Since 1915, the Hajenius House has been one of the best-known cigar houses in Europe and boasts of a stately location on the Rokin. Along with cigars, Hajenius also offers a stylish room, a special cigar try-out tool and private lockers where specialists can store their expensive cigars under controlled conditions. The beautiful art-deco interiors of the historic building create a perfect ambiance for cigar enthusiasts to admire the store's premium collection.
Housed right next to the one-time Heineken brewery, The Albert Cuyp market is the busiest and the largest in Amsterdam. Open six days a week, local shoppers make a daily routine out of browsing the ample stalls. It's not just fresh local produce, though. You can find just about anything at Albert Cuyp, from a new pair of casual shoes to some bolts of fabric to create your own market-ready item. The market's vendors are as diverse as their products, meaning you can find exotic spices and souvenirs from all around the world.
"De Bijenkorf" literally translates to "the beehive" and is one of Amsterdam's largest department stores, spread over six levels. From humble beginnings in 1870, the company now has a dozen outlets across the country. The historic building it lies in is an architectural marvel in itself and features an array of merchandise. On sale are clothing and apparel by international designers and high-end labels, branded cosmetics, exquisite jewelry and trendy shoes. Also on offer are furniture, kitchen appliances and home decor. Books, stationery, music and toys make their way on the fourth floor. Despite the upscale prices, every shopper will find something of interest at this state-of-the-art shopping complex. Please check the website for hours of operation.
The Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt) is located in the heart of the city, near Kalverstraat, Leidsestraat and the Munttoren en Muntplein. Have a look inside the shops floating on barges on the Singel Canal; they sell everything from seeds and bulbs to unique flowers. Don't be surprised if you find floral items in colors you have never seen before; flowers like black tulips and purple roses are very common here. This is a great place to visit, even if you don't plan to make a purchase and a charming spot if you have arrived with someone special. If you want to take these products out of the country, be sure that they have export certificates.
Concerto has been around for 50 years and prides itself on its knowledgeable staff and excellent selection of new and used music, ranging from classical to techno, flamenco and blues. Five different shops are linked under one roof: dance, pop, jazz/world music, classical music and second-hand CDs and LPs. Music lovers, collectors and everyone in between will find the relaxed atmosphere the ideal setting in which to browse and listen to music.
Indulge your sweet tooth with the heavenly chocolates on offer at this specialty boutique located in Jordaan. Established in 2010, the expansive boutique delights with an enticing display of artisan chocolate bars and other creations by well-known chocolatiers. Taking things further, the boutique conducts regular chocolate tasting sessions for enthusiasts. Apart from chocolate, the store also offers premium coffee and tea. A must-visit for chocolate lovers.
If you want to lay your lands on some beautiful rare European antiques, Prinsheerlijk Antinques is the place to be. One of the biggest wholesalers and retailers in the antique circuit of the city, the store stocks everything from furniture and paintings to statues, mirrors, lanterns and other artifacts. There are new pieces coming in everyday at Prinsheerlijk and the artifacts can also be modified according to your preference. For vintage art lovers, this place is a must visit.
This is a natural cosmetic and well-being store selling well-known brands such as Weleda, Laverna and Dr. Hauschka. Even though the store is quite small, there are tons of products to view, ranging from eye shadows and oils to toothpaste and vitamins. On some days, it is possible to request 'on site' therapy, such as acupuncture or kinesiology, and the information regarding this can be found on their website. The assistants have a lot of specialist advice concerning the products and are willing to answer any questions you may have. There are also a wide range of products available on their web site.
Located in Amsterdam's chic and picturesque Jordaan area, LouLou is a clothing boutique with a retro, 1960s feel, perfectly suited to the famous Nine Streets in which it resides. The store itself is compact and carries clothing lines for both winter and summer as well as a range of handmade accessories to suit any season. Elegant and classy, LouLou's clothes are a good choice for a girl looking to make an impression. And it's not just clothes and accessories you can buy here.