You don't go to Holland for the big labels, but for the emotions and impressions. That's why shopping in the Netherlands is not like shopping in France or, say, Italy. Instead of flashy boutiques, you'll find picturesque souvenir shops, bustling flea markets, and quaint artisan neighborhoods full of charming trinkets that will delight you and your loved ones in moments of longing.
Top 5 souvenirs that won't let you forget your trip to the Netherlands
- Wooden clogs worn by Dutch peasants;
- An orange T-shirt or hat - a curtsy to the emblem color of the ruling Orange dynasty;
- A stylish handmade bong - a lasting memento of rebellious youth from the Hulshoff Design Center in The Hague;
- Two to three exquisite figurines in delicate white and blue colors from the Royal Porcelain Factory in Delft;
- Certified tulip bulbs from the famous flower exchange FloraHolland in Aalsmeer and the Floating Flower Market in Amsterdam.
Where to go shopping
Souvenir aisles, jewelry stores, and brand clothing stores in Amsterdam are concentrated in Amsterdam's famous "nine-street district," Dam Square, and Damrak Street, which connects Dam Square to Central Station. The boho aesthetic and vintage chic of the Dutch capital are also found at the famous flea markets - Waterlooplein, Westermarkt, and IJ-markt.
In Rotterdam, the main shopping street leading up to the Beurs World Trade Center is known by two names - Boistraverse and Koopgoot, which means "walking ditch".
In The Hague, the eyes of fashionistas and fashionistas turn to De Passage and the Maison de Bonneterie shopping center, where you'll find curious offerings from Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren, and Max Mara. On the main avenue Wagenstraat, you'll find a Mexx boutique, the only Dutch brand to be internationally renowned.
Collectors go on shopping tours to the Netherlands more often than fashionistas. Amsterdam's famous De Looier antiques quarter attracts artists and theater bohemians, while philatelists and numismatists can get their fix at the Postzegelmarkt, a stone's throw from Dam Square. The avid gamer should also make time to visit Utrecht's Labyrinth Fantasy gaming center.
Cheese is everything
Foodies from all corners of the world flock to the Netherlands for the luscious spirit of its iconic hard cheeses like moths to a candle flame. In what other country can you find luscious red, orange, green, and blue cheeses without dyes and flavor enhancers? Numerous cheese shops and food markets in the Netherlands are at your disposal for organic products:
- Farmers' markets Albert Cuyp, Noordermarkt, and Lindengracht in Amsterdam;
- Family cheese store for exclusive Reypenaer cheese on the Singel canal in Amsterdam;
- Cheese factory in Volendam with a specialty store and tasting room;
- The Zuivelland Lusthofstraat cheese boutique in Rotterdam;
- The cheese shop at the Weighing House in Alkmaar
Seasonal sales in the Netherlands
To the delight of tourists, the hot selling season in the Netherlands falls between July and August, coinciding with the vacation season. In June, the stores update their ranges and clear out their warehouses in a hurry, offering luxury designer items for just 5-15 EUR.
Winter sales in the Netherlands start at the end of November. By January, malls are offering discounts of up to 70%, but after the Christmas boom there's not much choice.
What time to shop?
The big shopping centers in the Netherlands open as early as 8:00-9:00 am and stay open until 21:00-22:00, with no weekends or holidays. Supermarkets, outlet stores, and large markets start around the same time but close earlier, by 18:00-19:00. On Saturday or Sunday, many stores have a shortened day, closing by 16:00.
Private shops expect customers from 10:00-11:00 am to 17:00-18:00 pm. On Sunday, the owners prefer to rest, and on Monday, they take a long nap, not getting to the counter until noon.
