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The Netherlands

Shopping in The Netherlands

  1. A

    Josine Bokhoven

    Across the canal from the Anne Frank Huis, this friendly gallery features contemporary art and the work of emerging young artists, including German artist Ralph Fleck.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Antiquariaat Kok

    A wide and engaging range of used and antiquarian stock (literature, coffee-table books, old prints etc) is sold here, including biology, art and architecture titles.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Nijhof & Lee

    Design fans will want to head here for a swell selection of international architecture, art and typography books and posters in an intimate but contemporary setting.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Fotografia

    This classy shop is as simple as a photo lab and stocked full of publications featuring the likes of Alfred Stieglitz, Charlotte Dumas, Rineke Dijkstra and Magritte.

    reviewed

  5. E

    't Zonnetje

    In a space that’s been a teashop since 1642, you can find teas from all over the world, coffees and implements, and be waited on by a commendably cheerful owner.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Petsalon

    In Dutch a pet is a cap, and lifelong milliner Ans Wesseling has been designing hats from this shop for over 20 years. Step into his workshop and gasp.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Young Designers United

    A showcase for newbie Dutch designers, each of whom gets his/her own rack. The range is huge, from asymmetrical sheaths to flowy frocks, all fairly well priced.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Beaufort

    Exquisite handcrafted contemporary jewellery is created on site; many of the pieces combine silver and gold. The necklaces and rings are particularly beautiful.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Pinokkio

    This pleasant shop stocks wooden and educational toys, rocking horses, wooden vehicles, replica canal houses, mobiles and, of course, lots of Pinocchio dolls.

    reviewed

  10. J

    H&M

    This fashion chain store has up-to-the-minute clothes for all ages at several locations. You may find higher quality elsewhere, but prices are remarkably low.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Nukuhiva

    This eco-boutique stocks only ethical and fair-trade clothing and accessories by brands such as Veja (vegan shoes) and Dutch designer Kuyishi (organic denim).

    reviewed

  13. L

    Hema

    Once a Woolworths clone, Hema now attracts as many design aficionados as bargain hunters. It has wide-ranging stock, including good-value wine and deli foods.

    reviewed

  14. M

    Waterlooplein Flea Market

    Amsterdam's most famous flea market is full of curios, secondhand clothing, music, electronic stuff slightly on the blink, hardware and cheap New Age gifts.

    reviewed

  15. N

    Het Fort Van Sjakoo

    Get the low-down on the squat scene, plus locally produced zines and Trotsky translations, at this lefty bookshop, which has been in operation since 1977.

    reviewed

  16. O

    Outland Records

    A purist’s club-music shop with vinyl only, plus designer Japanese toys and rhinestone-encrusted headphones. Get info and tickets for parties here.

    reviewed

  17. P

    Lairesse Apotheek

    This is both a pharmacy and an installation artwork, with graphics of the periodic table filling the entrance and a rotunda of green backlit cases inside.

    reviewed

  18. Q

    De Waterwinkel

    Thirsty? With more than 100 types of bottled water (mineral, sparkling, still and flavoured), this calm and pretty store will keep your juices flowing.

    reviewed

  19. R

    Cracked Kettle

    Proost! This delightful shop stocks more than 500 international beers as well as a healthy selection of wines and sprits. It ships worldwide.

    reviewed

  20. S

    Homegrown Fantasy

    Organic Dutch-grown product, 3m-long glass bongs, vaporisers, temporary art exhibits on the walls and famous space cakes attracts a good mixed crowd.

    reviewed

  21. T

    English Bookshop

    This attractive canalside shop has a well-chosen selection of English-language biographies, novels and translations of the works of Dutch writers.

    reviewed

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  23. Boerenmarkt

    Boerenmarkt (farmers market) is in Nieuwmarkt and Noordermarkt. Pick up home-grown produce, organic food and picnic provisions.

    reviewed

  24. U

    Wonderwood

    Head here for originals or reproductions of ’40s and ’50s furniture design – think Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson.

    reviewed

  25. V

    Get Records

    This deceptively large store has an eclectic and wide range of rock, folk, country and blues CDs. It's a decent break from the club music scene.

    reviewed

  26. W

    RoB

    RoB sells anything and everything for one’s bondage and rough-sex fantasy: army gear, leather and rubber are just the start. Oh my!

    reviewed

  27. X

    Antiques Market

    Antiques market is in Amstelveld and Nieuwmarkt. There are many genuine articles here and lots of books and bric-a-brac.

    reviewed