Top 10: Must-see Shops in Amsterdam for Design Lovers
Written by Laura Jane Boast
Amsterdam is one of the worlds most beautiful cities, with its pretty 17th century canals, cycling culture and modern architecture blended between facades of historical buildings. However it’s Amsterdam’s thriving creative hub, independent shops and minimalist dutch design are the reasons why many designers flock to this creative destination.
I recently spent 3 days travelling around this stunning capital city. With excitement (and nervousness) of my first solo trip abroad, I did tons of research before-hand, invested in a good quality paper map and marked out 50 places; vegan-friendly restaurants, indie design shops, trendy cafes, and historical museums to name a few.
I split my map into 3 areas – north, south and west – and explored one area each day. The top 10 places listed here are within walking or cycling distance, and you’ll easily see these with plenty of time left to try some local dutch pancakes at Mr Stacks and hire a local Black Bike.
My map I took travelling – 50 places pinned – each sticker positioned portrait when visited
If you’re someone who’s never been to Amsterdam, or you’re an artist, designer and creative looking to soak up some dutch design inspiration, this guide is for you!
Here are our top 10 must-see places in Amsterdam for design lovers. Enjoy : )
1. Misc Store
Day one of my Amsterdam trip took me to the area of Oud-West – what a stunning place, packed full of lovely shops, bars and cafes. If you only plan to visit for one day I’d highly recommend Oud-West.
My first stop was at the independent shop Misc Store – selling all kinds of refined goods for your home and desk. The perfect destination for any stationery lover! I couldn’t resist investing in a new Midori sketchbook in my favourite colour terracotta!
Misc Store, De Clercqstraat 130
2. The Makers Store
Inside the magnificent De Hallen – Amsterdam’s former tramdepot, converted to social and cultural hotspot located in the heart of Amsterdam West, you’ll find The Makers Store – a place to buy unique products from local makers and original brands!
The Makers Store, Hannie Dankbaarpassage 39
3. Food Hallen
Alongside shops inside De Hallen, there’s Food Hallen – a feast for foodlovers with flavour is at its heart! Founded in 2014, it’s the place to experience Amsterdam's culinary culture, with all the finest food and drink you can think of. A personal favourite, Mr Temaki – serving fresh sushi and poke bowls. Looking to enjoy a drink instead? Inside there’s 3 bars with local craft beers, international wine classics, fancy cocktails and G&T’s.
Food Hallen, Bellamyplein 51
4. Gathershop
After enjoying the culinary delights at Food Hallen (no.3), just a few doors down is Gathershop – selling all things handmade and fairtrade from small design studios. Including jewellery, skincare, homewares, books and stationery. They believe that a hands-on, human approach to design yields a better end product – so by shopping small you support this practice.
Gathershop, Hannie Dankbaarpassage 19
5. Gekaapt
An unexpected find was concept store Gekaapt – where you’ll find the mostly sustainable interior and fashion brands, offering a wide range of sustainably produced products in the field of fashion, interior design, food and body care.
Gekaapt, Kinkerstraat 316
6. HAY
For day two in Amsterdam I headed north to the areas of Jordaan and De Wallen. Home to the largest flagship store in the world, Danish design brand HAY – offering their entire collection of gifts, home accessories, lighting and furniture. What’s not to love about this popular brand, primarily inspired by fifties and sixties Danish furniture, but I’m particularly a big fan of their stationery and desk accessories!
HAY, Spuistraat 281 abc
7. Property Of…
Property Of… are a specialist leather goods brand that’s timeless, functional and, above all, sustainable. They use recycled or organic fabrics where possible, and use vegetable-tanned leather. Any Property Of... item can be personalised with your initials, embossing them by hand in store. The shop is super small but packed full of beautiful leather goods and stationery.
Property Of… Utrechtsestraat 18a
8. @Droog
For the final day, I headed south of Amsterdam to the area of De Pijl, where you’ll discover the unique concept store @Droog.
An amazing design shop and gallery space for all the senses! Full of intelligent typographic installations and extraordinary furniture. The cafe upstairs is a really nice space to sit and relax with quality alternative milk coffees and the best ever vegan brownie! It even has its own garden. My very good friend Nick Chaffe recommended this place to me and so glad he did – I throughly recommend it too.
@Droog, Staalstraat 7-A
9. Micropia
One of the most unexpected highlights of the whole trip was a visit to the Science Museum Micropia – revealing the world of microscopically small life.
It’s a fastinating place giving an insight into how life on earth began, how it produces energy and how we rely on microorganisms like moulds, yeasts, bacteria and micro-animals, as life on earth would not be possible. There are over 15 stations displaying the invisible world, each with a digital microscope so you can get up close. One thing is for sure, after visiting Micropia, you will never see yourself, or the world, in the same way again.
Micropia, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
10. Vlieger
For a lover of all things paper, a visit to Vlieger is not to be missed. I definitely saved the best till last : ) Covered floor to ceiling in paper goods, maps, envelopes and handmade wrapping – every kind of paper you can think of!
Vliegar, Amstel 34
11. X Bank
As you can imagine, it was hard task to narrow down my must-see shops in Amsterdam for design lovers down to just 10, so here’s a bonus one for you that I promise is one not to be missed!
X Bank is one of those shops where you need to leave all expectations at the door. It’s a space of wonder and delight for all the senses and on every trip I’ve had to Amsterdam since I’ve always been taken back by all the new delights inside. Think contemporary fashion, jewellery, home accessories, carefully curated art, stationery, books and products from local dutch designers – all located right in the heart of Amsterdam. It’s home to some beautifully design pieces that you won’t find anywhere else so if you spot something you like, I suggest you snap it up!
Spuistraat 172, 1012VT Amsterdam
Top 10 Design Shops in Amsterdam
Misc Store
The Makers Store
Food Hallen
Gathershop
Gekaapt
HAY
Property Of…
@Droog
Micropia
Vlieger
X Bank