9-Streets – Endless Shopping Fun
If you think that Amsterdam is just museums, bikes, flowers, windmills,
coffee shops and canals, think twice. Amsterdam is that and much, much more. One of the things that Amsterdam offers and
is slightly unknown is its shopping districts… When I came here as a tourist
for the first time I could not help but noticing the variety and colorfulness
of stores downtown, especially in the 9-Straatjes (the 9 Streets Shopping
District) right in the city centre.
Fasten your seatbelts, because I am going to introduce you now to la crème de la crème of the Negen Straatjes. 9-Streets of Fashion =
endless shopping. Bear with me.
If
you are looking for a fine multi-brand store, Van Ravenstein is what you are looking for.
Jil Sander, Dries van Noten, Christopher Kane, Balenciaga and Maison Martin
Margiela are just some of the names you can find in this exquisite boutique on
the Keizersgracht 359. Once you get the perfect outfit, head to Beauregard, located on Runstraat 29 for
some cool accessories ranging from colourful bags to sophisticated shoes and
trendy jewelry. It specializes in Southern European designers such as Marina
Grey and Reina y Roses Ibiza.
Every
time I pass by La Savonnerie I
feel the urge to buy the whole shop, but luckily I have refrained. At least
until now. Once you visit you will know why. This beautiful little shop sells
the most incredible soaps you can find in Amsterdam, with unique fragrances and
all handmade. One of the best things is that not only they can make the perfect
gift for anyone back home but also that the ingredients are natural and
suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive ones (I know well!).
They also offer other products such as body scrub, scented lotions and face
soap bars. Last time I was there they were renovating it, but it will be
reopened soon. In the meantime, check their website www.savonnerie.nl and
do not forget to drop by after your visit to Anne Frank Museum, for example, as
it is located on the same street: Prinsengracht 294. Not far from La Savonnerie
you will find Ready to Fish Brandstore,
a hip store located on the same street on numbers 581-583 with a stylish
clothing line for women created by the Ilja Visser Group. Edgy and
contemporary, their clothes speak for themselves. Great fashion in the purest Amsterdam style.
Spoiled has to be your next stop if you love denim. This is
probably one of the best multi-brand shops in The Netherlands specializing in
denim. Brands like Paul and Joe, Wrangler, YMC, New Balance and See by Chloé
can be found in this little oasis for denim lovers. They are open every day of
the week until 6pm. Wolvenstraat 19.But that’s not all, the 9-Streets have a wide variety of art shops,
flower boutiques, shoe stores and lively cafes in which you can grab a bite and
a gorgeous cappuccino or a glass of red wine.
One of my favourites is Greenwoods,
on Keizersgracht 465. This lovely café with a cute terrace overlooking the
majestic Emperors´ Canal, offers delicious organic food at reasonable prices.
Homemade meatball sandwich, soups, delicious salads, hearty lamb burgers… not
to mention their sumptuous chai latte and their to-die-for carrot cake. Lively atmosphere and friendly staff. Check
their menu at www.greenwoods.eu/keizersgracht. A
breakfast menu is available, too.
Exhausted after
spending all day shopping in the 9 Streets? Then visit Koan Float, a unique center where you can relax… while you float!
Located on the Herengracht 321, Koan Float (part of the Ambassador Hotel),
offers a one of a kind relaxation system which consists of a cabin in which you
can float in salt water and forget about everything around you. Floating not
only relaxes your body and mind, but also helps you concentrating, it
eliminates stress and it helps healing minor injuries. Besides floating, the
Koan Float proposes a variety of relaxing massages to its customers. Spoil
yourself, you deserve it!
