Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam’s Nine Streets District
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Tucked in the heart of the Amsterdam World Heritage Canal Belt is 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 district’s name translates to the “nine streets” or the “nine little streets.”
Built near the end of the city’s Golden age, the district consists of nine streets in Amsterdam, which include:
- Berenstraat
- Gasthuismolensteeg
- Huidenstraat
- Hartenstraat
- Oude Spiegelstraat
- Runstraat
- Reestraat
- Wijde Heisteeg
- Wolvenstraat
What once began as a small selection of shops on nine side streets has become one of Amsterdam’s most famous shopping districts. Today, the 400-year-old streets of the district are bustling with a charming collection of diverse shops, including vintage clothing stores, art galleries, gift shops, restaurants, and more.
If you plan to visit Amsterdam for the first time, then visiting De 9 Straatjes is a must! Not only will you enjoy great food and shopping, but the views in this part of the city are epic Instagram posts that are just begging to happen.
Join us to explore the best things to do in the Nine Streets neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for the best shops or an awesome place to have a cup of coffee, we’ve got you covered.
Things To Do In Amsterdam’s Nine Streets District
1. Start Your 9 Straatjes Adventure With Coffee
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
As with any adventure, it’s best to ensure you’re sufficiently caffeinated before exploring everything the 9 Straatjes offer. Luckily, the neighborhood has plenty of great coffee shops, 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, which occupies a historical building once home to Frans Banning Cocq, featured in Rembrandt’s painting The Night Watch.
See Related: Things Amsterdam is Famous For
2. Enjoy Shopping in Vintage Stores de Negen Straatjes Are Known For
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Central Amsterdam is known not only for its historical architecture but also for its many vintage clothing stores. You can’t go wrong shopping at Bij ons Vintage, which is quite possibly the most famous vintage shop in the neighborhood.
You’ll also find plenty of cool vintage threads at popular shops like Episode and Zipper. Other great stores include King Louie, where you can buy vintage-inspired threads, and Concrete Matter, which sells everything from quality men’s clothing to home accessories.
See Related: Cheapest Shopping Destinations in the World
3. Cruise the Canals of Historic Amsterdam
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Part of what makes the 9 Straatjes district so beautiful is its home to the gorgeous canals running through the city center. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy them firsthand, such as a classic Rederij P. Kooij canal cruise.
Fun, specialized choices are also available, such as this canal cruise, which includes a local guide and an onboard bar, or this wine and cheese canal cruise. You can also explore nearby Jordaan or take a historical, insight-packed walking tour.
4. Explore the Eclectic Shops of the Amsterdam 9 Streets District
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
In addition to vintage stores, the Nine Little Streets shopping area includes a selection of off-beat shops dedicated to everything under the sun. Pontifex_Kaarsen is an old-fashioned candle shop with an on-site doll repair expert.
Waxwell Records offers vinyl heaven, while the resident shop cat at Boekie Woekie welcomes you to browse a huge collection of artist books. Look no further than De Gamekeeper for the chance to buy any board game you can imagine and plenty you’ve probably never heard of.
5. Enjoy Excellent Food Overlooking a Beautiful Amsterdam Canal
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
After all that shopping, take a break and eat at one of the many great restaurants on the Nine Little Streets (“De 9 Straatjes”). Snack on the legendary “Dutch fries” at Fabel Friet or launch into carb heaven with the Italian cuisine at Bussia.
Discover why Lebanese Sajeria is a local favorite when you enjoy classic Lebanese food with a fun, modern twist. Or treat yourself to a trip to the Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles at the Dylan Hotel.
See Related: Canals in Amsterdam You Need to See
6. Try the Most Popular Drink in Amsterdam
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Among the authentic shops along the canal belt, you’ll discover some great places to try genever, also known as “Dutch gin.” Head over to Proeflokaal A. Van Wees and take your pick of over 17 genever brands or 60+ old-Dutch liquors.
If you’re looking for a pub-type atmosphere, check out Café de Geit, where you’ll find a great selection of beer, wine, and coffee. Try “high wine” at The Dylan for a great alternative to high tea.
7. Indulge In Cheese and Chocolate
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you’re into cheese, chocolate, or both, then de 9 Straatjes will not disappoint. De Kaaskamer is stocked from floor to ceiling with enough cheese to shame the entire state of Wisconsin.
Pompadour offers an incredible range of high-end chocolates, which you can enjoy with Catalan coffee. Skip the gift shops and head to Urban Cacao, where you can create customized chocolates that make excellent souvenirs for anyone.
See Related: Best Food Tours in Amsterdam to Book
8. Visit the Galleries of Leading Amsterdam Artists
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
In the first half of the 17th century, De 9 Straatjes started as a collection of a few entrepreneurs. Nowadays, it’s home to everything from designer boutiques to an awesome collection of art galleries.
Be sure to check out the work of some of the city’s best artists at the Keren de Vreede Gallery and the Eddy Varekamp Gallery. The Tertius Collection offers everything from unique paintings to eclectic home interiors, while The Merchant House specializes in contemporary work.
9. Visit the District’s Unique Museums
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
A stroll down the streets of Amsterdam will reveal that the city has plenty of excellent museums to explore and several options in the middle of De Negen Straatjes. The Grachten Museum, or “Museum of the Canals,” is located in a 17th-century building full of fascinating exhibits about the history of Amsterdam and the 9 Straatjes.
The Houseboat Museum, meanwhile, is housed aboard a former barge that’s been converted into a museum that floats along the canal belt. For a fun day, be sure to look into options like a personalized tour with a local or a Van Gough Museum and Canal Tour combo.
10. Stay Awhile at Top Hotels in de Negen Straatjes
Address: Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
As you can see, the 9 Streets of Amsterdam offers plenty to do in one of the most unique areas in the world. If you aren’t quite ready for your walk through the streets to end, then you might consider staying in one of the many fabulous hotels that are located right in the middle of the neighborhood.
Immerse yourself in historical elegance with a stay at The Dylan, a charming boutique hotel located on the canal, only a short walk from Dam Square. The luxury boutique hotel is a great place to stay in Amsterdam, with a gorgeous bar and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Other great choices in the 9 Streets district include Hotel IX and the Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel, each offering unique charm. You could also choose from unique holiday rentals, such as these beautiful Historic Canal View Suites.
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