Shopping

Step into a world of exquisite antique and contemporary jewelry and gorgeous antique silver at this elegant shop situated opposite the Allard-Pierson Museum in the historic and beautiful heart of Amsterdam. This establishment, opened in 1823, specializes in European silver, antiques and second hand jewelry. The splendid collection showcased in brocaded display cases and richly carved cabinets is a tribute to fine craftsmanship. The antique jewelry displayed alongside the variety of sterling silverware vies for your attention as does the silver plaque depicting the entrance to an Amsterdam hospital or the 18th century perpetual calendar. In 1973, this establishment became suppliers of the Dutch royalty. Jewelry is also designed, made and repaired in the workshop located on the premises.

Unassuming and modest, the exterior of this emporium belies the content loaded within. High quality Makkumware porcelain from Koninklijke Tichelaars is available at this shop which stocks all kinds of everything related to Delftware. Genuine articles as well as imitations are available in elegant designs. Funky shapes are available as well like ceramic clogs, Christmas decorations, misshapen vases, etc.

If branded items and exclusive designer labels is what you are looking for, then look no further. From Gucci bags, Fieldcrest towels and a host of other designer tags to compliment your wardrobe, this elegant store has it all. Household goods with labels to boast and a galaxy of personal items are also available here.

Not one to flaunt its name, this unobtrusive store is a name to reckon with when it comes to a collection of antiques. In the business since 1878, Mathieu Hart is a veritable treasure trove. Color etchings of Dutch cities give you an artistic view of Amsterdam or the Dutch countryside. Rare old prints are also available here. A collection of famous 18th century Delftware along with grandfather clocks are also part of the unique items the shop has to offer.

Expect an explosive and unique combination when a hip, trendy, artistic, avant-garde and a wee bit loud store for women is set in a protected historical monument, the 17th century Klein Trippenhuis. This counter-intuitive setting sets the mood of this store where co-proprietor Desiree Webers showcases her designer fashions along with other Dutch and international designers.

The Museum Quarter which is located in Amsterdam Zuid is considered to be the Rodeo Drive of Amsterdam. It has the most popular designer’s shops clothes and shoes shops along with massage, well being, health, florist and specialist shops.

At the P.C. Hooftstraat you will find all the haute couture boutiques: Cartier, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger and the very impressive Oger shop.

The perfect place to find gold and silver turned into stunning jewelry, each piece of which is an expression of art. Owner Paul Derrez's creativity does not stop here. Visit the store to see the playful pieces he turns other materials like rubber, foam and feathers into.

Want to wash away your worries or wash away your sins; there's soap aplenty to do all of that, plus more. You'll be amazed that a simple commodity like soap could be an object of artistic creation. Enter the shop and your senses will be assaulted with the fragrance of vanilla, rose and other essential oils. The variety of shapes and sizes of soap available here is astounding. Imagine a chess set made of soap, soap alphabet blocks and soap in the shape of a cow! At la Savonnerie you can buy personalized soaps and even make your own customized soap with oils and perfumes of your choice.

A fabric shop like no other, it is sure to please every woman's heart and every man's too who wants to please his woman. Spools of ribbon and cord, colors galore, adorn the store's walls. Set to indulge every woman who loves to stitch and embroider, the shop has books with samples of patches and appliques.

If you have money to spend and don't want to compromise on quality, then this store is definitely worth a visit. With a fabulous choice of modern furniture, fabrics, kitchenware and other home-based items, you need not go elsewhere. This stunning store built in 1891, also has a rooftop cafe, Metz. Designed by architect Gerrit Rietveld in 1933, there is a section in the cupola of the restaurant for special events. From here one also gets a spectacular panoramic view of Amsterdam's rooftops.

The Nine Streets or De Negen Straatjes are nine narrow streets between the main canals that have boutiques, specialist shops, galleries and restaurants for people who cannot afford to shop at the Museum Quarter.

Little souvenirs in unique shapes make for unusual gifts. Fish-shaped pens, lipstick, syringes (this is Amsterdam after all! ), hand-glove puppet-shaped washcloths, spherical dice and all sorts of colorful knick-knacks are available here.

Don't get taken in by the name; it's a record shop all right but certainly not for free. The prices are competitive though and the store, which is spread across the ground floor and basement, has an incredible number of cassettes, CDs and videos.

If it's anything to do with illumination, you're at the right place. Whether it's soft seductive candlelight you require for that romantic dinner or illumination for a wake and everything else in between, you're sure to find it here. Candles in artistic designs and shapes will lure you into buying more than you'd intended to while the outrageously kitschy ones are sure to bring a smile to your face. Scented oils and incense are also sold here. Repair of dolls is also undertaken.

As a tourist you might be interested in travel information and this is a useful shop for you. Available at this one-stop shop is a wide range of travel literature, travel guides and large-format photo books about travel and anthropology. The antique travel books are a collector's delight. Second hand books are also available.

A shop that is sure to delight people of all ages with its collection of cute little knick-knacks like colored bottles and glasses, big plastic butterflies, lamps shaped like bananas and other items of use. Updated versions of tin cars and children's toys of the yesteryears are also sold here.

Waterlooplein is an infamous flea market where everything under the sun is available at cheap prices. This 300-stall outdoor bazaar is full of curiosa, general bric-a-brac, second-hand clothing, CDs, DVDs, appliances and goods both brand new and used. Haggling in this market is commonplace.

Another market unique to Amsterdam is the Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market.

Around the area of Damrak and Leidsplein you will find a number of souvenir shops selling everything from traditional Dutch wooden clogs to miniature windmills. If you are looking for something more exclusive set off to Negen Sraaties (Nine Steets) or Jordaan for some original boutiques and specialty stores.

De Beeldenwinkel Sculpture Gallery is a gallery that has random things for sale like statues, sculptures, pottery, and marble figures for people with all kinds of tastes.