The Nine Streets: A guide to Amsterdam’s best boutique shopping

Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself. One of my favorite parts of Amsterdam to go shopping for unique items in Amsterdam is the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes). This small Amsterdam neighborhood is home to Amsterdam’s best boutique shopping. I include my favorite shops in this stylish shopping district and some tips for getting lunch.

The Nine Streets within the Negen Straatjes

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The Nine Little Streets (9 Straatjes) is an adorable neighborhood of Amsterdam on the edge of the canal ring of Amsterdam. Although the neighborhood itself is quite old and filled with beautiful slightly leaning houses dating back to the 1600s, the neighborhood created its own identity quite recently branding itself as a premiere destination for boutique shopping in Amsterdam.

The nine streets included in the Negen Straatjes are Reestraat, Hartenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Berenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Spielgelstraat, Runstraat, Huidenstraat, and Wijde Heisteeg. These streets are partially for the trades that once happened here (e.g. animal skinning). They’re “boxed” in by the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singel canals, making for a beautiful walk in Amsterdam.

The best boutique shopping in the 9 Straatjes

For clothing from small boutiques, the 9 Straatjes is a great place to shop. Even if you’re on a budget, don’t be afraid to look for the sale section as you might be surprised with what you find in the back! I ended up browsing at the darling (shown above) for clothing and lifestyle pieces.

Vintage-inspired lovers will need to check out King Louie and Who’s that Girl? King Louie is a popular retro-style Dutch brand with comfortable dresses perfect for work and everyday wear. It’s one of my favorite brands. Who’s that Girl? is a fun Belgian-style brand with colorful and fun patterned pieces inspired by the 1970s.

For more classic clothing items, I recommend browsing Scotch & Soda. This Amsterdam brand is known for their high-quality pieces made in Holland. They have a cozy shop within the 9 Streets! Pure Brands is also a great place to browse for 100% Dutch brands.

If you’re after real vintage, you can certainly find it at many of the vintage shops in the area. Bij ons vintage is the most famous vintage shop in the 9 Straatjes. Episode is also a popular Amsterdam vintage shop chain. Just be warned that vintage clothes in the Netherlands aren’t particularly cheap compared to other places, but you might find some nice pieces.

For something different, you can browse Ko, a Dutch design shop, as well as Concrete Matter for fun lifestyle gifts. My favorite shop is De Gamekeeper, a board game store with friendly owners happy to help you find the perfect game for any occasion. There’s also a handful of galleries if you’re looking for some new art.

Where to drink coffee or cocktails near the 9 Straatjes

There are several cozy cafes to stop off at in the 9 Straatjes. The most famous is Screaming Beans, one of Amsterdam’s most famous fourth wave coffee makers. Personally, I really like Kaldi, which is one of Amsterdam’s best places for a cup of coffee.

If you’re looking to sit down for a while, consider stopping off at Libertine. This bar is a bit hidden, but it’s always a calm place to relax with a tea, coffee, or beer (if you choose). They also serve a nice lunch!

For something a bit stronger, consider visiting Proeflokaal A. Van Wees to sample Dutch jenever at this small family-run distillery.

Where to eat in the 9 Straatjes

For lovers of Dutch cheese, you must step into De Kaaskamer (pictured above), a wonderful cheese store in the 9 Straatjes. It’s full of possibilities, so if you’re dreaming of a lunch full of Dutch cheese, consider getting a sandwich here made with fresh Dutch cheese of your choice!

One of my favorite budget and vegan-friendly food favorites in the 9 Straatjes is the Lebanese Sajeria. You can pick up a delicious zaatar with hummus or a cup of soup to-go to enjoy next to the canals. This delicious bread spiced with thyme and other spices.

If you’re looking for a quick meal or a DIY-picnic, consider stopping by Marqt. This organic supermarket has a great lunch special with premade sandwiches and salads made with healthy ingredients. Otherwise, it is a great place to pick up supplies for a lunch! For some fine chocolate, head to Chocolaterie Pompadour for high-quality chocolates to enjoy or bring home as a souvenir!

For a nicer lunch, you can head to the Andaz or the Hoxton, which have lovely sit-down restaurants for a relaxed and chic lunch or dinner.

Have you been to the 9 Straatjes in Amsterdam?

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