Image by Gisela Clarke

If you like vintage design furniture you should really check out Neef Louis. You will find Neef Louis at the North side of Amsterdam (where you will also find Noorderlicht and The Ijhallen, check these article here and here). So even though it is quite a journey to the North, it is worth it!

Neef Louis is a gigantic place and it’s absolutely stuffed with all kinds of old, vintage and design furniture. I would really love to be able to buy just all of it! Unfortunately my budget doesn’t allow me to do so. But still, I love to look around and it gives me inspiration. 

Across the road you will find Van Dijk & Co which is much the same but with more classical type furniture. Also worth a look!

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Neef Louis | Shopping
Papaverweg 46 | North | +31204869354
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I must admit I’m not the best in bargain hunting. Every once in a while I try to do my best at flea markets or vintage stores but most of the time I have to face the facts: I’m incapable of finding the nice clothes in the midst of all the junk. Still I keep on trying because I do know people that do succeed and I can’t stand the idea that I might miss out on a great bargain just because I didn’t give it a try…

So I gave it a try at the IJhallen in the North of Amsterdam. Every month there is a huge flea market here where people sell mostly clothes but also other things. For an entrance fee of 3.50 you are free to spend as long as you want to rummage around the piles and piles of stuff that are on offer.

The market is usually partly inside and partly outside. Make sure you dress up warm cause both places are cold in wintertime!! The stuff people sell is really very cheap so if you do have an eye for a bargain you rally can’t miss this.

Also the trip over to the market is worth while. You take the free ferry from Central Station over to the NDSM part of North, I always enjoy this!

(Check the website for the upcoming markets)

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IJhallen | Relaxing, Shopping | Entrance adults € 3.50
T.T. Neveritaweg 15 | North
09:00 – 16:30, check website

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I can’t repeat enough how much I like cheese. This is why visiting De Kaaskamer is a treat for me. Looking at (and smelling) all the different sorts of cheese makes my mouth water… You don’t even have to go into shop to smell the (I think delicious) smell of cheese!

I usually go here to get a delicious baguette for lunch. You can pick any sort of cheese or meat and other toppings and the baguette will definitely fill your stomach for the rest of the day.

The shop is hard to miss, you can smell it meters away. When you go inside you won’t know where to start! Luckily the personnel is really friendly and they let you taste different cheeses too.

My tip would be to get yourself a baguette, and to eat it somewhere beside one of the beautiful canals. Then on your last day in Amsterdam head to the shop again and fill your whole suitcase with CHEESE!!! Enjoy!

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De Kaaskamer | Shopping, Snacks | Baguette € 5.00
Runstraat 7 | Center | +31206233483
Mon 12:00 – 18:00, Tue – Fri 09:00 – 18:00, Sat 09:00 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I love jewelry. Especially the silver and oriental kind. This is why I’m so glad I discovered Kasbah. Actually it wasn’t me who discovered it but my best friends who’ve already gotten me a birthday present from here twice. Since then I walk by the shop every once in a while mostly to admire all of the jewelry and other objects.

Although the shop is small, there is lots to see. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces (silver, gold, with or without gemstones) but also statues and interesting ornaments. The owners are very friendly and let you look around as long as you like. If you like this kind of stuff you should really have a look here and perhaps treat yourself or someone else!

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Kasbah | Shopping
Staalstraat 6 | Center | +31206235564
11:00 – 18:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I had never heard of Feduzzi Mercado Italiano until a friend took me there to get some lunch. She had been there before and assured me that their ciabatta’s were delicious. And she is right! Their ciabatta’s are mouth watering.

I’ve made it my personal project to try out all of the different kinds. Until now all the ciabatta’s I have tasted were great but one of my favourites must be the ‘Cortina’. This one is with mozzarella and salami. They give you a choice between ordinary salami and spicy salami. I’ve tried them both and like the spicy salami the best. But be aware because it really is very spicy. That combined with the creamy buffalo mozzarella is an absolute treat!

Another of my favourites is the ‘Feduzzi’. This ciabatta is filled with creamy mozzarella, grilled aubergine, and delicious pesto. Writing about it makes me hungry!

Besides ciabatta’s they also sell loads of different ready to eat food like cheeses, meats, pasta salads, and other things. Also the shop has a wall with shelves full of different sorts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried and fresh pasta, coffee and all different kinds of wine.

Feduzzi’s is really worth a try. I’m sure you will not be disappointed!

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Feduzzi | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Ciabatta sandwich € 4.00
Scheldestraat 63 | South | +31206646365
Mon 12:00 – 19:00, Tue – Fri 10:30 – 19:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

There’s not much to say about this spot except that it is the ideal place to get something to get a ‘broodje’ (dutch for sandwich or bread roll) with anything you can imagine!

You can choose the sandwich filling of your choice which can be a difficult choice to make. They have about all sorts of cheese and meats you can imagine and since they’re really not expensive its the ideal quick lunch.

My absolute favorite is the ‘vitello tonato’: veal, tuna salad, capers and tomatoes all on one roll. Delicious!

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Kaassie Kaassie | Shopping, Snacks | Roll € 3.00
Eerste Sweelinckstraat 14 | South
Mon – Sat 08:30 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

The Utrechtstestraat starts at the Rembrandtplein and ends at the Frederiksplein. The street crosses all the canals and this is what makes it a very charming shopping street.

The street is good for shopping fashion and delicatessen. Also there are a couple of good furniture shops. (check out the other Utrechtsestraat spots on this website.)

Also if you are looking to get someone a present, this is the place to be. Besides shopping the street is also full of bars and restaurants, again you will find a variety of cuisines suitable for any budget.

You should really have a look here if you like to go shopping but don’t like busy shopping streets full of shops you see everywhere, the choice of shops here is really different and I think you could easily spend a whole day here if you count in stops for coffee, lunch, a afternoon drink and dinner to finish it of!

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Utrechtsestraat | Bars, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Restaurants
Utrechtsestraat | Center
Mon – Wed & Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

I never knew you were able to get good scones in Holland until I went to the Bakkerswinkel. Me and my friends met for lunch and started of having different kinds of savoury sandwiches which were all delicious. There is plenty of choice here and the ingredients used are tasty and fresh. The bread is nice and heavy so you are sure to be satisfied for the rest of the day after you get lunch here.

I have to admit that we were definitely satisfied, but we still couldn’t resist the temptation of ordering a scone as dessert. This was absolutely delicious. They have different kinds of scones, for instant with raisins, chocolate or cherries. They also have a wide range of different sorts of freshly made jam to go with it. Its really very good. And of course the clotted cream just makes it perfect!

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De Bakkerswinkel | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Scone (jam&cream) € 3.50
Warmoesstraat 69 | Center | +31204898000
Tue – Fri 08:00 – 18:00, Sat 08:00 – 17:00, Sun 10:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

In the Dapperstraat in the Eastern part of Amsterdam you will find the Dapper market. The Dapper market is one of my favourite markets. It is one of the busiest and biggest markets of Amsterdam.

The market sells a great diversity of food like fruit and vegetables. Besides food you will also find flowers, clothes, shoes and anything else you might need. I usually go there for flowers and fruit and vegetables and am always amazed at how cheap it is!

I also love the fact that at the market all different cultures come together to do their shopping. It is a really multicultural place and it represents Amsterdam really well. It is also worth it to check out the different shops just off the market where you will find little supermarkets that sell different foreign products. Also the market offers a diversity of different ready to eat snacks from lots of different cuisines. Another favourite of mine are the freshly squeezed fruit juices.

If you are planning to check out Amsterdam Oost, which I really recommend you do as it is a very lively area where lots of different cultures and kinds of people come together, you really can’t miss the Dapper Market.

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Dappermarkt | Shopping, Snacks
Dapperstraat | East
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Gisela Clarke

One of the good things about my recent move from the east side of Amsterdam to the west side is the fact that I now live close to Jutka & Riska! This is one of my favorite vintage shops. I stop by to take a look as often as I can. And just last month I managed to get almost my entire winter wardrobe here!!

Jutka & Riska have a great selection of vintage clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry. But the interesting thing is that they also sell self made new clothes and bags, or customized second hand clothes.

The shop is absolutely full of stuff, every spare centimeter is used to its full potential. So take your time to find yourself some beautiful and unique stuff!!

Jutka & Riska also have a shop in Haarlem and Antwerp.

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Jutka & Riska | Shopping
Bilderdijkstraat 194 | West
Fri – Wed 10:30 – 19:00, Thu 10:30 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by G.J. Broens

This spot comes closest to what Americans consider a deli… and a fine one it is. It has a good selection of different delicacies, varying from salads to ready-made fine foods. It also has a nice choice of cheeses and sausages.

One of the things I really yearn for from time to time is their lasagna. For €1.50 per 100 gram you can choose between salmon-spinach, bolognese or pumpkin-goat cheese (the first one is my absolute favourite). Furthermore they have two types of burritos (chicken or minced meat; €4.50 each) and two or three different types of quiches (€1.60 per 100 gram).

You’ll also find (biological) fruit juices, soups, vegetables etc. Whatever you’ll find at your deli back home. So whenever you’re (a) lazy (cook) and have some extra bucks to spend, you can find your supper here.

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Sterk Staaltje | Shopping, Snacks
Staalstraat 12 | Center | +31206249065
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 19:00, Sat 08:00 – 18:00, Sun 11:00 – 18:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Madelien Schippers

Since this place is a little tucked away in a neighborhood in Oost, you could easily miss it. But you should not miss it, since this is a really cute and good brunch and lunch spot! Their motto is: stop eating shit, eat good food!

The products they use are mostly organic or honest, which you can taste. They have an extensive menu, with sandwiches served on slices of bread, fresh smoothies, soups, homemade carrot cake and my favorite chai tea’s.

Beter en Leuk means Better and Pleasant, and the atmosphere in this place is very relaxed with little benches in- and outside with comfortable pillows. Next to being a lunch spot it is also a small boutique, where you could find organic beauty essentials, clothes and gadgets. The high tea I can also recommend! And for the ladies; once in a while they offer workshops or special shopping evenings. So if you want to try something new, and you are in Oost give it a try!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Beter & Leuk | Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks | Coffee € 2.20
Eerste Oosterparkstraat 91 | East
Wed – Mon 10:00 – 17:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Madelien Schippers

Their webshop is already a favourite of many fashion lovers, but last year I Love Vintage opened up a boutique along one of the canals in the city centre. This cute, but bright and organized store is really a must if you are looking for some nice vintage leather boots or pumps.

Next to the big collection of vintage shoes and bags from the 50′s till the 90′s, they also have a nice mix of dresses and cardigans. But not everything is vintage, you will find new stuff as well like the cool collection of accessories.

The back of the boutique is also used as studio where they have photo shoots for the website and as storage for all the items on the site. So before you come to ILV you can write down the items you will like to try on or you can search through the whole collection on a touch screen in the store. Just give the details to one of the friendly employees and she will get the item for you.

I like to visit the store once in a while for some new inspiration and to score a unique item!

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I Love Vintage | Shopping | Leather boots € 40
Prinsengracht 201 | Center | +31203301950
Mon – Sat 09:30 – 18:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Madelien Schippers

Beadies is a shop that makes me very happy every time I visit, due to the big collection of beautiful beads and romantic accessories. Everything is nicely arranged in wooden cabinets in this tiny store in the famous Nine Streets. They sell a large amount of beads of which you can design your own perfect piece of jewelry, like earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

From Monday to Friday you can make your own jewelry at the big wooden table in the back of the store. When you don’t feel like being creative don’t worry, they also sell the handmade pieces made by Beadies or you can tell the employees what you like and they will make it for you that same day, custom-made!

It can be a bit pricey, but most of the pieces are real eye catchers! I think the style you will find here can best be described by romantic Ibiza meets Sex and the City glamorous, most of the accessories are very feminine, classy and fashionable. It is worth a visit to find the perfect gift or just something beautiful to cheer yourself up!

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Beadies | Art & culture, Shopping | Bracelet € 10
Huidenstraat 6 | Center | +31204285161
Mon 11:00 – 18:00, Tue – Wed & Fri – Sat 10:30 – 18:00, Thu 10:30 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Madelien Schippers

Laura Dols is the most famous vintage store in Amsterdam, situated in the trendy Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets). Here you will find all kind of unique pieces, most of them originating from the 50s, like dresses, hats, clutches and pumps.

I like to go here for a special outfit for an event like Christmas or a ball/gala. In the basement they have a tremendous amount of the most beautiful glamour, ball and cocktail dresses, all nicely arranged by colour. The prices are very affordable and the staff is always willing to advise you or lend a hand to zip up your dress.

The staff is always busy ironing the new incoming clothes, since the collection is refreshed daily. Every piece is checked and cleaned, so no dirty or smelly clothes! Laura Dols only sells quality pieces, so it’s worth a visit to score your unique item to stand out of the crowd!

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Laura Dols | Shopping | Cocktail dress € 35
Wolvenstraat 7 | Center | +31206249066
Sun – Mon 13:00 – 18:00, Tue – Wed & Fri – Sat 11:00 – 18:00, Thu 11:00 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Madelien Schippers

Friday Next is a lifestyle store, exposition room and café all in one, a concept which is not that common (yet) in Amsterdam. But this concept store has a great inspirational collection of design furniture, jewelry, great leather bags and more wannahaves.

The bright store feels like a very nice decorated apartment, where you will find the café in the midst of the store. Here you can enjoy a coffee or a lunch, prepared with the fresh products of Marqt next door (see the Marqt article). Given the amount of laptops I saw during the week, this spot lends itself perfectly to get some work done.

Every two to three months a designer or famous international brand is asked to expose their work here. Furthermore this store is an inspiration for everyone who likes to pimp their home with an unique item! Definitely worth a visit when you’re near the Overtoom.

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Café Friday Next | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Shopping | Sandwich € 5.50
Overtoom 31 | South | +31206123292
Tue – Fri 09:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Madelien Schippers

I regularly visit this store in the fancy van Baerlestraat, because here you’ll find a very original collection of women’s clothes and accessories. They sell lovely tops, cute dresses, cool jackets and shoes that make you feel very feminine again!

They have some exclusive brands as well as some more affordable brands in their collection, like Modstrom, Cheap Monday, SNOB and Supertrash.

The store is accompanied with a website: welikefashion.com with an even bigger collection. If you’re not quite sure what the latest trends are for the season, pay a visit to this store and find out! The shop is not that big and therefore it is easy to go through the racks.

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We Like Fashion | Shopping
Van Baerlestraat 108 | South | +31206649922
Mon 13:00 – 18:00, Tue – Wed & Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 10:00 – 21:00, Sat:10:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Madelien Schippers

I just found this cute spot with a friend of mine when we were wandering around at Haarlemmerdijk. Forget about teabags, here you will find the real deal and everything you’ll need to prepare a proper cup of tea! The tremendous amount of different teas, all arranged in transparent boxes where you can scoop the tea of preference in a little bag. They have over 60 flavors, from the standard earl grey to special mixes like the spiced grandma’s apple-pie.

Upstairs you will find the fresh white decorated tearoom, where you can enjoy a cup of tea or a big teapot. Treat yourself with one of the famous Lily’s cupcakes or an organic cookie to really make it a feast! And don’t worry coffee lovers will not be left aside, they serve biologic coffee (Bocca) as well.

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Tea Bar | Coffee & tea, Shopping | Cup of tea € 2.00
Haarlemmerdijk 71 | Center | +31206233211
Mon 11:00 – 18:00, Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 10:00 – 17:00, Sun 13:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Bart van Poll

Great supermarket with health and eco food, and much more! They have a lot of take away goodies! Nice spot!

The “Overtoom”, the name of the street, is getting more attractive. It used to be a traffic – jammed road. Now you can go there for fun, food and shopping.

A real good new Marqt for Amsterdam.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Marqt | Shopping, Snacks
Overtoom 21 – 25 | West | +31204226311
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Maarten-Jan Meyer zu Schlochtern

Not the place for everybody, but a place for every Burgundian! What a selection of meat (Waguy), cold cuts, pâtés (home made), salads and sausages of all kind… They have professional and very friendly staff helps to make your choice(s). All the goodies and nice food is beautiful displayed, and brings the water in your mouth.

My choice is the Iberian pork and truffle sausages and the French Limoges Côte du Boeuf. This shop is a beauty for the eye and tongue.

They have the Italian fresh truffles, some as big as a tennis ball. Worth the detour.

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Slagerij Fred de Leeuw | Shopping, Snacks | From € 10.00
Utrechtsestraat 92 | Center | +31206230235
Tue – Fri 08:00 – 18:00, Sat 08:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Maarten-Jan Meyer zu Schlochtern

Sir Max has expanded – twice as big and three times more choice. I love it!

A jewel in shoes-land! It’s located in the 9 streets.

This is the the ultimate for shoe fetisjhists. Brands of hand made shoes like Crockett & Jones, Santoni, Alden, Saint Crispin’s and Edward Green are here to be bought by willing customers.

Not cheap of course, so really for the freaks, dandies and lovers of good shoes!

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Sir Max | Shopping
Hartenstraat 2 | Center | +31207076588
Mon 13:00 – 18:30, Tue – Wed & Fri – Sat 10:00 – 18:30, Thu 10:00 – 20:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam

Image by Patty de Gruiter

Officially I am not allowed to have cheese, since I am allergic, however these ones I could not resist. After shopping and forgetting about lunch we thought of just grabbing a sandwich to continue shopping.

When we came in we had to choose from 80 different sandwiches. What to do? Just ask the gently man behind the counter to make a sandwich with cheese and you definitely will get a great one.

A perfect spot!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Hartenkaas | Shopping, Snacks | Sandwich € 5.00
Reestraat 19 | Center | +31206265271
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Amsterdam