Shopping Malls

The Dutch are known for their passion for trade and travel but in terms of shopping, consumerism has only begun to take over for Calvinistic frugality and modesty in the last 15 years. Still, today, Amsterdam makes for excellent shopping. The city imports goods from all over the world and you’ll find every high-quality brand imaginable. Shopping malls in Amsterdam are known to organize Asian or African theme weeks.

All of the shopping malls, with the exception of the Villa Arena, are located at a short walking distance from the Dam. A few hours of shopping will give you a good idea of what each of the shopping areas has to offer. Shopping in Amsterdam does not come cheap, but it will save you a good deal of time and effort.

Bijenkorf

The largest department store in Amsterdam is situated on the Dam and it is not to be missed. It’s a department store that offers a wide range of high-end products but you won’t find many regular house-hold and garden variety products. It usually sells high-quality, fashionable, unique products and will make a great addition to your shopping experience. Its address is Dam 1, to the left of the Palace on the Dam.

Bonneterie

Maison de Bonneterie, or The Bonneterie for short, is a classic, luxury department store. It combines a long tradition of excellent service with a modern range of products. Nowadays the Bonneterie is a store that sells a wide range of famous fashion brands. It’s a ten-minute walk through the Kalverstraat and Rokinstraten. Its address is Rokin 140-142; there is another entrance at Kalverstraat 183.

The Kalvertoren is a large, modern shopping mall located in the back of the main shopping street, the Kalverstraat. The Kalvertoren is home to several fashion stores (H&M, Diesel, Levis, Mango, Marlboro Classic, Nike, Timberland), a department store for general household products (HEMA), cosmetics (Douglas), a Swatch watch store, stores for contacts and glasses (Eye Wish), an interior design store (Riviera Maison), a music store, a quality coffee shop and Häagen-Dasz ice cream. The Kalvertoren is located within the triangle formed by the Kalverstraat, Heiligeweg and Singel: the entrances are found on the Kalverstraat and the Heiligeweg.

Magna Plaza

Magna Plaza is a nifty, small shopping mall, located directly behind the Palace on the Dam. It has three stores and sells all well-known fashion brands: Women’s Clothes Mango and American Casual Clothes – America Today and GSUS Jeans. There is a lunchroom that offers Italian delicatessen and a coffee house. Its address is Nieuwezijdse Voorburgwal 182, behind the Palace on the Dam.

Metz & Co.

Metz is an elitist, majestic department store that sells glassware and small decorative design items like clothing, kitchenware and furniture. It is Amsterdam’s oldest department store (established in 1740). Although nowadays it does not appeal to a large audience, it is definitely worth a visit. It is, however, very expensive. You’ll find a famous café on the top floor that offers a beautiful view of Amsterdam. Its address is Leidsestraat 34/36 on the corner of Keizersgracht 455.

V&D

V&D is short for Vroom & Dreesmann. This chain of department stores is the largest in Holland and has stores in every major city. Its target audience consists of middle class citizens and its prices and quality match their budget. It also sells food (on the bottom floor), including delicious sandwiches and freshly baked bread. Sit down to enjoy snacks and a wide choice of soups, small meals, salads and pie in V&D’s restaurant La Place. Its address is Rokin 203 near the Muntplein; there is another V&D store that sells books and office supplies on Kalverstraat 201.

Villa Arena

You probably won’t be looking for new furniture during your visit to Amsterdam, but since we’d like to provide you with a complete overview: Villa Arena is a large shopping mall that specializes in interior decorating. Aside from furniture it sells accessories and ceramics for the home. There is a large electronics store (Media Markt), two sports stores and a multiplex Pathé Arena movie theater with nine screens. The Heineken Music Hall and the Ajax Museum are found at a walking distance from the Arena Boulevard.

A parking garage and subway station are conveniently located nearby, but Villa Arena sits at some distance from Amsterdam’s city center, near the famous soccer stadium – Amsterdam Arena, in South-East Amsterdam. Its address is Boulevard Arena 60; the parking garage is located to the right of the complex.