Must-see shopping in The Netherlands

  • Property Of

    Western Canal Ring

    Black-and-white chequerboard floor tiles and black-painted timber cabinetry create a dramatic backdrop for the leather goods on display at this Dutch…

  • Scotch & Soda

    Western Canal Ring

    Scotch & Soda's Negen Straatjes store is a prime place to check out the offerings from this Amsterdam fashion label gone global. This branch carries men's…

  • Jacob Hooy & Co

    Amsterdam

    A proper apothecary shop, lined by wooden drawers and rounded barrels with their contents inscribed in flowing font, Jacob Hooy & Co has been selling…

  • Folk Concept Store

    Groningen

    Browse an enchanting and eclectic mix of clothing, organic snack bars, vanity bags, homewares, jewellery and arts and crafts at this ecofriendly, folk…

  • Hans Appenzeller

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Hans Appenzeller is one of Amsterdam's leading craftspeople working in gold and stone, and he is known for the simplicity and strength of his designs. New…

  • Robins Hood

    Jordaan & the West

    Whitewashed walls and floorboards create a blank canvas for the upcycled vintage and Dutch-designed products here. Browse for unique items including vases…

  • Goochem Speelgoed

    Amsterdam

    This large toy shop spread over two floors has been putting grins on small faces for over three decades. Overlooked by a huge stuffed giraffe, there's a…

  • Kokopelli

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Were it not for its trade in 'magic truffles' (similar to the now-outlawed psilocybin mushrooms, aka 'magic mushrooms'), you might swear this large,…

  • De Bierkoning

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Not only does De Bierkoning stock more than 2000 varieties of beer (with an emphasis on Belgian, German, British and, of course, Dutch brews) but it also…

  • Anecdote

    Western Canal Ring

    A former garage now houses this flagship boutique of Amsterdam designer Jetteke van Beuningen, whose biennial collections of women's skirts, shorts,…

  • Andries de Jong BV

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Since 1787, when seafarers have needed ship fittings, rope or brass lamps, they've come to Andries de Jong. Traditional clocks, bells, boats in bottles…

  • Amsterdam Watch Company

    Western Canal Ring

    The small, passionate and highly skilled team here restores old watches (postwar to mid-1970s). The company is also the exclusive Amsterdam dealer of…

  • Bussink Deventer Koekwinkel

    Overijssel

    Bussink is the long-established purveyor of the local speciality Deventer koek. The mildly spiced gingerbread, made with honey and orange, is so dense…

  • Marlies Dekkers

    Western Canal Ring

    Preeminent Dutch lingerie designer Marlies Dekkers is known for her subtle hints of bondage, detailed on exquisite undergarments. Summer sees an equally…

  • Van Avezaath Beune

    Amsterdam

    Try not to drool over the cabinet of chocolates and delectable pastries here as you agonise over your selection. Otherwise opt for a box of chocolate…

  • Sissy-Boy Homeland

    Amsterdam

    A Dutch high-street clothing store stocking highly wearable, affordable clothes in appealing soft colours and fabrics. The kids' selection is particularly…

  • Cats & Things

    Jordaan & the West

    If you're a cat lover, or shopping for someone who is, this quirky shop – with its own resident cats – is a must. It stocks every feline-themed gift…

  • Frenken

    Den Haag

    Saint Martins–trained Eric Frenken was the head designer of women's wear at Viktor & Rolf before launching his own equally quirky label. His beautifully…

  • Avontuur in Miniatuur

    North Holland

    Dollhouses (and everything you need to furnish, decorate and populate them) are the speciality of this miniature wonderland. When you visit, you may see…

  • Bookstor

    Den Haag

    A hybrid cafe and second-hand bookstore in Het Noordeinde shopping area, this popular meeting spot offers coffee, pastries, comfortable seating, chess…

  • Rush Hour Records

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    House and techno are the main genres on offer in this vast space, but funk, jazz, dubstep, electronica and disco fill the bins too. A favourite with DJs…

  • Johnny at the Spot

    Amsterdam

    Cool concept store Johnny at the Spot fills several interconnected buildings with uber-hip men's and women's clothing, shoes and raincoats from Amsterdam…

  • By Popular Demand

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Stop by this large, sunny shop for nifty gift-y wares. Cool cards, groovy gadgets and hip lamps and other home decor stock the shelves. Many items are…

  • Papabubble

    Jordaan & the West

    This hip sweetshop looks more like a gallery. Pull up a cushion and perch on the stairs to watch the mesmerising process of transforming sugar into sweets…

  • Concrete

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    Concrete is a well-known Dutch design house and this venue is part exhibition space – showing rotating exhibitions of adventurous photography, graphics…

  • Hoogkamp Antiquariaat

    Southern Canal Ring

    On quaint Spiegelgracht, this antiques shop sells prints that make for great souvenirs. You'll find old maps and landscapes of Amsterdam, artworks, and…

  • Concrete Matter

    Western Canal Ring

    At this concept store with a difference, everything is specifically curated for men, from casual clothing to classic car books to shaving kits, referee…

  • de Drvkkery

    Middelburg

    One of the best bookshops in the country, de Drvkkery stocks an extensive range of English-language books. Magazines and newspapers are sold in the space…

  • Van Beek

    De Pijp

    If you're inspired by Amsterdam's masterpiece-filled galleries, street art and picturesque canalscapes, the De Pijp branch of this venerable Dutch art…

  • Mary Go Wild

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    House and techno are the specialities of this vinyl shop on Zeedijk. DJs often play in-store; it also has its own online radio station, and hosts…

  • Kaashuis Tromp

    Jordaan & the West

    Wheels of Gouda, Edam and European cheeses are piled high on the shelves at this branch of the Dutch chain. For a fast fix, join the locals queued at the…

  • Gastronomie Nostalgie

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    The owner scours international auctions for the gorgeous china plates, crystal goblets, silver candlesticks and other antique homewares spilling out of…

  • Rotterdam Tourist Information Gift Shop

    Rotterdam

    You can pick up a guide to Rotterdam's architecture or a classy souvenir designed and made in the city (homewares, novelty items, cards, food and more) at…

  • Laura Dols

    Western Canal Ring

    Compulsive style-watchers head to this vintage-clothing store for fur coats, 1920s beaded dresses, lace blouses and ’40s movie-star accessories such as…

  • Exota

    Western Canal Ring

    Exota sells its own hip King Louie label plus global brands such as Kookai and French Connection, with chic designs for both men and women. Across the…

  • Whiskybase

    Rotterdam

    Enjoy a wee dram or two? If the answer is yes, this shop with its massive collection of bottles is the place for you. Its Whiskybase Gathering in October…

  • Young Designers United

    Southern Canal Ring

    This sleek boutique has a stylish array of affordable items by young European designers. You might spot durable basics, handmade leggings or heels made…

  • Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje

    Jordaan & the West

    This corner shop is lined with jar after apothecary jar of Dutch penny sweets with flavours from chocolate to coffee and cardamom, all manner of fruit and…

  • Arnold Cornelis

    Jordaan & the West

    Your dinner hosts will be impressed if you present them with something from this long-standing shop, such as fruitcake, cheesecake or biscuits made with…

  • 3-D Hologrammen/Printed in Space

    Medieval Centre & Red Light District

    This fascinating (and trippy) collection of holographic pictures, jewellery and stickers will delight all ages. You can even get a hologram of yourself…

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