Amsterdam in 5 Shops: handmade souvenirs, designer vintage and Dutch cheese

16.12.2023 - 17:57 / lonelyplanet.com

In our 5 Shops series, we’ll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world’s best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we’ve found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.

Despite the growing presence of upmarket shops, Amsterdam has successfully maintained its free-spirited and alternative energy. You'll still find a wide variety of independently owned shops, hidden away along the cobblestone streets of the compact Dutch capital.

If you're planning a visit to Amsterdam in the near future and seeking something unique to bring back home, start by checking out five of my favorite independently owned shops.

Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the world, and souvenir shops are ubiquitous. But if you want to tap into the city's homegrown creative scene for a gift to take home, try The Maker Store for something special. This is where local, sustainable, and handmade products get the spotlight. Here, you can explore independent brands on display, from art, homewares, clothing, books, and jewelry to delicious goodies to eat and drink — mostly created by locals. From hot sauce to scented candles, I've picked out plenty of unique treats from The Maker Store. Next, I want to add a colorful illustration from Pansy to my collection (€25). 

Keep an eye out for their monthly Makers Market, where vendors display their bespoke products. Located inside De Hallen, a renovated tram depot turned cultural complex, the surrounding area also has cafés, a movie theater, more shops, and the ever-popular Foodhallen market.

Located in the heart of  Amsterdam’s city center, X BANK is a bright, 300-sq-meter (3230-sq-ft) store that's packed to the rafters with high-fashion brands. The staff here are really welcoming and on my visits they've been happy to chat and share insights about the hundreds of brands in their collection. Fashionistas will appreciate renowned brands like Viktor & Rolf alongside distinctive, emerging designers such as 1/OFF and Atelier Reservé. When exploring their lifestyle products, a box of handcrafted soaps from Het Amsterdamse Zeehuis (€29) and the Marie-Stella-Maris Lemon Notes candle (€39) both caught my eye recently.

It's a cool place to explore even for aesthetics. X BANK shares a building with W Amsterdam, and inside the building (a historic bank) nods to its previous function are still evident, including antique safety deposit boxes that form the cashier’s desk. 

There are several flea markets and second-hand shops across Amsterdam, but Penny Lane Vintage is my favorite. You'll definitely find something special here among the handpicked assortment of neutral-toned trench