. At this market, you can buy Dutch flowers, dried tulip bulbs, plants, gift and souvenir shops.

5. Haarlemmerstraat & Haarlemmerdijk: It is one of Netherlands’ trendiest shopping streets having a great variety of shops. The street has a lot of independent Dutch boutiques, interior design stores, shoe stores, cosmetic stores, and utility stores offering a trendy selection of goods at affordable prices. There are also nice cafes and restaurants.

6. Spiegelkwartier: Spiegelkwartier is known for antiques and art shopping in Amsterdam. The street has numerous antique shops and galleries showcasing impressive collections of paintings, sculptures, porcelain, glass, jewelry, furniture, tribal and Asian collectibles, collector’s items, and other decorative goods.

7. Czaar Peterbuurt: The charm of Czaar Peterbuurt Street in Amsterdam is famous for its variety of small independent stores. The stores on this street offer specialty products. You can shop for products like wine, cheese, African coffee specials, olives, flowers, furniture, decoration and handcraft products. The street is perfect for buying original souvenirs that you will not find in the souvenir shops across Amsterdam.

8. Utrechtsestraat: Utrechtsestraat is known for its specialty shops. The street has many trendy concept stores, designer stores, interior stores, fashion boutiques, and interior design stores. On this street, you can shop at the best record store in Amsterdam. There are many typical Amsterdam restaurants and bars to keep you refreshed.

9. The Hague: The Hague offers the perfect city escape and a plethora of unique boutiques for any shopping aficionado. The Hague has typical chain stores like any other city of its size. The city is home to several upmarket boutiques, designer shops, and excellent art and antique shops.

The Hague, often referred to as the “Royal City by the Sea,” is not only the political capital of the Netherlands but also a vibrant shopping destination. From chic boutiques to bustling markets and modern shopping complexes, The Hague offers a diverse range of retail experiences. Whether you’re searching for fashion, antiques, or gourmet treats, there’s something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city.

1. Grote Marktstraat: Grote Marktstraat is one of the most important shopping streets of The Hague. There are numerous leading chain stores and beautiful buildings in different architectural styles. The street has many department stores located alongside the beautiful buildings with notable names such as De Bijenkorf, Peek & Cloppenburg, Decathlon, Hudson’s Bay, and De Passage.

2. Denneweg: Denneweg Street has specialty stores with many trendsetting fashion and lifestyle shops, a plethora of pubs, restaurants, and streetwalk cafes. Numerous boutiques sell international brands and clothing from prominent Dutch designers. You can shop at antique shops full of rare pieces of furniture, paintings, and decorative objects.

3. Noordeinde: Noordeinde is one of the best-known shopping areas in the old center of The Hague. The street is known for its distinctive chic fashion boutiques, multibrand and flagship stores, art galleries, and antique dealers located in beautiful art nouveau buildings.

4. Zeeheldenkwartier: Zeeheldenkwartier is one of The Hague’s most charming and lively districts. The district has many designer boutiques, and vintage and furniture shops. There are numerous trendy restaurants, lunchrooms, and coffee shops on this street where you can relax after shopping. The Zeeheldenkwartier district hosts weekly markets, festivals, and other special events.

5. Frederikstraat: Frederikstraat has a wide range of specialty stores for lifestyle, design, art, antiques, fashion and beauty products. Such variety means that the street appeals to a wide range of shoppers. It has a remarkable number of restaurants, cafes, and snack bars.

6. Utrecht: Shopping in Utrecht is the shopping heart of the Netherlands. From famous chains to exclusive boutiques or special stores Utrecht is a shopper’s paradise and it is difficult to leave the city empty-handed.

Utrecht, a charming city in the heart of the Netherlands, is not only known for its picturesque canals and historic architecture but also for its vibrant shopping scene. From bustling market streets to modern shopping centers, Utrecht offers a diverse range of retail experiences catering to every taste and budget.

1. Lapjesmarkt: The Lapjesmarkt of Utrecht is the largest and oldest fabric market in the Netherlands operating since the last 400 years. At this market, you can buy fabrics, ribbons, buttons, and zips. The market is held every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM.

2. University District: In the University District you can shop for versatile trendy culinary concepts at vintage shops and trendy boutiques. The district has numerous local designers, which sell vintage clothes stores.

3. Stadhuis District: In Stadhuis District, you will find authentic shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is the best place for custom-tailored suits, shirts, and jackets for men and the best woolen clothing items. No matter what it is you are looking for, you will find something to your liking here.

4. Delft: The city of Delft has countless trendy shops selling unique and fashionable must-haves, along with large department stores where you can shop at your leisure. The sheer variety of shops will surprise you with art galleries, gift boutiques, exclusive fashion shops, and lovely vintage shops. Shopping streets like Brabantse Turfmarkt, Burgwal, Gasthuislaan, Molslaan, and Breestraat offer a broad range of fashion boutiques, cheese and wine shops, and specialty shops. The most popular and most shopped items from Delft are the Delft pottery available at various shops, and stores throughout the city.

5. Rotterdam: Rotterdam is one of the best places to shop in the Netherlands. With the latest designs and traditional stores, there is something for everyone. The extensive selection of shops ranges from international chains to brand and concept stores to trendy local shops.

Rotterdam, the dynamic port city of the Netherlands, is not only known for its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene but also for its diverse shopping opportunities. From trendy boutiques to bustling markets and expansive shopping centers, Rotterdam offers a unique shopping experience that caters to every taste and preference.

1. Coolsingel: Coolsingel is the most famous street in Rotterdam where you will find all kinds of shops. On this street you can shop at luxury department stores and fashion brands, book store among other shops.

2. Meent: Meent is a glamorous and coming shopping street in Rotterdam. This trendy street is the perfect place to shop for designer shopping . You can shop for designer goods, uber-chic shoes, and high-tech household items on this street, and is a great place to enjoy a day at the shops. There are many restaurants and cafes on this street for those who are tired of shopping

3. Nieuwe Binnenweg: The Nieuwe Binnenweg has independent stores and on this street, you can shop for design, music, gifts, and clothes. The street is famous for limited edition and handmade gifts which are not to be found elsewhere in Rotterdam.

4. Lijnbaan: In 1953, the Lijnbaan was the first car-free shopping boulevard in Europe and it’s still the best-known Rotterdam shopping street. The pedestrian area expands onto the Lijnbaan’s side streets, which are worth wandering into as well. Here, you’ll mostly find big retailers like Vero Moda and Mango.

5. Van Oldenbarneveltstraat: The van Oldenbarneveltstraat is one of the leading shopping streets of Rotterdam. It has exclusive fashion boutiques, luxury shoe shops, cosmetics, and charming cafés. On this street, you can shop Danish, Swedish, and French brands along with Rotterdam designers like Monique van Heist and Susan Bijl.

6. Pannenkoekstraat & Botersloot: Pannenkoekstraat & Botersloot streets are full of small-scale fashion boutiques, design shops and bookstores. The shops on this street sell a diverse selection of products from clothing to accessories.

7. Maastricht: Maastricht city is the mecca for fashionistas and shopaholics. The city has numerous fashion brands, countless exclusive boutiques, and specialty shops selling unique fashion and design items and accessories. The historic city center of Maastricht is full of small boutiques selling Dutch design, modern department stores, and designer outlets along with markets selling vintage collectibles. There are several districts in Maastricht with each having their own identity. Most of the shopping districts and restaurants are just a short walk away.

Stokstraat and Rechtstraat are sophisticated shopping streets with a range of lovely boutiques. The Wyckerstraat and Maastrichterbrugstraa streets are known for chains and department stores. The Heggenstraat is the trendiest street for shopping in Maastricht located in the city centre it is a narrow small street featuring boutiques.

8. Leiden: The beautiful city of Leiden with monumental buildings, charming streets, canals, and bridges is a wonderful place for a day of shopping. The city has numerous boutiques, specialty shops, and small gadget shops.

Haarlemmerstraat is the main shopping street of Leiden. Here you will find a large collection of shops selling clothing, jewelry, toys, shoes, electronics, and sports equipment. In addition to major brands, specialty stores offer leather, children’s clothing, and coffee.

Breestraat is another big shopping street with a deli, wine, book, and antique shops. There are also countless shops along the Nieuwe Rijn and Botermarkt selling everything from the latest trends for your home to kitchen products. The Pieterskwartier is an idyllic neighborhood in the old town of Leiden. Stroll around the Pieterskerk through the numerous alleys and streets.

9. Haarlem: Haarlem is a true shopper’s dream and is consistently voted as the best shopping city in the Netherlands. Haarlem boasts a diverse range of shops from small quirky boutiques, to concept stores, department stores, and chain stores. The city center is pedestrianized with many exclusive shops, trendy clothing stores, charming antique and curio shops, and numerous specialist shops.

The area of the seven Gouden Straatjes also known as Golden Alleys around Grote Markt is a must-see if you are going on a shopping spree in Haarlem. The seven streets that makeup Gouden Straatjes are Warmoesstraat, Schagchelstraat, Zijlstraat, Anegang, Gierstraat, Kleine Houtstraat, and Koningstraat. The Gouden Straatjes feature special façade plaques and monumental buildings. The area has numerous shops specializing in artisanal products or unique fashion, curiosity, and design concepts. Experience the atmosphere and try delicacies like chocolate, coffee, wines, and specialty produce. Haarlem also boasts countless lunchrooms where you can sit down to enjoy the view and your purchases.

10. Arnhem: Arnhem is the fashion and design capital of the Netherlands. The city has major fashion chains, boutiques, and specialized stores selling a variety of products at various price points to suit all tastes and budgets.

Shopping in Arnhem would not be complete if you did not visit Modekwartier. You can shop for bridal gowns, made-to-measure clothes, hats, and bags. It is also home for upcoming design talents and if you drop by the designer’s workshop, you can also shop for shoes and any other special accessories.

Modekwartier is the district for fashion and accessories. Many designers have shops here and you will find unique and original designs to suit your budget. Steenstraat is the best-known shopping street featuring specialist shops.

11. Alkmaar: Shopping in Alkmaar is a pleasant experience. You can shop at major chain stores along with plenty of unique boutiques to cater to every budget and preference. In the city center of Alkmaar, you will find the big chain stores at De Langestraat and De Laat the largest shopping streets of the city. They make a great starting point for a shopping spree, boasting well-known retail chains as well as unique concept stores. In the more narrow streets nearby you will find smaller and local boutique shops.

12. Leeuwarden: In the historic center of Leeuwarden you can shop the biggest fashion brands, boutiques, pop-up stores, and hand-made gifts. Kleine Kerkstraat is the Loveliest Shopping Street in the Netherlands is home to small shops with specialty products like art and design, flowers, specialty food, and fashion boutiques.

On Nieuwestad and Wirdumerdijk you will find popular fashion chains Zara, Costes, and H&M. It is the perfect place to search for a great birthday outfit, well-fitting jeans, a good warm winter jacket, or just for window-shopping.

If you’re planning a trip to the Netherlands, besides exploring its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, indulging in some shopping is a must-do activity. From traditional Dutch products to modern fashion items, the Netherlands offers a plethora of unique items that make for memorable souvenirs or personal indulgences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top things you should consider buying while in the Netherlands.

1. Dutch Cheese: The Dutch are renowned for their excellent quality of cheese and are the second largest producer in the world. The most popular cheeses are Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam which are exported all over the world. You can also buy some special varieties such as turquoise cheese with lavender, pink-colored cheese with red pesto, champagne gouda, or coconut gouda to name a few.

2. Kissing Couple: The kissing couple has become a popular symbol of the Netherlands. The famous Dutch kissing farmers couple are in blue and white chastely kissing with a bunch of tulips. They are available on delftware, magnets, or tiny figures as decor for your home.

3. Stroopwafels: The Dutch Stroopwafel is a cookie unique to the Netherlands. It is a wafer cookie made from two thin layers of baked dough joined by a caramel filling. You can buy them across shops and supermarkets and are a favorite gift to bring back from your trip.

4. Curacao Liqueur: Curaçao is a liqueur flavored with the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit, grown on the Dutch island of Curaçao. The Curaçao liqueurs can be translucent or colored blue, red, and orange.

5. Wooden Clogs: Wooden Clogs also known as Klompen have been the traditional footwear in the Netherlands for hundreds of years. They are wooden shoes that are often painted in colorful patterns and painted with images.

6. Tulip Bulbs: The Netherlands is known throughout the world as a tulip country. When in Amsterdam you can buy the most rare species of tulip bulbs that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. You can buy flower bulbs at the Flower market the only floating market for flowers in the world where the choices are overwhelming.

7. Cheese Slicer: Cheese Slicer is the most essential kitchen equipment found in every kitchen across the country. You can purchase a cheese slicer at most cheese stores in the Netherlands. The cheese slicer is a perfect gift from the Netherlands.

8. Christmas ornaments: Delft blue Dutch Christmas decoration is one of the most magical souvenirs to buy during Christmas. You can buy a variety of decoration ornaments such as hanger bells, canal houses, and kissing couples. Buying these ornaments will remind you of your trip to the Netherlands every time you see them hung in your Christmas tree during the holidays.

9. Drop: Drop is a Dutch Licorice that is salty and sweet to hard and soft in various flavors and can be bought across the Netherlands in almost every shop, grocery store, or supermarket.

10. Van Gogh’s Patterns: Vincent Willem van Gogh was a Dutch painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In the Netherlands, you can buy various items with Van Gogh patterns such as handbags, umbrellas, coffee cups, glasses boxes, notebooks, silk scarves, ties, suitcases, etc.

11. Windmills: Windmills are known worldwide as an iconic symbol of Dutch. You can buy them across the country in Delft pottery or wood designs and they vary from small to large and some play music while rotating.

12. Diary of Anne Frank: During the Second World War, Anne Frank, the symbol of the suffering of the Jews, became well-known by the journals she kept during the Netherlands occupation. The Anne Frank Diary is one of the 20th century’s most-read books.

13. Genever: Genever also known as jenever, genièvre, peket, or Dutch gin is a juniper-flavored traditional liquor of the Netherlands. It has a neutral taste like vodka with a slight aroma of juniper and malt wine. It is served in a tulip-shaped glass filled to the brim at room temperature or served chilled.

14. Hagelslag: Hagelslag is a traditional Dutch food that comes in a variety of flavors, shapes, and sizes and is most commonly eaten on top of buttered bread. You can find around 20 varieties including aniseed, fruit, and forest fruit-flavored sprinkles, chocolate hagelslag, milk hagelslag, white hagelslag, dark hagelslag, orange hagelslag, chocolate flakes, and low-sugar versions.

15. HEMA Stationery: HEMA is a Dutch variety store chain. The store designs its unique stationery products. The products sold here are moderately priced and is one of the most popular Dutch chains. You can also buy a wide variety of goods, including clothing, food, bicycle equipment, homewares, and gardening tools. Across the country, HEMA has numerous outlets where you can shop.

16. Delft Pottery: The Delft Blue is the world-famous blue and white hand-painted pottery pieces that are iconic to the Netherlands. It is a signature style that you will not find elsewhere. You can buy chopping boards, tea light holders, small figurines, fountain-style flower vases, cups, and saucers there is a Delftware item for every budget.

17. Dutch Birthday Calendar: If you visit any Dutch person’s toilet you are most likely to see a calendar hanging on the back of the door. It is a perpetual calendar so it does not have any days of the week or years written on it so that it can be used year after year without the need of replacing it. The calendar can be brought across shops and markets in the Netherlands.

18. Chocolates: Dutch chocolate is famous across the world because of the milk quality and the chocolate varieties. In the Netherlands, you will find a lot of chocolate shops selling handmade chocolate varieties made by chocolate designers with the utmost care and attention.

19. Decorative Oil Lamps: In the Netherlands, you can buy authentic Dutch nautical oil lamps made by the century-old company DHR. These decorative oil lamps are made from copper, brass, or stainless steel and are perfect to bring the ambiance to a higher level in any home interior or garden by creating a relaxing atmosphere when lit up.

20. Jigsaw Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles by Jan van Haasteren will leave you entertained as well as wanting to do more. A range of magnificent jigsaw puzzles from 150 pieces to 5000 pieces by the unique Jan van Haasteren. Besides the shark fins, hands, and eyes, most of the puzzles also feature Saint Nicholas and a cameo of the artist himself. You can find these puzzles made by board game manufacturer Jumbo at most game stores in the Netherlands

Bulbs and plants may not be exported except by commercial growers, or by individuals with a health certificate from the Plant Disease Service. A reasonable number of bulbs for personal use are allowed.

Foldable Shopping Bag: As of January 1st, 2016, the Netherlands banned free plastic bags. While there are a few exceptions, if you want a bag to carry around your shopping, you will need to pay for it. A simple alternative is to purchase a foldable shopping bag that you keep with you.