What to buy in Amsterdam? — Top 14+ must-have gifts & best things to buy in Amsterdam

There are many choices when shopping in the city of Amsterdam as gifts or souvenirs. This place is famous for its many shops, fashion markets and especially shops selling Dutch souvenirs. So, what souvenirs to buy in Amsterdam for cheap, what is famous in Amsterdam for shopping, what should I buy in Amsterdam, what to bring home from Amsterdam, what to buy in Amsterdam? Let’s check out our Amsterdam shopping guide with the suggested of 14+ best things to buy in Amsterdam, best Amsterdam gifts, best Amsterdam souvenirs, best gifts from Amsterdam, must buy in Amsterdam as follows!

If you have the opportunity to visit Amsterdam, in addition to visiting famous places such as Anne Frank’s House, Red Light District, taking a cruise on the Amstel River or visiting the traditional windmill village of Zaanse Schans… then you definitely cannot miss shopping. But what to buy in Amsterdam, this city is famous for being the most liberal in Europe? Please refer to the list of 15+ best Amsterdam gifts, souvenirs and best things to buy in Amsterdam when visiting the city of canals!

There are plenty of options for shopping in Amsterdam – a city famous for its stylish shops and markets or flea markets where you can buy typical Dutch products, modern designer items, trendy jewelry and fashion, antiques, tulips, etc. You will also like the sidewalk eateries and the welcoming attitude of the vendors, because the Dutch are famous for their humor and are very friendly with tourists.

Stroopwafel (# what to buy in amsterdam)

This is a thin and crispy waffle instead of a puffy Belgian style waffle. When eating, people will sandwich two pieces of waffle together with a layer of sweet malt sugar. You can buy stroopwafel in tin cans that are modeled after the famous Delft blue pottery in the Netherlands.

The most classic and the perfect gift from the Netherlands. Stroopwafel literally means “syrup-waffle” and it is a crispy round waffle with a chewy caramel filling. You can put it to your cup of coffee or tea and wait a minute until the caramel melts and the waffle warms up – it enhances the flavor and makes it taste like it was fresh out of the oven. You will find them everywhere – in any supermarket or grocery store. They are packaged in foil or in boxes – to transport them more safely, or even better – in stylish boxes with typical Dutch decoration.

The way to eat this cake is exactly like in the photo. You place it on a coffee cup or tea cup. Then you wait for a minute until the caramel melts and the waffles warm up. This contributes to making the flavor of the cake more delectable.

Where to buy:

Markus Stroopwafels is a shop that has been selling stroopwafels for the past 30 years and is present on every street in the Netherlands.

Dutch cheese

One of Amsterdam’s most iconic products or food souvenir for family and friends is Dutch cheese. There are many rich varieties of cheese, especially Gouda, Edam and Maasdam, which are famous and exported worldwide. In addition to the classics, try some truly special ones: turquoise cheese with lavender, pink cheese with red pesto, champagne gouda or even… coconut gouda! A typical cheese from Amsterdam is Old Amsterdam, an exceptionally aged premium gouda cheese. Highly specialized cheese shops offer samples to try. In some shops, you can taste the cheese before deciding to buy.

On the streets of Amsterdam, you can easily see small shops selling all kinds of famous cheeses here. Good cheeses are Gouda, smoked cheese and Edam cheese.

Where to buy:

• Kaasspeciaalzaak Henri Willig (Address: Leidsestraat 52a, 1017 PC Amsterdam, Netherlands/Hours: 10 AM–7 PM)
• Amsterdam Cheese Company (Address: Leidsestraat 2, 1017 PA Amsterdam, Netherlands/Hours: 9:30 AM–9 PM)
• Henri Willig Kaas Delft, Cheese shop Westermarkt, Old Amsterdam Cheese Store…

Licorice (# what to bring home from amsterdam)

The Netherlands is one of the countries with the highest consumption of licorice candy in the world. Licorice candy has the main ingredient extracted from licorice roots. Rich flavors, colors and shapes give you the freedom to choose your favorite flavor.

Where to buy:

Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje (Address: Leidsestraat 2, 1017 PA Amsterdam, Netherlands/Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday: Closed) is the oldest licorice candy store in the Netherlands. In addition, you can buy this product at Jamin’s chain stores, or at the markets closest to your hotel.

Tulip, daffodils bulbs and flower seeds (# best things to buy in amsterdam)

The Netherlands is a major producer of tulips worldwide, and many visitors choose to purchase tulip bulbs during their visit to plant them (or give to loved ones) when they return. They are easy to carry and can be stored well for several weeks or months depending on the type, quality and packaging. Gardening enthusiasts will find in Amsterdam the rarest ones, difficult to find anywhere else in the world. You will find them at Bloemenmarkt – the famous floating flower market (on boats along the canal) and in many flower shops and souvenir shops.

Where to buy:

At the unique floating flower market Bloemenmarkt located right on the canal, you can find and buy all kinds of flower seeds at affordable prices. If you travel to Amsterdam, don’t forget to buy daffodil bulbs to display during New Year!

Klompen Dutch wooden clogs (best things to buy from amsterdam)

Klompen (wooden clogs) have been a cultural tradition of the Dutch for centuries. Wooden clogs in the past were familiar shoes in daily life, protecting people from muddy snow and ice.

A typical souvenir from Amsterdam is of course a pair of whole-foot wooden clogs. They are carved from a single piece of wood, painted in different designs and varnished. The classic clogs are yellow with a red pattern. They have been traditional Dutch shoes for centuries and apparently they are still sometimes used in rural areas of the Netherlands. The country’s main wooden clog factory is very close to Amsterdam. If you want to take home a pair of clogs, you can find them at souvenir shops and some stores that specialize in clogs. Clogs are also available as fun sandals made of soft and smooth material.

One of the typical images of the Netherlands is a pair of hand-painted wooden clogs with many lovely motifs. At Zaanse Schans windmill village, you can buy a pair of wooden clogs that fit your feet, or mini wooden clogs attached to keychains as gifts.

Nowadays, most Dutch people no longer use wooden clogs as often as before. However, this will be a meaningful souvenir, bearing the deepest impression of the Netherlands. You can also buy keychains or Klompen-shaped decorations instead of clogs to save space.

Where to buy:

You can easily find them at stores selling wooden shoes in Amsterdam or at souvenir shops in famous tourist areas.

Delft porcelain (# top things to buy in amsterdam)

Delftware (Delft Blue) porcelain, the pride of the Dutch, the name originates from the city of Delft – Where this type of pottery is made. Delftware ceramics are traditional earthenware products that are extremely delicately crafted. The product has a history dating back 5 centuries, and is a suitable souvenir for those who love pottery or are passionate about art.

Today, Delft ceramics are crafted in many designs and sizes: plates, ceramic vases, decorations,…

Note: Pottery is a fragile item, so you need to pack it carefully and take notes before bringing it on the plane. It would be a shame to take the long journey back home but not be able to send it to friends.

Where to buy:

Delft is a small city located south of Amsterdam. This place is famous for its blue and white porcelain. You can find typical Dutch row houses made of Delft pottery at Royal Delft stores in Amsterdam.

Keychains (must buy in amsterdam)

Keychains are one of the gifts you should buy when traveling to Amsterdam. Because this is an extremely meaningful and convenient gift that you can take with you or as a gift to your relatives and friends.

You can buy these keychains at any shopping mall or market stalls or supermarkets in Amsterdam. Don’t be too surprised when you come across strangely shaped but extremely unique and eye-catching keychains. With many cute and funny shapes for you to choose from. And for sure, you will have difficulty and be dizzy when choosing these keychains.

Souvenirs in the form of houses of the city of Amsterdam (what souvenirs to buy in amsterdam)

A typical souvenir from Amsterdam is mugs, chocolates and all kinds of other souvenirs in the shape of classic row Dutch houses. Amsterdam’s wealthy 17th-century merchant houses are recognizable around the world, and they’re a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.

Miniature windmills or windmill-related souvenirs (best amsterdam souvenirs)

Windmills are a symbol associated with the lives of the Dutch people in the fight against floods and support their daily life.

Some souvenirs shaped like windmills include: Watches, spoons, decorations, keychains, etc. Like other souvenirs, you can easily buy them at shops in tourist areas.

Delftware windmill: One of the best souvenirs from the Netherlands is Delftware or Delft Blue – typical Dutch blue and white porcelain. With typical shapes such as windmills and tulips. Other beautiful items include baby bottles, flower vases, napkin holders, and more.

A cheap souvenir available in the City of Amsterdam is the Delftware pottery windmill. They are white and blue ceramics – typical Dutch colors.

Van Gogh Inspired Painting Gifts

Some of the best souvenirs from Amsterdam include all sorts of Van Gogh-patterned items. They come in the form of handbags, umbrellas, pillows (very useful in the Netherlands), coffee mugs, eyeglass cases, notebooks, silk scarves, ties, suitcases, etc., with vivid, vibrant colors and expressive shapes characteristic of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, “Sunflowers”, “Irises”, Self-Portrait and inspiration from other paintings.

Where to buy:

You will find these most beautiful souvenirs in the Van Gogh Museum shops. In addition, major souvenir shops in the city of Amsterdam also sell these products.

Wooden tulips (top things to buy in amsterdam)

Besides real tulips, you should also buy fake tulips… carved from wood, placed in ceramic pots, looking lifelike.

Primark Fashion (must buy in amsterdam)

Primark is a low-cost fashion brand in the Netherlands, with all kinds of clothes for all genders and all ages, jewelry, cosmetics, accessories… You may be immersed in the 5-storey Primark store on the street of Damrak.

Bicycle bell and accessories

For those who love cycling, there’s no place like Amsterdam! The city is a paradise for discovering the row houses, canals and the coolest bicycle decorations. There are many specialized bike shops that offer high-end equipment, often innovative or not easily found in other countries. Bicycle accessories also make a fun and very Dutch gift – like seat covers featuring Van Gogh’s sunflowers, a bell with a windmill design, stylish vintage leather handles, and more.

Amsterdam is a bicycle city. There are bicycles everywhere. Therefore, there are many shops that only specialize in selling bicycle accessories on the street. If you also own an iron horse, buy a bicycle bell from Amsterdam as a souvenir is a good choice!

Diamonds

Amsterdam is known as the city of diamonds and the jewelers here are considered the best diamond cutting and polishing masters in the world. To see them in action, you can book a guided tour, available in more than 25 languages. At Gassan Diamond Center you will find the most prestigious stores in the city to buy jewelry made from diamonds and precious metals – only for the wealthiest.

Tote bag

Tote bags designed with Amsterdam monuments, tulips and paintings are one of the famous souvenirs.

Miffy (what souvenirs to buy in amsterdam)

Miffy, a cute doll, was created in the Netherlands. There is an official Miffy store in Amsterdam, but you can see a wide variety of souvenirs at souvenir shops in the city center.

Dutch mayo

Dutch mayo goes great with french fries. You can easily find it in supermarkets.

Jenever

Jenever, also known as Dutch gin or Hollands, is the predecessor to regular gin and is also an option if you don’t know what to buy in Amsterdam. It is national pride and the most representative liquor of the Netherlands. It is a juniper-flavored spirit distilled from malt liquor. There are two types: old (oude) and young (jonge), and these names indicate not how they are aged but how they are distilled. Old Jenever is very aromatic with a malty taste, while Young Jenever has a neutral taste like vodka, with just a hint of juniper berries. Famous Jenever brands in Amsterdam are Van Wees and Wynand Fockink.

Items from Ajax Amsterdam football team

If you are a die-hard fan of Ajax Amsterdam, you certainly cannot miss the opportunity to shop for souvenirs related to the “favorite” team such as t-shirts, headbands, ceramic coffee cups…

In addition, some other souvenirs such as: Keychains cities-shaped in the Netherlands, decorative gifts of kissing couples, paintings of Dutch landscapes,… are products you can consider to buy.

Regarding food, Puccini Bomboni chocolate, canned herring fish, and poffertjes are foods with a long shelf life. You can consider buying them as gifts when traveling to the Amsterdam.

Where to buy in Amsterdam?

Below are main shopping street in Amsterdam where you can find all kinds of gifts and souvenirs.

Shopping at the Hema chain of stores

Besides Primark, Hema is a popular store chain in the Netherlands and Belgium, specializing in selling stationery, confectionery, cosmetics, travel items… Prices at Hema are very cheap, extremely rich products for you to choose from.

De Negen Straatjes

De Negen Straatjes or The Nine Streets can be called the city’s epicenter for shopping and is one of the country’s main commercial spots. These shopping streets cross Amsterdam’s main canals and are located in the heart of the old town, so in addition to walking through boutiques, galleries, vintage and second-hand stores, cafes and many other areas that will interest you.

Jordaan

The Jordaan neighborhood is another of Amsterdam’s legendary place because it has maintained its infrastructure since its founding, including narrow, almost labyrinthine streets where you can get lost for whole afternoon of shopping, because this modest working-class neighborhood dating back to the eighteenth century is packed with unique shops and bars on each its street.

De Pijp

Alternatively, explore the De Pijp area – a 19th-century neighborhood often called “Amsterdam’s Latin Quartier”, with creative fashion boutiques, craft shops, many quirky boutiques as well as cafes. Interesting coffee and restaurant.

Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat

Tourists looking for international brands can find them on the city’s two main shopping streets, Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, where the most prestigious and high-end fashion brands coexist with standards so that any visitor can satisfy his needs at their shopping stores.

In Leidsestraat there are authentic stores such as Filippa K, Karen Millen and Shoebaloo. On Kalverstraat street you can also  buy brands such as H & M, Mexx, Zara and Esprit.

In Kalverstraat street you can also  buy brands such as H & M, Mexx, Zara and Esprit.

P.C. Hooftstraat

P.C. Hooftstraat is Amsterdam’s most luxurious shopping street, on this street there are famous brands around the world such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger,… In addition, you can also buy Shop famous Dutch brands such as lingerie guru Marlies Dekkers with stores on Cornelis Schuytstraat.

De Bijenkorf

You can also head to De Bijenkorf which is one of Amsterdam’s most popular shopping places. There are many shopping stores here with trendy fashion items, from Mango to Sissy Boy. In De Bijenkorf there are 45 stores so visitors can shop comfortably.

Haarlemmerdijk

Haarlemmerdijk is a long fashion shopping street, stretching east to west towards Amsterdam Central Station. Coming here, you will find everything from shoes, specialty foods, interior design items…

Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet

Located in the city of Lelystad, Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet is home to more than 250 fashion brands, cafes and restaurants. Tourists flock here to find big-name, discounted goods, with 30-70% discounts on products from famous Dutch and international designers, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Nike, Lacoste, Replay, Supertrash, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Jeans, Denham, Guess and more.

Tax refund in the Netherlands

• To get a tax refund in the Netherlands, you need to spend more than 50 euros per day in a store.
• After filling out the tax refund form, you need to get a stamp at the airport. Once you receive the stamp, you need to place the form in your respective tax refund mailbox, Global Blue Tax Free and GWK Travelex.
• You can find a tax refund desk at Amsterdam Airport and can choose to have your tax refunded by cash or card.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Amsterdam you can refer to

• Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Transfers for Amsterdam
• Keukenhof Skip-the-Line Ticket and Direct Transport from Amsterdam
• Keukenhof Gardens Fast Track Entry Ticket with Round Trip Bus Transfers from Amsterdam
• Brussels Day Tour from Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Guided Half Day Tour
• Small Group Full Day Tour to Giethoorn from Amsterdam
• Bruges Day Trip From Amsterdam
• Volendam, Edam & Zaanse Schans Windmill Village Day Tour from Amsterdam
• Giethoorn and Enclosing Dike Day Tour
• Amsterdam City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Boat Pass
• The Rijksmuseum Skip-the-Line Ticket and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass in Amsterdam
• Red Light Secrets Museum and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam Public Transport 1-7 Day Ticket
• I amsterdam City Card
• Zaanse Schans Tour with Cheese Tasting Tour from Amsterdam
• Volendam, Marken & Windmills of Zaanse Schans Tour from Amsterdam
• Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Are you looking for more Amsterdam travel guide and top things to do in Amsterdam: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And the Netherlands guide here.