Description: DE PIJP. Bustling, vibrant, and a great source of local color, this century-old street market is a visual extravaganza. Not really frequented by visitors, it offers (both in stalls and on the sidewalk) a legion of goods, including ethnic foods, textiles, fresh produce, flowers, meats, and practically anything else imaginable. More than 250 vendors ply their wares to townsfolk, and you'll encounter folks of all nationalities and origins while you browse. Hours vary depending on weather, and most of the action takes place between Van Woustraat and Ferdinand Bolstraat.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. This narrow pedestrianised street runs between Dam square and the Muntplein (where the Kalvertoren shopping center can be found), and is probably Amsterdam's busiest commercial shopping area. Along here, you'll come across pop music stores, fashion stores and shoe stores; the Bodyshop and English-language bookstore, Waterstone's, are also along this stretch. If you feel your sugar levels plunge along with your bank account, head to Australian Homemade on the corner where the street meets Spui for delicious chocolate or ice cream. Or put your feet up with something more substantial on the Spui square where a local book market sets up every Friday and (from March to December) also the site of an art market on Sunday.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. At the top of the Kalverstraat, by the Muntplein, this modern three-level shopping center is pretty much a one-stop shop for all your needs - whether it's a strong coffee, a deli treat, garden furniture, paint and, of course, clothes. Thirty brand stores located across three floors include America Today, H&M, Hugo Boss and the much loved Dutch department store Hema. Best of all is its café and brasserie at the top with great views across the center of Amsterdam.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Formerly a post office, this grand edifice was initially built in 1899. Its ornate interior and exterior provoked some ridicule when first built, but now, the grand structure is a familiar presence in the city. Nowadays, shopping and dining venues spread across four floors, and you'll find everything from a music superstore to clothing boutiques for men, women and children. Also included are shops for accessories, home interiors, cosmetics and toys.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. This street, along with Van Baerlestraat and Beethovenstraat, comprises some of Amsterdam's most upscale shopping. Along PC Hooftstraat, you'll find a number of the world's top names in fashion and accessories. Along with men's and women's clothing, there are also venues for jewelry, shoes and the like. Among the more recognizable names are Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein.

 

Description: CENTRAL CANAL RING. Beginning near the Rijksmuseum, this fashionable district is arguably the city's best destination for antiques and art. Upscale shops line the streets, offering everything from sculpture and porcelain to high-quality furniture and other decorative goods. Many of the pieces are one-of-a-kind and make ideal mementos of time spent in the Netherlands. Give yourself some time for browsing; you won't want to miss everything that's available.