Shopping and markets in the Amsterdam Area

Zandvoort and Heemskerk, Amsterdam Beach

Zandvoort is a pleasant seaside town where you can enjoy the sun, the beach and the sea, as well as various small boutiques. In the town centre, multiple stores sell everything from souvenirs to the latest swimwear, footwear and children's boutiques. There are also many terraces and beach pavilions where you can relax with shopping bags. Combine a day at the beach and eating out with a fun afternoon of retail therapy. Just up the coast, Heemskerk is the North Sea coastline’s best-kept secret. Sandwiched between the dunes and the sea, this historic town is known for its monuments, churches and castles, surrounded by lush green parks. The town centre is bustling with shoppers exploring the speciality boutiques, cosy cafes and restaurants. There is also an extensive Friday market for fresh groceries and regional delicacies.

Gouden Straatjes, Haarlem

The Gouden Straatjes (Golden Streets) are seven unique shopping streets in the heart of Haarlem, including Warmoesstraat, Zijlstraat, Koningstraat, Anegang, Gierstraat, Kleine Houtstraat, and Schagchelstraat. Each cobbled street has unique charm and unique stores, from vintage boutiques to exclusive design and artisan speciality stores. It is the perfect place for window shopping or picking up unique only-in-Haarlem treasures - all with an old-fashioned, cosy atmosphere. The streets surrounding the Grote Markt, the city's central square, also offer a varied selection of independent shops where you can discover great items you can't find anywhere else.

Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet, New Land

Batavia Stad is a lake-side fashion outlet and mall in the city of Lelystad that offers more than 250 fashion brands, cafés and restaurants. Bargain hunters flock here from around the country to seek out big brands at wallet-friendly prices. Look for 30-70% discounts on fashionable items from prestigious Dutch and international designers. Visitors outside the EU can benefit even more savings by tax-free shopping.

Purmerend, Old Holland

North of Broek in Waterland lies Purmerend, a charming market town where you can really experience local life. The boutique-lined streets and shopping centres will keep you entertained for half a day, whilst the lively restaurant terraces lining the former Koemarkt (Cattle Market) square are buzzing through the warmer months. Look upwards for stunning architectural details and gabled houses, and don’t miss the Art Nouveau pottery collection in the municipal Purmerend Museum.

Weesp, Castles & Gardens

The charming town of Weesp in the Castles & Gardens region might be compact, but it packs a lot into its fortified walls, including some lovely boutiques and vintage stores. Head to Slijkstraat for maximum choice and a delightful mix of artisan boutiques and produce stalls: Designer items at Boutique Bijt; kitchen supplies at none other than Hel's Kitchen; books at PeZZi PaZZi; speciality cheese at Pronk Kaas en Delicatessen and artisan chocolate at Patisserie Boom. And don't miss the weekly Tuesday market for fresh produce, cheese and flowers.

Stadshart, Amstelveen

If Amsterdam’s unpredictable weather is unsuitable for outdoor shopping, head down to this indoor mall in Amstelveen for shelter and retail therapy. Stadshart Amstelveen has an extensive selection of brands like Hema, Douglas and Zara alongside an outpost of the iconic department store De Bijenkorf. Dodge the elements with an indoor shopping experience and enjoy a coffee break or a quick bite at the many coffee and food spots inside.

Amsterdam The Style Outlets, Halfweg

Amsterdam The Style Outlets in Halfweg, between Amsterdam, Haarlem and the Flower Strip region, is a must-visit for lovers of fine brands with small prices. The outlet centre offers an exclusive mix of top international and Dutch brands across nearly 100 stores, including Guess, The Kooples, Karl Lagerfeld and Nike. Between shopping, tuck into goodies from one of the many cafés. This shopping district is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam Centraal.