Mercure's travel guides

Eschew giant shopping malls in favor of Amsterdam's many atmospheric markets: the huge Waterlooplein flea market every day except Sunday; colorful Bloemenmarkt Flower Market along the Singel canal near Muntplein; the Saturday Boerenmarkt at the foot of the Noorderkerk church with its stalls heaped with organic, farm-fresh produce. Other excellent finds can be picked up on the "Negen Straatjes", or "nine streets", that run between Singel and Prinsengracht: find vintage clothes stores, designer boutiques and fun cafés along these atmospheric streets. You can pick up anything from diamond rings to Dutch cheeses and novelty wooden clogs.

Magna Plaza

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182, Amsterdam, 1012 SJ
+31 20 570 3570 - http://www.magnaplaza.nl

Description:

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.
Mon 11am-7pm, Tue-Sat 10am-7pm (Thu until 9pm), Sun noon-7pm

Spiegelkwartier

Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, Amsterdam

Description:

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.

Albert Cuyp Market

Albert Cuypstraat, Amsterdam
http://www.albertcuypmarkt.nl

Description:

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.
Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Hours May Vary Seasonally