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Amsterdam shopping
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Shopping tips
Kalverstraat is probably the most famous shopping street and is usually very busy. Like Damrak and Niewendijk, it is a shoppers' tourist paradise. All the big brand names are there. The shopping district is right in the middle of town and is easy to find. Department store De Bijenkorf is a symbol of traditional shopping. On Kalverstraat, near Muntplein, you also find a more recent shopping centre, Kalvertoren.
If you are looking for the best brands, go to the area behind the Rijksmuseum. The Museum Quarter is the place for designer shopping. Amsterdam also attracts some more alternative shops. Take a walk along the smaller canals and you will find some beautiful little shops hidden in between restaurants or in the basements of the imposing town houses. Many other small bric-a-brac shops can be found in the streets off the three big canals between Raadhuisstraat and Bloemenmarkt / Leidse Plein.
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Going Out Tips
Leidseplein is the best place to meet if you want to go out and have a good night, no matter what day of the week. There is always something interesting going on: buskers, restaurants and much much more. Rembrandtplein is another excellent meeting point. Here, it is mostly locals who are having a great time, but tourists can easily join in the fun.
Lesbians and gays visit the many cafes and clubs on Reguliersdwarsstraat, a street off Rembrandtplein. More specific information about Gay Amsterdam can be found on the website.
The red light district is called the 'Walletjes'. There are two main streets: Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal with sex shops, cinemas, live entertainment, bars and window prostitution. There are some excellent restaurants, too.
The Amsterdam Card for free public transport and museum visits
You can purchase a 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour Amsterdam Card. Cards are available at the Amsterdam tourist information offices. What are the advantages?
> free public transport (tram, bus and underground)
> free access to more than 20 well-known museums (excluding the Anne Frank house); surcharges apply for some temporary exhibitions or events
> a free 1-hour boat trip on the canals
> 1 free croquette roll, coffee and glass of liqueur
> 25% discount on many attractions and restaurants
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Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/Graça Victoria
Text: GVDV - © AT-Europe bvba
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