De Negen Straatjes is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus and canal boat tours, which give you ample time to shop, dine, or drink in the trendy district. The majority of canal cruises—which can be tailored to include everything from pizza and wine to beer and ice cream—offer unobstructed views of De Negen Straatjes from the water, while private, custom tours let you tailor your itinerary to suit your preferences.
De Negen Straatjes are popular with fashion lovers and foodies.
Remember your coat in the colder months, as the district is open air and can get chilly.
Some delis offer free samples of cheese and cured meats around lunch time, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for freebies.
As well as ever-changing pop-up stores, De Negen Straatjes is home to the Huis Marseille photography museum and Cromhuithous, the preserved home of Dutch aristocrats.
The nine streets of De Negen Straatjes lie between the centrally-located Singel and Prinsengracht canals, and are easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transport; simply board at Dam Square, Westermarkt, or Spui tram stops, or at Rokin metro station. Hop-on hop-off bus buses and boats also stop nearby.
The streets are especially charming during spring and summer, when the outdoor terraces remain lively well into the evening. If you’d rather explore without crowds, embark on a late morning stroll, though be aware that shops in Amsterdam generally don’t open until 10am or later.
De Negen Straatjes was only established as a retail district in 1996, in an effort to promote the area to tourists and encourage cooperation between businesses. However, the wider Grachtengordel, or Canal Ring, harks back to the Dutch Golden Age. Learn more about the area’s heritage at the Het Grachtenhuis (Canal Museum) or during a historical walking tour of the area.
