Shopping for the Rich and not so Rich
Amsterdam is a shopper’s dream come true; exclusive boutiques, design shops, department stores, diamond stores add to this vintage shopping, open air markets and souvenir shops. Amsterdam shopping is for the rich and not so rich, but where to start?
Waterlooplein flea market
Mini Amsterdam Shopping Guide for one-of-a-kind gifts:
1. Albert Cuypmarkt
Albert Cuypstraat – A feast of colours, smell and sounds. Flower vendors rub shoulder with fish dealers loudly praising their wares. * One-of-a-kind gifts: Amsterdam onions, big yellow ones floating in brine or embroidered silk by the metre imported from India.
2. Bloemenmarkt or Flower Market
Singel between Koningsplein and Muntplein – Floating stalls abounding in cut flowers, pot plants, tulips but only in spring, bulbs and seeds all year. Also a variety of tacky souvenirs including Delftware windmills and clogs all sizes. * One-of-a-kind gifts: Can of cannabis seeds or assorted tulip bulbs (export approved).
3. Baba Souvenirshop
Warmoesstraat 47 – Incense filled shop with a world of eclectic goods imported from India. * One-of-a-kind gifts: Wooden sculpted Ganesh, the Hindu God with the monkey head or incense sticks from mint to cinnamon and all flavours in between.
4. Zipper
Huidenstraat 7 – Racks stacked with reinvented, recreated and recycled clothing. One-of-a-kind gifts: Vintage mini-skirt or 1950s rock-and-roll petticoat.
5. Le Cellier
Spuistraat 116 – Walls lined with shelves sagging under the weight of bottles of wine, spirits and liqueurs. * One-of-a-kind gifts: Jenever, Dutch type of gin or Staropramen, famous Czech beer.
6. Waterlooplein Flea Market
Waterlooplein – Elbow your way past second-hand clothes, gothic gear, bric-a-brac, African bedspreads, army supply clothing and drug paraphernalia. * One-of-a-kind gifts: Graffiti spray can or hennep lollies, also in ten-packs.
Condomerie het Gulden Vlies
7. Condomerie Het Gulden Vlies
Warmoesstraat 141 – Condoms in all sizes, colours, shapes and flavours. * One-of-a-kind gifts: Christmas tree condom or handpainted lollipop condom.
8. Pollinator Grow Shop
Nieuwe Herengracht 25 – Free advice on how to grow your own weed plants and all equipment you need. * One-of-a-kind gifts: 5 seedling weed plants (the legal amount of plants allowed per person for private use) or a packet of Skunk Seeds (to grow your plants from start).
9. Amsterdam Diamond Center
Rokin 1 – 5 Eye-dazzling diamonds set in rings, broches and necklaces. Designer cuff links, pens and silver photo frames. Don’t bother about the price, just swipe your credit card * One-of-a-kind gifts: Platina ring studded with diamonds or a Tiffany engagement ring.
photo credit Marianne Crone