I’m not a big souvenir person. My souvenirs have always been the pictures I take or the occasional piece of jewelry or cool scarf.
It’s harder than ever to find a product unique to its country these days — and I don’t want to end up with something I can find on junk-clogged Canal Street in Manhattan.
To be sure, that doesn’t mean I don’t like to shop. Since my last visit to “the Venice of the North,” many of the unique antique shops in the Spiegelkwartier, with soon-to-reopen Rijksmuseum as a backdrop, had closed. Still, the area is lovely, with cool art galleries, a cute toy shop, and cozy cafes. You can also walk to nearby Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat for that Fifth-Avenue feel, with high-end shops like Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
But for that true taste of A’dam, head to “De 9 Straatjes.” Three major canals (Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht) divide theCentral Canal district intonine 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, besure to bring your camera because the views are phenomenal.
Here’s my guide to must-sees along Amsterdam’s “De 9 Straatjes”:
1. Reestraat:Noa Lifestylecarries 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 atHartenkaas. If you’re looking for something different, tryNoochfor a great al fresco meal or stop byTin Pan Alleyfor quality coffee and live music.
2. Hartenstraat:At Eddy’s Prints (Hartenstraat 30), you’ll find colorful lino prints at great prices, while Dutch designer Hester van Eeghensells 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 cuisinein a sophisticated space atPurna.
3. Gasthuismolensteeg:You can pick up perfect baby booties as a gift at Antonia by Yvette,but don’t forget to nab a pair ofcolorful pumps or leather boots for yourself. The housemade pastrami at ‘t Kuyltjerivals 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.
4. Oude Spiegelstraat:On this very short street, you canpop intoSimoneto give your hair a boostor stop byRikato pick up achic studded handbag or a sexy leather jacket. But for a true taste of local living, book one of the two rooms above the shop.
5. 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 Kand pay a visit toScotch & Sodafora glimpse of the brand’s unique line for kids.
6. Berenstraat:If I had to pick a favorite street based on looks alone, Berenstraat would be it. Find fabbooks on fashion and architecture atMendo, get wrapped up in noodle heaven atThai Fusion, or tryMokkafor an afternoon snack(it’s only open during the day).
7. Runstraat:While I will never lug a lamp home from Amsterdam, I was tempted at‘t Runnertje. The street also boasts double-decker beauty emporiumSkins Cosmetics (Runstraat 11), a shop dedicated to all things dental care,andDe 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-shopThe Darling.
8. Huidenstraat:Stop byCafe de Pelsto soak up some of their creative spirit and take in the walls full of funky art. Head toPompadour Bakeryjust down the street toenjoy a mid-afternoon sweet treat in a dreamy space orcreate your own personalized jewelry atBeadies.
9. Wijde Heisteeg:On the shortest street of them all, you’ll find the goldsmith Wigmans, Lef, a tiny cafethat sellssmoothies and sandwiches, and, last but not least,Emaille.nl, which has been making original signs for more than 40 years.
Annie Fitzsimmons is Intelligent Travel’sUrban Insider, giving you the dish on the best things to see and do in cities all over the world. Follow her on Twitter@anniefitz.
