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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jennifer Ceaser

Sandwiched between the Old Town and the Jordaan, in the western part of the Canal Ring, De Negen Straatjes (the Nine Streets) is Amsterdam’s premier boutique shopping hub. A far cry from the tacky souvenir shops and big chains found in much of city centre, its brick sidewalks are home to a lively assortment of independent stores, designer boutiques, artisan jewellers, upscale vintage fashions and edgy art galleries.

It’s a great place to discover the latest Dutch and Flemish brands and pick up locally-made soaps and luxe toiletries. Rest your feet (and your wallet) at one of the many quaint cafes and stylish bars that dot the area.

The Nine Streets are in one of the prettiest, most character-filled parts of the city – chances are you will wander down them even without meaning too.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) are located in the western part of the Canal Ring, between the Singel and Prinsengracht, and bounded by Runstraat and Reestraat.

Note that the nine streets are actually three streets, which change names as they cross over the three canals. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Dam Square.

When to do it

Most shops are open daily, usually from 10am to 6pm, with occasional later closing hours on Thursday. Some are closed Monday mornings, opening around noon.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Pulitzer Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.1 miles]

Contemporary luxury, location and historical charm all meet in this five-star canal-front property, steps from the Nine Streets and the character-filled Jordaan district.

Official star rating:

Hoxton Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.2 miles]

A cool, retro design complements the historical character of this wonderful, affordable canal-side bolthole.

Official star rating:

The Dylan Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.3 miles]

Amsterdam’s top boutique hotel — beautiful rooms and accomplished cuisine in a historic canal-side building.

Official star rating:

W Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.4 miles]

Swanky design hotel in the picturesque heart of the city, offering an array of bars and restaurants, plus the city’s largest rooftop pool.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands

Picturesque Golden Age canals, premier league art, cosy cafés, and liberal urban living combine to make Amsterdam one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Anne Frank House

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.3 miles]

The canal-house annexe – now a moving museum – is where Anne Frank hid and wrote her world-famous diary.

Best for ages: 8+ | £12

The Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam , North Holland, Netherlands[1.4 miles]

The Netherlands’ premier art museum is packed with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, showcasing the finest works of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer. Over 8,000 exhibits are displayed in 80 rooms trace 800 years of Dutch art and culture. The must-see masterpiece is Rembrandt’s massive Night Watch.

Best for ages: 18+ | £16

Hermitage Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[1.5 miles]

A 17th-century old people’s that is now the overseas outpost for St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum. Lavish, must-see exhibitions of exquisite treasures selected from the Hermitage’s vast collections.

Best for ages: 18+ | £22

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Tower of the Westerkerk church, autumn trees and people boating
Experience

Climb the Westerkerk Church Tower

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.2 miles]

From April to October the Westerkerk church (Prinsengracht 281) offers guided tours up its 85m-high tower delivers knock-out views of the surrounding canals and gabled houses. Open Monday to Saturday 11am-3pm.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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External facade of the building looking up, with a large red sign hanging down
Experience

Huis Marseille Museum for Photography

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.5 miles]

Set in two beautiful canal houses along the Keizersgracht, this museum showcases contemporary (mainly European) photographers in its permanent collection and hosts several photo exhibits annually.

Best for ages: 10+ | £7

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People viewing the Madame Tussauds figures
Experience

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.6 miles]

Alongside Tussauds’ world-famous waxworks, the revamped Amsterdam boasts multi-media exhibits, and uses real-life actors and extras to add to the celebrity illusions.

Best for ages: 4+ | £19

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Exterior view of De Bijenkorp during the daytime
Experience

De Bijenkorf

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands[0.7 miles]

The Netherlands’ equivalent of Harrods, De Bijenkorf is one of the oldest and grandest department stores in Amsterdam, with over 20,000 square metres of fashion, jewellery and pretty much everything else.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >