Love to shop? Love to eat? You’ll find some of the coolest boutiques and yummiest cafes in town along the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk.

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE • AMSTERDAM HAARLEMMERBUURT

Neighborhood Facts and Info

The Haarlemmerbuurt is made up mainly of the streets Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerstraat, starting at the Singel canal and ending at the Marnixstraat and the parallel streets extending south to the beautiful Brouwersgracht.

Beginning at the start of the Singel canal near Centraal Station, the street is known as Haarlemmerstraat. As it continues past the Prinsengracht the street changes its name to Haarlemmerdijk. Originally these streets were the first part of the road to the town of Haarlem, hence the name.

This shopping street is busy with cars, bicycles and pedestrians but still maintains a charming feel. When traveling its length be sure to stop at the Eenhoornsluis and admire the view. The lovely sunsets here make it one of the city’s most popular spots to photograph. Plus we love the meaning of the name: Unicorn Lock. Schattig!

Shopping in the Haarlemmerbuurt

Haarlemmerstraat/dijk was the winner of the “nicest shopping street in the Netherlands” in 2011, and we’d say it has gotten even nicer since then. This relatively short street is filled with all types of shops from banks to grocers, making it easy to get errands done. In addition to these basic businesses, there are loads of boutiques and specialty stores. Be sure to come to Haarlemmerplein on Wednesdays for the street market.

Clothing, Accessories and Design Shops

Following is a list of some of our favorite design and clothing shops in the Haarlemmerbuurt:

• With beautiful, fashionable and ecofriendly items, Sukha Amsterdam is at the top of our shopping list. The boutique is lovingly decorated in soft whites and natural materials and always has an inspiring poem or quote for you. Stop in and take a look.
• Searching for the perfect manly gift? Hit up Concrete Matter. They stock all kinds of  masculine decor and accessories including pocket knives, manly art, vintage hatchets, globes and other cool things! And they just won the award for the best shop in Amsterdam from NLstreets!
• Store Without a Home has a terrific selection of decor items ranging from vases to lighting.
• Amsterdam is definitely a sneaker loving town. SeventyFive is a super cool store for the fan of the newest and awesomest sneakers.
• Daskas is the perfect place to check out if you need a fun gift for that person who has everything. The shop is filled with clever and cool gadgets.
• The Haarlemmerbuurt is becoming quite the place for stylish men to shop! Six and Sons has all manner of cool decor, furnishing and personal care items for you or the men in your life. An awesome cafe upstairs as well.
• Restored is a lovely shop with all kinds of handmade and one of a kind items by local designers including jewelry, clothing and home decor. If you are looking for something unique for yourself or for a gift, stop in here and browse around.
• A colorful collection of vintage and new clothing and accessories awaits you at Jutka & Riska. Pick up a fun pair of earrings, a bright skirt or a bold sweater.

Food and Cooking Shops on Haarlemmerstraat

And here are a few of our favorite specialty food and cooking shops in Amsterdam Haarlemmerbuurt:

• Taste test jamón ibérico at Ibericus then stop into Hollandaluz for other Spanish ingredients like manchego cheese, paella rice and pimentón de la Vera. Both places also serve food.
• The best quality cheese, charcuterie, wines and prepared foods can be found at Caulils Delicatessen
• Tea Bar is a wonderful place to pick up your favorite tea or to shop for gifts for tea lovers. The walls are lined with bulk bins where you can fill bags with their mixes or create your own.
• The bright and beautiful candies from PapaBubble make a great gift! Stop by and watch the workers making the colorful candies by hand.
• Luckily Haarlemmerbuurt has its fair share of wine and liquor shops. Be sure to check out Chabrol Wines for a wide range of wines from all over the world. De Wijnbergh & Ensink specializes in wines from Argentina and South Africa and don’t forget Grape District too. If you’re in search of liquor, Gall & Gall is always a good bet.
• It’s a positive sign that our Portuguese friends are fans of Casa Bocage. This small shop offers Portuguese products like olive oil, cheese, sausage, wine and ginjinha! They also have freshly baked pasteis de nata. Yum!
• Do your bio food shopping at Marqt or EkoPlaza. But for the freshest veggies and fruits be sure not to miss the Haarlemmerplein market on Wednesday afternoons.
• Before or after you pick up all the fabulous ingredients from the Haarlemmerbuurt shops, drop into the De Kookboekhandel for cookbook from around the world.
• And finally, if you need some new kitchen utensils, make a trip to Deksels (they have two shops and a restaurant on the street).

Eat & Drink in the Haarlemmerbuurt

The Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk have become known as Amsterdam’s “Food Alley”. In addition to the terrific food shops, this area is full of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars. If you’re craving pizza, espresso, nachos or cakes you can find it all in the neighborhood.

Places to Eat and Drink Near Haarlemmerstraat

Here are a few of our favorites places to grab a bite or take a sip:

• We love Vinnies Deli! They open at 7:30am and serve up healthy and delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch. You can also get the food to go.
• If you’re in the mood for a cappuccino, make your way to Two for Joy near Haarlemmerplein. They also have yummy food. Try the cake!
• Cafe Harlem is the perfect spot for a nice lunch, a few beers, or a casual dinner! This small cafe is always busy. The food is great and the service is friendly.
• Stach locations can be found around the city. This deli concept sells tasty and creative prepared meals to eat there or take away. Sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza and pasta are some of the fresh choices.
• If you love sweets, be sure to stop by French patisserie Petit Gâteau. Their pastries and macrons look divine, and they offer workshops as well.
• Take a jaunt down a side street and head to Toki for the best coffee in this area of town.
• When the weather calls for ice cream, you just have to answer. IJscuypje and Jordino serve up rich and creamy ice creams. Jordino also has lovely chocolates and other desserts.
• Are you a fan of Spanish ham? Then grab a seat at Ibericus and get a glass of wine and a plate of cheese and jamón to share. They also have inexpensive small sandwiches that make an excellent snack to fuel more shopping.
• Are you looking for something healthy and light like fresh juice or a salad? Check out Jay’s Juices for a kick of veggie and fruit energy.
• De PizzaBakkers is a relaxed place to have a nice dinner, although it does get quite crowded. If there is no room to sit, grab your pizza to go and dine in Westerpark or along a nearby canal.
• On a little side street just off the Haarlemmerdijk you’ll find Small World Catering, a popular little deli with a terrific range of internationally inspired dishes.
• Located at the edge of Haarlemmerplein, The Burrito Maker has creative burritos like Roasted Squash with Brown Rice and Smokey Chipotle Salsa as well as more standard choices.

These are just a few of our favorite shops and cafes on the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk. What are yours?

Be sure to check out our other Amsterdam Neighborhood Guides:

• RED LIGHT DISTRICT
• OUD-ZUID & DE PIJP
• NOORD
• OUD-WEST
• OOST
• NINE STREETS

{e-mailit}

Book Amsterdam tours, attractions, and activities online here!