Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam's World Heritage-listed canal belt is an area known in Dutch as the "De 9 Straatjes"or "Negen Straatjes".
Located among the picturesque streets behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square, the district's name translates as "the nine streets" or "the nine little streets".
Let's discover this place together!
De 9 Straatjes: article summary
De 9 Straatjes: at a glance
Built towards the end of the city's golden age, the district comprises nine Amsterdam streets, including :
- Rue Beren
- Gasthuismolensteeg
- Rue Huiden
- Rue Harten
- Old Spiegel Street
- Rue de Run
- Rue Ree
- Wijde Heisteeg
- Rue Wolven
What was once a small selection of boutiques spread over nine side streets has become one of Amsterdam's most famous shopping districts.
Today, the neighborhood's 400-year-old streets are filled with a charming collection of diverse stores, including:
- Thrift shops
- Art galleries
- Gift stores
- Restaurants
Start your discovery of 9 Straatjes with coffee
As with any adventure, it's best to make sure you have enough caffeine before exploring all that 9 Straatjes has to offer. Fortunately, the area is full of good cafés, including local favorites like Screaming Beans and Kaldi.
You'll also find excellent breakfast options at in cafés like Chun.
Thrift store shopping
The center of Amsterdam is known not only for its historic architecture, but also for its many vintage clothing stores.
You can't go wrong shopping at Bij ons Vintage, probably the neighborhood's most famous thrift store.
You will also find many sets in popular stores such as Episode and Zipper.
De 9 Straatjes: navigate the canals
Part of what makes the 9 Straatjes district so beautiful is the magnificent canals that run through the city center. You'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy them, including a canal cruise.
You can also explore the Jordaan or take an informative and historic walking tour.
Explore eclectic boutiques
In addition to vintage stores, the Nine Streets shopping district features a selection of atypical boutiques.
Pontifex Kaarsen, for example, is an old-fashioned candle store. with an on-site doll repair expert.
If you like, you can visit vinyl heaven at Waxwell Records. And look no further than De Gamekeeper for the chance to buy any board game.
De 9 Straatjes: excellent cuisine overlooking the canals
After all that shopping, take a break with a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants in the Neuf Rues. Enjoy the legendary "Dutch fries" at Fabel Friet and explore the flavors of Italian cuisine at Bussia.
Discover why Lebanese Sajeria is a local favorite when you enjoy classic Lebanese cuisine with a modern twist. Or treat yourself to a visit at the Michelin-starred Vinkeles restaurant in the Hotel Dylan.
Visit Amsterdam's artists' galleries
In the first half of the 17th century, De 9 Straatjes began to develop as the home of a few boutiques. Today, you'll find everything from designer boutiques to an impressive collection of art galleries.
Don't forget to discover the work of some of the city's finest artists at Keren de Vreede gallery and Eddy Varekamp's gallery.
The Tertius collection offers everything from stunning paintings to eclectic interiors, while The Merchant House specializes in contemporary work.
Visit the district's unique museums
A stroll through the streets of Amsterdam will show you that the city is full of amazing museums to explore. Several options are accessible in the middle of De Negen Straatjes. The Grachten Museum, or "Canal Museum", is housed in a 17th-century building brimming with fascinating exhibits on the history of Amsterdam and the 9 Straatjes.
The Houseboat Museum, meanwhile, is housed on board an old barge that has been converted into a museum. in a museum that floats along the canal belt.
De 9 Straatjes is a place that's hard to miss in Amsterdam. As the city's focal point, you'll be able to enjoy some unique experiences right on the spot. It's also a perfect place for shopping.
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