In the Central Canal Belt of Amsterdam lies a three-block by three-block water-woven district known to locals as De Negen Straatjes. These "Nine Streets" are filled with quirky shops, trendy boutiques, cozy cafés and cool restaurants, making it one of the city's best areas to wander all day. Here are the reasons the area's cobbled lanes are much-loved. You're bound to love them, too.
The City's Best All-Around Shopping
© 2009 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com
Among my picks for Amsterdam's best shopping areas, the Nine Streets tops the list. That's because the area has something for every seeker of retail therapy, whether you're a second-hand bargain-hound or a high-end label-lover.
Some of the city's best vintage stores hawk fun finds alongside fashion-forward boutiques laden with Europe's most stylish names (Acne Studios opened here in 2009; Van Ravenstein and Pina are fashion heavy-hitters; Lock, Stock & Barrel features plenty of Scandinavian names; and those are just a few!).
Foodies will find glorious gluttony at cheese and chocolate specialty shops, while just about anyone will grin at the long-time stores selling fabrics, toys, Art Deco lighting and even nothing but toothbrushes.
Some of the city's best vintage stores hawk fun finds alongside fashion-forward boutiques laden with Europe's most stylish names (Acne Studios opened here in 2009; Van Ravenstein and Pina are fashion heavy-hitters; Lock, Stock & Barrel features plenty of Scandinavian names; and those are just a few!).
Foodies will find glorious gluttony at cheese and chocolate specialty shops, while just about anyone will grin at the long-time stores selling fabrics, toys, Art Deco lighting and even nothing but toothbrushes.
Dining Options from Cheap to Chic
© 2009 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com
So often I find myself suggesting somewhere in the Nine Streets when asked for restaurant recommendations, whether for a memorable dinner out or a light lunch that won't break the bank. Café Nielsen is perfect for a casual brunch; Buffet van Odette's fresh soups and quiches and Broodje Bert's value-packed sandwiches both make my list of Good Cheap Eats in Amsterdam.
On the finer flip side, Van Harte offers French-inspired food in a cozy yet contemporary setting; Lust brings sleek chicness to the neighborhood; find traditional Indonesian at Cilubang; Brix is a favorite for hungry jazz-lovers (if you're one of those, be sure to read my article on Sunday Jazz in Amsterdam).
Laid-Back and Local Watering Holes
By nightfall, the Nine Streets certainly isn't as rowdy as Amsterdam's main bar-hopping squares like Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. But that's why I enjoy going out here. Long-time local favorite Café de Doffer is one of my picks for Amsterdam's Bars off the Beaten Path. And if you find yourself in "The Bar with No Name" at Wolvenstraat 23, you're certainly an in-the-know visitor.Picture-Perfect Scenery and Authentic Atmosphere
© 2009 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com
There's no doubt that one of the reasons I love the Nine Streets so much is that it's simply one of the quaintest quarters of Amsterdam. The nine narrow brick lanes criss-cross the city's main canals, which makes for photo opps at every intersection. Nestled in the shadow of the Westerkerk to the north and removed from the bustle of Leidsestraat to the south, the authentic atmosphere and individualist style seep from the gabled storefronts -- and it's been that way for centuries.
This is one district that's sure to please any visitor to Amsterdam. For further shop and restaurant listings and a better understanding of how the streets are laid out, see the Nine Streets guide at NL Streets or the official Negen Straatjes website.
This is one district that's sure to please any visitor to Amsterdam. For further shop and restaurant listings and a better understanding of how the streets are laid out, see the Nine Streets guide at NL Streets or the official Negen Straatjes website.