16 Best Shopping in Centrum, Amsterdam

What began in the early '70s as an erotic magazine outlet has grown into reputedly the largest brick-and-mortar English-language book emporium on the continent. True to its name, the shop is American-owned, but the selection is broad and eclectic, running the gamut from crime fiction to New Age and Manga. Students, teachers, and senior citizens (on Monday only) receive a 10% discount with a valid ID.

For the city's best selection of international newspapers, creative magazines, and highbrow periodicals, as well as the freshest local offerings, find your way to the unmissable red-and-white awning on the Spui.

Entering UN feels more like walking into an art gallery than a shoe shop. And it's no wonder: the creative mind behind this brand's flagship store—and the various models of the signature floating-heeled pump contained therein—is Rem D. Koolhaas, nephew of the famous Pritzker Prize–winning architect Rem Koolhaas. In addition to architectural footwear for him and her, there's also a selection of striking watches, backpacks, and sunglasses.

Established in 1841, this Dutch department store chain offers affordable fashion for the whole family, ranging from 100% organic cotton baby clothes to plus-size skinny jeans and recycled swimwear. There are always sales racks, and if you have the patience to paw through them, you may be rewarded with some discounted gems. The Damrak store is one of five in Amsterdam alone; for other locations, visit the website.

Trendy boys and girls flock here for fashionable street wear from labels such as StillaDinnasLäb, Billionaire Boys Club, Rick Owens, and Walter van Beirendonck, as well as the latest sneakers and shoes from adidas, Grenson, and Both. Do check out the work of local and international artists in the adjacent gallery.

The city has a number of book markets, although its most famous takes place every Friday on leafy Spui Square. Under the little white tents, it's an antiquarian- and used-book browsing paradise.

A discreet, well-informed staff promote healthful sexual practices at this condom emporium (with an equally handy online store). You'll find a colorful collection of rubbers and novelty condoms as well as allergy-free and made-to-measure options.

Besides exhibiting highlights of its collection, this design collective also sells a number of its irreverent, often artfully industrial, furniture, and home accessories. What began as a decidedly Dutch group now comprises designers from all over the globe who have together cultivated an international reputation for groundbreaking conceptual design.

Much-lauded Dutch footwear designer Fred de la Bretoniere has been selling men's and women's leather footwear since 1970. It's no surprise that his handiwork—combining simplicity, style, sustainability, craftsmanship, and quality—has been entered into the permanent collections of several Dutch design museums. This is the shop to find a classic style that still lets you walk with your own unique verve. There is another location on Utrechtsestraat 77 in the Eastern Canal Belt and at Van Baerlestraat 44V in Oud-Zuid.

One of the Netherlands' most popular stores offers original and affordable own-brand household items, clothing, stationery, gardening tools, and bicycle equipment. Shelves are also stocked with other goodies cherished by the Dutch, such as smoked sausages, traditional candy (think cinnamon candy canes and salty licorice), and pink cream custard cakes. You could call it the Dutch equivalent of Target in that you walk in to buy one thing and leave with a lot more. See the website for other locations.

This tiny, venerable book market is snuggled in the heart of the University of Amsterdam's meandering edifices. Booksellers in this 17th-century alleyway have been hawking used and antiquarian books, prints, and sheet music daily since 1879.

This reputable purveyor of fine antique silver and jewelry has been in business since 1823. A miniature silver windmill with moving sweep makes an elegant souvenir, or treat yourself to an exquisite set of pre-worn pearl-and-diamond earrings or gold cufflinks.

Redolent of a bygone era in a rural New England town, this browse-worthy shop sells used English-language books on all subjects and many a secondhand paperback.

This shop started out in 1935 as a specialist in English hats and caps. Later, they added pullovers, tweed jackets, tartan scarves, and many other trappings of the English gentleman to their inventory. The cozy shop may be small, but there's plenty to choose from—and they still sell hats, too. There are also locations in Oud-Zuid, Nieuwmarktbuurt, and Amstelveen.