The 9 streets

DE 9 STRAATJES (the 9 streets)

One of Amsterdam’s most charming shopping neighborhoods is ‘De 9 Straatjes’.
The 9 streets between Raadhuisstraat and Leidsestraat form a quarter where crafts, trade and culture have traditionally been dominant. The quarter is a paradise for pedestrians, a half a mile that offers a stunning overview of the building styles within the old centre of Amsterdam. The 9 Streets form the ideal backdrop for enjoying the variation the city has to offer, for locals as well as visitors from around of the world. Along its cobbled avenues you will find an eclectic mix of independent shops, galleries and bistros - and not a chain in sight. After a day of shopping one can visit one of the casual restaurants, a brown bar or an Amsterdam hotspot for drinks and jazz.

De Negen Straatjes is a collective name given to nine small, cosy streets. The Ree-, Harten-, Beren-, Wolven-, Oude Spiegel-, Run- and Huidenstraat. The Gasthuismolensteeg en Wijde Heisteeg also belong to them.
The streets in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district are the connection between the four main canals. Most of the buildings in de streets date from the beginning of the 17th century and are little, monumental shopping houses. Not long ago the streets were newly decorated and became parking free. After almost 400 years the nine streets are still shopping streets. The 9 streets is home to a great number of vintage stores, alternative fashion, and specialized theme stores. The streets are also an excellent location for a good cup of coffee and a short escape from the busier streets of Amsterdam.

Just two minutes walk from the Royal Palace at the Dam Square these picturesque streets straddle the 17th Century canals from the Singel to the Prinsengracht. Spend a fabulous day wandering from one to the next exploring the designer and vintage boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, gift shops, fashion shops, specialist businesses or the plenty of great bars, cafes and restaurants.

‘All the world is built around Amsterdam,’ wrote the famous Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel in the 17th century. That golden age was a period of unprecedented wealth and prosperity for Amsterdam. The old area of the town within the Singel canal burst out of its seams, so the ring of canals was designed to accommodate the sorely needed town expansion. The three main canals, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, were dug around the mediaeval town centre and were connected by side-streets. The names of the streets still recall the craft of leather working. The streets offer a magnificent overview of the building styles within the old centre of Amsterdam. In addition to charming Vingboons buildings dating from the 17th century, there is a wide variety of special buildings and houses.

This little neighborhood is well known, and yet is never looks too crowded. Usually the streets are a bit narrow, but wide enough to support a one-lane road (mostly used by bicycles), with narrow sidewalks on each side. You have to be on guard for delivery trucks in the narrow streets, but you can walk from store to store in peace.
Although the existence of this area as separate neighborhood is more a marketing strategy than a historic fact, the streets have a lot in common with each other, and represent nearly a brand defined as a shopping district being characterized by its diverse, high quality, authentic, specialized and small scale nature. The little shops are very specialized and they sell the weirdest stuff. If you take your time, you just might find something beautiful!