5 Best Shopping in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sissy-Boy

Oosterdok Fodor's choice

Casual, preppy threads for men, women, and children can be found here, along with home wares, toys, and toiletries. There are other locations in Centrum, Oud-Zuid, and the Eastern Canal Ring.

C & A

Centrum

Established in 1841, this Dutch department store chain offers affordable fashion for the whole family, ranging from 100% organic cotton baby clothes to plus-size skinny jeans and recycled swimwear. There are always sales racks, and if you have the patience to paw through them, you may be rewarded with some discounted gems. The Damrak store is one of five in Amsterdam alone; for other locations, visit the website.

De Bijenkorf

Centrum
Having celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2020, "The Beehive" is still the nation's best-known department store, where shoppers swarm for top international lines of designer clothing, shoes, and cosmetics, along with a decent array of furniture and appliances, and one of the best stationery selections in town. Recent renovations, including a tax-free lounge and various ground-floor store-within-a-store boutiques, have focused on attracting international shoppers looking for premium brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chloé, Givenchy, Tiffany's, and Marc Jacobs.

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HEMA

Centrum

One of the Netherlands' most popular stores offers original and affordable own-brand household items, clothing, stationery, gardening tools, and bicycle equipment. Shelves are also stocked with other goodies cherished by the Dutch, such as smoked sausages, traditional candy (think cinnamon candy canes and salty licorice), and pink cream custard cakes. You could call it the Dutch equivalent of Target in that you walk in to buy one thing and leave with a lot more. See the website for other locations.

X-Bank

Centrum
Calling itself the “epicentre of Dutch design,” this 7,534-square-foot store at the W Amsterdam claims to have the world's best collection of Dutch fashion, art, and design. Its notable lineup features 180 local labels, including important furniture designers like Marcel Wanders, Lammers & Lammers, and GHYCZY, as well as high-end fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands like Loes Vrij, Abel, and LEFF amsterdam. Up-and-coming artists and designers are represented, too, and there’s a downstairs gallery that hosts art exhibitions and workshops.