What is your Amsterdam highlight? Perhaps you love exploring the history of the area, visiting the fascinating home from Anne Frank or marvelling at the magnificent works of Van Gogh. One of the cities’ finest cultural and shopping experiences in Amsterdam is nicknamed ‘The 9 Streets’, a collective name for the smaller shopping alleyways around the Canal Belt. Here you’ll find vintage and designer boutiques, some of the best eateries and buildings and a quaint, picturesque atmosphere. Add Amsterdam’s 9 Streets to your bucket list today.
Why is it called 9 Streets?
We believe the answer to this one is obvious but the area is named after the number of streets that connect Heren, Keizers, and Prinsengracht. The area was built in the first half of the 17th century and has been a popular place to visit for trade, craft & culture ever since. The street names that make up The 9 Streets are Hartenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Huidenstraat, Reestraat, Runstraat, Berenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Oude Spiegelstraat, Wijde Heisteeg and each one has something unique to offer. The name has been around since the 1900s.
History of Amsterdam’s 9 Streets
During the Golden Age, an old area of the city within the Singel was bursting out of its seams with trade and retail booming and real estate in high demand. As a result, a ring of canals was designed, the same canals that have helped to make Amsterdam a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It was developed because the old city area didn’t offer enough space for traders & the numerous activities that took place there like leather making & tanning. At the end of the last century, some entrepreneurs got together and started an association to protect the area and gave it the name we still know today.
What can I find on The 9 Streets?
A far cry from the brand names and high street favourites can be found in the city’s main streets, in The 9 Streets, you will find more unique businesses. Some of the street names, such as Huidenstraat, Reestraat and Wolvenstraat (skin, dear and wolves street), remind us of the leather crafting and tanneries that were an original feature in the area. Ramble along the gorgeous, picturesque streets and soak in the very special atmosphere, visiting shops, stalls, cafes, restaurants and much more.
The many galleries in the area regularly host some of the most beautiful events and exhibitions in the city & the area is home to many famous Amsterdam citizens. Don’t be surprised to find yourself sitting beside a famous person for your morning coffee!
The 9 Streets is the ideal neighbourhood to get to know Amsterdam in all its variety and richness, exploring like a local. The area also offers a great overview of the architectural style of Amsterdam and some perfect picture opportunities.
Shopping in The 9 Streets
Away from the bright lights of the main shopping district, 9 Streets is a place to find more unique pieces in the many vintage & designer boutiques. Browse the shops in your own time, discovering the most wonderful fashion, gifts, jewellery, vintage, lighting, gifts, accessories, shoes, bags and home furnishings. You’ll find many craft businesses and a variety of specialized shops containing gifts, goods and services that you won’t find anywhere else. After 400 years, the area is still buzzing with small businesses and busy shoppers, hidden cafes & restaurants and tiny galleries with the most unique stock. The 9 Streets mean shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying views of the beautiful canals. It would be a shame to pass by.
Accommodation in Amsterdam
Before you plan a perfect sightseeing trip to Amsterdam, first book the perfect accommodation. If you love the idea of being close to the city to explore and discover hidden gems like The 9 Streets, but love a great night’s rest in a quiet suburb, PREMIER SUITES PLUS Amsterdam is ideal for you. Comfortably accommodating solos, couples, groups and family travellers, our serviced apartments in Amsterdam offer you the space, freedom and flexibility of a true home from home so you can explore like a local.
Book our best available rates and special offers exclusively on our official website. We look forward to welcoming you to PREMIER SUITES PLUS serviced apartments in Amsterdam.
