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Want a break from the hustle and bustle of high street shopping? Cosmopolitan, laid-back and still beautifully quaint, Amsterdam is the perfect place to pick up a few bargains by day and enjoy yourself by night.

Amsterdam: Versatile Shopping City

With its 10,334 shops, 141 galleries, 165 antique shops and 26 markets, Amsterdam has every right to call itself the largest shopping city in Holland. The most diversified also, because there is no other Dutch city that offers such a large assortment of products. Off licences, where more than seventy kinds of whisky or beer make their way over the counters, book shops, jam packed from beginning to end with only cookbooks or children's books, and countless other specialist shops: from coffee to bonbons or from men's underwear to kites. There is even a shop dedicated to the sale of toothbrushes.

The city houses a veritable jumble of unique shops, plus the usual large department stores and fashion shops: from super trendy to elegant-classical, intermingled with outdoor cafes, coffee shops and restaurants. And it is precisely this jumble that makes shopping in the city such a pleasant adventure.

Rich in history, you can plan to take in the city's famous sights en route whilst picking up unusual gifts for family and friends. Picturesque streets and handsome houses are a vivid reminder of Amsterdam's fascinating history. Shopping in Amsterdam is also delightful for culture-vultures, you won't just find it in the museums and theatres but, also in public spaces and on the streets.

Those looking for the specialist shops of Amsterdam will find themselves wandering through different neighbourhoods, each emanating their own particular character: the narrow streets between the canals, or Oud-Zuid (Old South) in the busy centre. Each area of the city has its own unmistakable atmosphere and style.

Between The Canals

Amsterdam's historical ring of canals was constructed at the beginning of the 17th century. Since then, the wide canals bordered by stately mansions have been connected with the narrow streets, on which all kinds of shops have made their home. Those searching for hidden treasures and antiques will find their hearts' desire here: from medals to wrapping paper and from Japanese knickknacks to healing stones.

Clothing stores in abundance have also settled in the canal area. Shopping here is bound to find you a bargain, and if you've got an eye for design, you may well snap up an exclusive, because many of the boutique owners design and make their own clothes. The century old canal houses are becoming more and more popular as spacious living accommodation for trendy Dutch people, which is in turn reflected in the kind of designer shops you'll find like interior design, kitchen accessories and mouth-watering and eye pleasing delicatessens.

When you've shopped til you're ready to drop, it's high time to hit the city's fabulous restaurants and coffee shops. Those with an appetite needn't go out of their way to find a place in one of the many cosy, or fashionable restaurants and cafes, particularly in the canal area.

Luxury

If you're searching for an extra-special gift for a special someone or just to treat yourself, then check out the route of exclusive shops that spread out from the heart of the city in the direction of Oud-Zuid, through the distinguished neighbourhood around the Concert Building to the Beethovenstraat.

The Bijenkorf is situated on the Damrak. The luxurious shopping gallery Magna Plaza - in the beautifully restored former Main Post Office - is situated directly behind the Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace). The renovated Maison de Bonneterie can be entered from either the Rokin or the Kalverstraat. The prominent fashion department store Metz & Co is situated on the Leidsestraat.

Walking (or taking the lift) to the highest storey of the Metz and Co department store will bring you to the Rietveldkoepel, the dome covering the restaurant where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Amsterdam over a drink and a snack.

Outstanding diamonds can be found at the many Amsterdam diamond dealers who have earned high international standing owing to their great skill. Because of that skill, valuable stones like the Koh-I-Nohr and the Cullinan - names with an almost magical ring to them for those in the know - are brought to Amsterdam, where they are transformed into glittering jewels.

Those looking for the exclusive shops of Amsterdam should certainly not skip the Museum Kwartier district in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. Along with the renovated Concert Building and several museums of world-wide fame, there are, in this part of the city, many attractive shops with much to offer. The accent here, is on exclusive fashion. Famous Dutch fashion designers such as Frank Govers, Frans Molenaar and Rob Kroner have seen to it that Amsterdam has won a place in the international world of fashion. Besides that, there are also representatives of leading international fashion houses such as Max Mara, Daniel Hechter and Rodier Paris in the Museum Kwartier.

Art & Antiques

For centuries, Amsterdam has been counted among the major art and antique centres of Europe. The Rokin and its surroundings have the oldest reputation in the area of antiques. Many art and antique dealers established themselves along this former Amstel-bank. Here one still comes across names of world repute such as Vecht, the Douwes brothers and Waterman. Since 1900, after construction of the Rijksmuseum, the Spiegelkwartier has evolved into the main antique centre in Amsterdam.

The antiquarians set up shop round the road leading to the Rijksmuseum, offering an impressive quantity of antique art: paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, coins, books, Art Deco and whatever else you can think of. Nowhere else in the world is there a neighbourhood where you can find so many antiques per square metre. Amsterdam is also reputed for its art dealing. With its total of 141 galleries and art stores, it is by far the leading art centre of Holland. Establishment of the international auction houses, Christie's and Sotheby's has strengthened this position even further.

There you can find works from great names in paintings - with equally great prices - which are regularly bought by museums. In a more adventurous vein, there are galleries that exhibit the works of artists, who are just beginning their careers.

An especially pleasant aspect of strolling along the antiquaries and galleries in Amsterdam is that you, within a short period of time, can also turn your walk into an exciting excursion by discovering the many different styles and techniques represented. The walking distances are so short that you can also, without any difficulty, backtrack to take a second look at that item you were considering buying.

Markets

On the lookout for Amsterdam's markets
Those on the look-out for bargains would be wise to try their luck at Amsterdam's markets. With 26 markets to browse around, chances of succeeding are high. Even those who are not interested in bargain hunting, will find more than enough to amuse themselves, if they do nothing more than experience the pleasant atmosphere. That atmosphere is there for the taking throughout the entire market, and not least due to the market vendors who peddle their wares in unadulterated 'Amsterdams'.

The largest and most colourful commodities market can be found on Albert Cuypstraat. The Waterlooplein Market is well known far beyond Holland's boundaries as a flea market. You will find the only floating flower market in the world along the Singel canal. All year round, flower merchants display their colourful wares here against the background of old Amsterdam. And finally, under the trees of the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, you can find the Philatelist Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Very near here, on the Spui, the Amsterdam Book Market is held every Friday, especially recommended for lovers of second hand and antiquarian books and prints.

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