Top 10 things to do in the Nine Streets of Amsterdam /

Tucked in the heart of Amsterdam’s World Heritage-listed canal belt, you’ll find an area known in Dutch as “de 9 Straatjes” or “Negen Straatjes”. Located among the picturesque streets behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square, the neighborhood’s name translates to the “nine streets” or the “nine little streets”.

Built towards the end of the city’s Golden Age, the district literally consists of nine streets in Amsterdam, including:

• Bear Street
• Gasthuismolensteeg
• Skin Street
• Hartenstraat
• Old Mirror Street
• Run street
• Reestraat
• Wide Heisteeg
• Wolvenstraat

What once started as a small selection of shops in nine side streets has now grown into one of Amsterdam’s most famous shopping streets. Today, the neighborhood’s 400-year-old streets bustle with a charming collection of diverse shops, including vintage clothing stores, art galleries, gift shops, restaurants, and more.

If you are planning to visit Amsterdam for the first time, a visit to the 9 streets is a must! Not only will you enjoy fine dining and shopping, but the views in this part of town are epic Instagram posts that just beg for it.

Take a look with us at the best things to do in the Negen Straatjes district. Whether you’re looking for the best shopping or a great place to grab a coffee, we’ve got you covered.

Things To Do In The Nine Streets Of Amsterdam

1. Start your 9 Streets adventure with coffee

As with any adventure, it’s best to make sure you’re getting your caffeine fix before heading out to explore all that the 9 Streets have to offer. Fortunately, there are plenty of great coffee shops nearby, including local favorites like Screaming Beans and Kaldi.

You’ll also find great grab and go breakfast options at cafes like Chun. Or check out the ultra-trendy Strain Hunters Coffeeshop, located in a historic building that once housed Frans Banning Cocq, who featured in Rembrandt’s painting The Night Watch.

2. Enjoy shopping in vintage shops Nine Streets are known for

The center of Amsterdam is not only known for its historic architecture, but also for its many vintage clothing stores. You can’t go wrong shopping at Bij ons vintage, perhaps the most famous vintage store in the area.

You can also find plenty of cool vintage yarns at popular stores like Episode and Zipper. Other great stores include King Louie, where you can buy vintage-inspired yarns, and Concrete Matter, which sells everything from high-quality menswear to home accessories.

See Related: Cheapest shopping destinations in the world

3. Cruise the canals of historic Amsterdam

Part of what makes the 9 Streets neighborhood so beautiful is that it is home to the beautiful canals that run through the city center. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy it firsthand, like a classic Shipping company P. Kooij channel cruise.

Fun, specialized choices are also available, such as this one Canal tourincluding a local guide and bar on board, or this wine and cheese channel cruise. You can also explore nearby Jordan or go on a historical, full of insight walking route of the area.

4. Explore the eclectic shops of Amsterdam’s 9 Streets

In addition to vintage shops, the nine-street shopping district contains a selection of offbeat shops dedicated to everything under the sun. Pontifex_Kaarsen is an old-fashioned candle shop, complete with its own doll repair expert.

You’ll find vinyl heaven at Waxwell Records, while the resident shop cat at Boekie Woekie welcomes you to browse a huge collection of artist’s books. Look no further than The Gamekeeper for the chance to buy every board game you can think of and many you’ve probably never heard of.

5. Enjoy excellent food with a view of a beautiful Amsterdam canal

After all that shopping, relax with a meal in one of the many nice restaurants in the Negen Straatjes (“the 9 streets”). Snack on the legendary “Dutch fries” at Fabel Friet or plunge into carb heaven with the Italian cuisine found at Bussia.

Discover why the Lebanese Sajeria is a local favorite when you enjoy classic Lebanese dishes with a fun, modern twist. Or treat yourself to a trip to the Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles in the Dylan Hotel.

See Related: The best canals in Amsterdam that you must see

6. Try Amsterdam’s most popular drink

Among the authentic shops along the canal belt, you’ll discover some great places to try jenever, also known as ‘Dutch jenever’. Go to Tasting room A. Van Wees and choose from more than 17 jenever brands or 60+ old Dutch liqueurs.

If you’re looking for more of a pub-like atmosphere, check out Café de Geit, where you’ll find a great selection of beer, wine, and coffee. For a nice alternative to high tea, try “high wine”. The Dylan.

7. Enjoy cheese and chocolate

If you like cheese, chocolate or both, the 9 streets will not disappoint. The Cheese Room is filled from floor to ceiling with enough cheese to put the entire state of Wisconsin to shame.

Pompadour offers an incredible range of high-quality chocolates, which you can enjoy with a cup of Catalan coffee. Skip the gift shops and head to Urban Cacao, where you can make custom chocolates that make excellent keepsakes for anyone.

See Related: Best Food Tours in Amsterdam to book

8. Visit the galleries of leading Amsterdam artists

In the first half of the 17th century, the 9 streets originated as a collection of a few entrepreneurs. Today it is home to everything from designer boutiques to a great collection of art galleries.

Be sure to check out the work of some of the city’s best artists at Galerie Keren de Vreede and Eddy Varekamp’s gallery. The Tertius Collection offers everything from great paintings to eclectic interiors, while The Merchant House specializes in contemporary work.

9. Visit the district’s unique museums

A walk through the streets of Amsterdam will reveal that the city has plenty of great museums to explore, several of which are located right in the middle of the nine streets. The Grachtenmuseum or “Museum van de Grachten” is housed in a 17th-century building full of fascinating exhibits about the history of Amsterdam and the 9 streets.

The Houseboat Museum, meanwhile, is housed aboard a former ship converted into a museum that floats along the canal belt. Be sure to also check out options such as getting a personalized one tour with a local has gold Van Gough Museum and canal cruise combo for a whole day of fun.

10. Stay for a while at Top Hotels in the Negen Straatjes

As you can see, the 9 streets of Amsterdam offer plenty to do in one of the most unique areas in the world. If you’re not quite ready for the end of your stroll through the streets, consider staying at one of the many great hotels that are right in the neighborhood.

Immerse yourself in historic elegance with a stay at The Dylan, a charming boutique hotel right on the canal, just a short walk from Dam Square. With a beautiful bar and Michelin-starred restaurant on site, this luxury boutique hotel is a great place to stay in Amsterdam.

Other great choices in the 9 Streets district are Hotel IX and the Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel, each offering their own unique charm. Or you can always choose from unique vacation rentals like these beautiful Historic Canal View Suites.

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