Amsterdam אמסטרדם 2018

Exploring Amsterdam’s ‘Nine Streets’

For that true taste of A’dam, head to “De 9 Straatjes.” Three major canals (Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht) divide the Central Canal district into nine little streets that are big on personality. While the more casual shopper may breeze through in an hour or two, serious shoppers can spend an entire day (or more) exploring the quaint boutiques and eateries — all with signature Dutch style — down each lane. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, be sure to bring your camera because the views are phenomenal.

Here’s my guide to must-sees along Amsterdam’s “De 9 Straatjes”:

Reestraat: Noa Lifestyle carries a beautifully curated collection of clothes and jewelry from one of my favorite designers, gorjana. For a great hot or cold sandwich, pick from among five dozen choices at Hartenkaas. If you’re looking for something different, try Nooch for a great al fresco meal or stop by Tin Pan Alley for quality coffee and live music.

Hartenstraat: At Eddy’s Prints (Hartenstraat 30), you’ll find colorful lino prints at great prices, while Dutch designer Hester van Eeghen sells a different kind of art: bright, intriguing handbags and accessories (she also has a second boutique that sells shoes with her signature geometric flair right down the street). Browse books on graphic design, photography, and contemporary art at Joot, take an espresso break at Screaming Beans, and satisfy your craving for Indian cuisine in a sophisticated space at Purna.

Gasthuismolensteeg: You can pick up perfect baby booties as a gift at Antonia by Yvette, but don’t forget to nab a pair of colorful pumps or leather boots for yourself. The housemade pastrami at ‘t Kuyltje rivals what you’d find at the best New York delis, as does the smoked salmon and bacon. It’s a cabinet of curiosities at Nic Nic, with vintage clothing (think lace collars and flowery dresses) and a variety of pottery and art deco items.

"The Darling" on Runstraat  has it all.

“The Darling” on Runstraat has it all.

Oude Spiegelstraat: On this very short street, you can pop into Simone to give your hair a boost or stop by Rika to pick up a chic studded handbag or a sexy leather jacket. But for a true taste of local living, book one of the two rooms above the shop.

Wolvenstraat: A great casual breakfast (and fantastic people-watching) can be had at Cafe Wheels. After that, dress up in sleek Scandinavian clothes at Filippa K and pay a visit to Scotch & Soda for a glimpse of the brand’s unique line for kids.

Berenstraat: If I had to pick a favorite street based on looks alone, Berenstraat would be it. Find fab books on fashion and architecture at Mendo, get wrapped up in noodle heaven at Thai Fusion, or try Mokka for an afternoon snack (it’s only open during the day).

Runstraat: While I will never lug a lamp home from Amsterdam, I was tempted at ‘t Runnertje. The street also boasts double-decker beauty emporium Skins Cosmetics (Runstraat 11), a shop dedicated to all things dental care, and De Kaaskamer, one of the greatest cheese shops in the world (they’ll shrink wrap for the plane ride home!). If you’re pressed for time, find coffee, cupcakes, and clothes in one-stop-shop The Darling.

Huidenstraat: Stop by Cafe de Pels to soak up some of their creative spirit and take in the walls full of funky art. Head to Pompadour Bakery just down the street to enjoy a mid-afternoon sweet treat in a dreamy space or create your own personalized jewelry at Beadies.

Wijde Heisteeg: On the shortest street of them all, you’ll find the goldsmith Wigmans, Lef, a tiny cafe that sells smoothies and sandwiches, and, last but not least, Emaille.nl, which has been making original signs for more than 40 years.

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The 9 Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

Especially in the streets which connect the 3 main canals - Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht - you will find a lot of interesting, original, and sometimes amusing, shops.

Take a walk, for example, through the following streets.

Starting from Dam Square you walk along the left side of the Royal Palace, just follow the Paleisstraat, and keep walking. When you cross the first bridge across the Singel you are in Gasthuismolensteeg.Brilmuseum

Spectacles

On the right at number 7 you will see the Brilmuseum/Brillenwinkel  (Museum of Spectacles/Spectacle Shop), offering an unequalled collection of bizarre, outrageous, stylish, extravagant and classical spectacles.

Candles, scented oils and incense

Two bridges further in Reestraat number 20 you will find another remarkable shop. If you are looking for some ritual and spiritual candles, incense sticks, resin incense or a special scented oil Kramer-Pontifex  is the place for you. You have never seen so many different types of candles before. The store houses another remarkable and unusual service: a Doll hospital (Poppen & Berendokter ), for all repairs to antique and new dolls or stuffed animals.

Family-owned candle, incense and scented oil store Kramer-Pontifex

Spanish ceramics

On the left at number 21 you will find Terra , a collection of traditional and self-designed handmade shoes, bags and ceramics from different parts of Spain. Espadrilles are available in all sizes, colors, fabrics and styles.

You have now arrived at Prinsengracht. Turn left until you reach the next bridge across Prinsengracht.

Everything for women

If you turn left into Berenstraat, you will quite soon see Fashion Flairs , a large collection of women's dresses, on your left-hand side. You are sure to find something special here to suit your taste.

A little further down the street you will find the latest trends in rings at Pretty Rings  for small and special gifts. Prices range from € 5 to € 400.

Pretty Rings Amsterdam - giftshop in De 9 Straatjes

In the same street at number 18 a famous Dutch lingerie designer has her own lingerie store: marlies|dekkers store

A bookstore, made from books

If you like luxury books you should not miss the unique Amsterdam store of MENDO , a candy store for book aficionados. The walls are not made of bricks, but of thousands of black MENDO books. Browse the latest books on fashion, photography, architecture, interior, graphic design, food and lifestyle at Berenstraat 11.

MENDO Amsterdam - books on fashion, photography, architecture, interior, graphic design, food and lifestyle

Buttons, nothing but buttons

The Jordaan neighbourhood is mainly known for its small specialised shops. As London has the world renowned Button Queen and New York its own Tender Buttons, so Amsterdam has its own buttonshop, the Knopenwinkel , situated at Herengracht 389. This shop sell buttons, nothing but buttons, a staggering variety of buttons.

Specialised buttonshop at Herengracht, Amsterdam

One bridge back at Herengracht turn left again. You are now walking through Huidenstraat with at number 6 Beadies  (de Kralenwinkel). The next street is Runstraat, where De Witte Tanden Winkel  is situated at number 5. This shop sells a huge variety of toothbrushes.