|
Shopping
|
|
The Jordaan
Its rich historical background makes this quarter one of the
most agreeable areas of the city. The Jordaan is a seventeenth-century
working class district with its own traditions and its own
informal and relaxed atmosphere with narrow streets, picturesque
canals, brown cafes, art galleries and unique shops.
Starting from Dam Square, walk along the left side of the
Royal Palace, and follow the Paleisstraat, cross the first
bridge across the Singel, and you will reach Gasthuismolenteeg.
On the right at number 7 is the BrilmuseumBrillenwinkel, offering
an unequalled collection of bizarre, outrageous, stylish,
extravagant and classical spectacles.
At number 20 is a shop that sells unusual gift paper or
a special type of writing paper (Cortina Papier), with the
largest product range in Holland is the place for you. This
store regularly organises expositions of artists who work
with paper. Next door, at number 20, scented oils and incense,
but mainly candles are sold. The Jordaan is mainly known for
its small specialised shops.
|
|
De Looier
De Looier is a large, covered market with some 82 stalls,
80 showcases, and a market square where tables can be hired
for the sales of arts, antiques or bric-a-brac. You can roam
around the glassware, porcelain, ceramics, jewellery, gold
and silver, furniture, paintings, prints, mirrors, clocks,
ornaments, enamel, pewter and antique toys.
|
|
Waterlooplein Market
Every large city has a flea market. Amsterdam has Waterlooplein
Market, traditionally a Jewish market for the sale of everyday
goods, but because of the persecution of the Jews in WW II
the character of the market changed.
The present market has 300 stalls and is open six days per
week. The Waterlooplein market is one of the few places in
Amsterdam, which has no fixed prices. You can haggle over
the price of most of the merchandise offered for sale here.
|
|
Albert Cuyp Market
The Albert Cuyp market is Amsterdam's largest and busiest
market. It is held from Mondays through Saturdays along Albert
Cuypstraat, between Van Woustraat and Ferdinand Bolstraat.
The emphasis is on food of every description and from every
corner of the globe, but clothes and other goods are on sale
too. If you want to experience the 'real' Amsterdam at its
multi-cultural best, this market is not to be missed.
|
|
Lijnbaan...
The "Lijnbaan" is famous for being Europe's very first pedestrianized
shopping precinct. It was completed in 1960 and has recently
had a face-lift. The shopping precinct stretchers from the
"Weena" (a short walk from Central Station), meanders it's
way through the main city center and then spreads out toward
the Beursplein and the West Blaak. The Lijnbaan shopping precinct
offers an assortment of shops and boutiques.
|
|
