Tips, trivia and take home shopping in Amsterdam

 

In many ways, the excitement in the air, the exotic wares and the friendly exchanges more than makes up for the relative smallness of Amsterdam's shopping districts.  Usually, shopping is combined with a leisurely stroll through the streets of the city combined with the experience of mingling with the locals in their element after going through their tourist attractions and traps.  Indeed, Amsterdam may be no Paris but that's exactly what makes it charming - because it's not Paris or New York or London with their 24/7 frenzied lifestyles.

Tips

Keep in mind that the Dutch people are one of the tallest in the world and, hence, clothing sizes are often larger than your usual American sizes.  Try the children's section, if you have to. 

The shops' business hours also takes some getting used to because of its differences from other parts of the world.  Mondays usually have the shortest hours at 1 to 6 in the afternoon while Tuesdays though Fridays, shops are open from 9 AM to 6 PM.  On weekends, shop at around 10 AM to 6 PM although it must be noted many shops have their own business hours. 

If you must haggle with the vendors, do so in a friendly but firm manner.  The Dutch like to haggle like anyone else but it is important to keep the peace. 

Trivia

You will be amazed at the many interesting facts about the shopping options in Amsterdam.  You can head on over to Albert Cuyp Market, the largest flea market in the city, with over 350 stalls.  Then go to the Christmas Palace where it is Christmas the whole year round, what with its for-sale Christmas ornaments in every shape, size and style.

And if you find yourself in Amsterdam on April 30, you will find that the entire city has been turned into one huge flea market where just about everything can be bought, even pleasure and entertainment.  In that case, be sure to book your Amsterdam accommodation over the Internet in advance because the crowds from other countries can swell up the population two-fold and, hence, no room can be had at any inn. There are lots of options of budget accommodation Amsterdam! You can choose  holiday lettings near the hotspots of the city.

On ordinary days, there are 50 open-air markets in Amsterdam along with the flower market over at the Singel Canal.  Or of you are for local artists, we suggest heading over to the Thorbeckeplein Sunday Art Market.  Just be sure to pay for your own purchases, Dutch treat style.  

Take Home

There are just so many things you can take home from Amsterdam but we suggest going for the items that truly screams of the city.  Go for the clogs that come in many forms from the plain to the painted, the wooden to the furry slippers and everything else in between.  Don't forget the flowers over at the Flower Market as clogs and flowers are quintessentially Dutch.

And for your taste buds, we recommend the world-famous Dutch chocolates best bought in fresh handmade pralines and slabs.  Top them off with the Dutch cigars made from Indonesian tobacco and you have presents for the men and women back home.  If you want more, try the art and antiques, artful toys, jewelry and diamonds, all of which bear the hallmarks of the proud Dutch.  Indeed, Amsterdam is Amsterdam and proud of it! 

 

 

 

        Budapest Guide
        Seville Guide
        Valencia guide
        Rome guide
        Prague guide
        Copenhagen guide
        Stockholm guide
        Amsterdam City Guide
        Barcelona City Guide
        Lisbon city guide
        Bogota City Guide
        Berlin Guide
        Beijing Guide
        Oslo Guide
        holiday lettings
        apartment Rental
        Cheap apartments
        Holiday apartments
        holiday accommodation
        Best nightlife in Europe
        Internet Europe
        Weekend breaks in Europe
        Summer in Europe
        Winter in Europe
        Europe news
        University in Europe
        Europe map
        Vacation rentals Europe
        Cinema Europe
        Europe food
        transport Europe
        New York Holiday Rentals
        San Francisco Holiday apartments