Entertainment and nightlife

Theatre, cabaret and comedy Theatre, cabaret and comedy

Avant-garde and mime De Brakke Grond Nes 45 (Old Centre) 020/622 9014, Nes 45 (Old Centre) 020/622 9014, www.brakkegrond.nl. See also www.nestheaters.nl. Mainly Flemish productions.

DasArts Mauritskade 56 (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/586 9636, Mauritskade 56 (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/586 9636, www.dasarts.nl. Situated east of the centre, beyond Artis Zoo, this is less of a venue than a global clubhouse for theatre-makers, a think-tank and postgraduate inst.i.tute, with international workshops and performances.

Felix Meritis Keizersgracht 324 (Grachtengordel south) 020/626 2321, Keizersgracht 324 (Grachtengordel south) 020/626 2321, www.felix.meritis.nl. Unique, restored eighteenth-century centre for arts and sciences. Hosts theatre, debate, music and visual arts events, and features a foyer bar and cafe that's open 9am7pm during the week and at weekends if there's an event.

De Nieuw Amsterdam Grote Bickersstraat 2 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/627 8672, Grote Bickersstraat 2 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/627 8672, www.denieuwamsterdam.nl. Theatre company with a multicultural background and a focus on non-Western productions.

Entertainment and nightlife

Dance Of the major dance companies dance companies based in Amsterdam, the largest and most prestigious is the Muziektheater's based in Amsterdam, the largest and most prestigious is the Muziektheater's Dutch National Ballet Dutch National Ballet, under Ted Brandsen. For fans of folk dancing folk dancing, the excellent Internationaal Danstheater is based in the city.

Among the most innovative of the other leading Dutch dance companies Dutch dance companies that tour Amsterdam or visit nearby Rotterdam and The Hague is The Hague's Netherlands Dance Theatre, with a repertoire of ballet and modern dance featuring inspired ch.o.r.eography by Jiri Kylian and artistic director Jim Vincent. The oldest company in the country, the Scapino Ballet (based in Rotterdam), has spruced up its image under artistic director Ed Wubbe and is gathering a new generation of admirers. that tour Amsterdam or visit nearby Rotterdam and The Hague is The Hague's Netherlands Dance Theatre, with a repertoire of ballet and modern dance featuring inspired ch.o.r.eography by Jiri Kylian and artistic director Jim Vincent. The oldest company in the country, the Scapino Ballet (based in Rotterdam), has spruced up its image under artistic director Ed Wubbe and is gathering a new generation of admirers.

Amsterdam is particularly receptive to the latest trends in modern dance modern dance, and has many experimental dance groups; small productions staged by dance students also abound. Look out for performances by the Dans Werkplaats Amsterdam, as well as mime specialists Griftheater and Shusaku Takeuchi's vast, open-air, water-based extravaganzas. Modern dance and movement theatre companies from outside Amsterdam who often perform in the city include the Dance Works Rotterdamse and Introdans, similar in style to the Netherlands Dance Theatre.

Entertainment and nightlife

Dance festivals Dance festivals festivals are a little thin on the ground: are a little thin on the ground: Julidans Julidans ( (www.julidans.nl), held in theatres around the Leidseplein area every July, is the leading event in the city; beyond, there's Dansweek Dansweek ( (www.dansweek.nl), an event held throughout the Netherlands in October. The Hague just a 45-minute train ride from Centraal Station hosts two dance festivals: the Holland Dance Festival Holland Dance Festival ( (www.hollanddancefestival.com), which takes place every two years (Oct 2009 & 2011) and attracts many leading international companies; and the biennial CaDance CaDance ( (www.cadance.nl; next festival in Oct/Nov 2010), which premieres contemporary dance works.

Entertainment and nightlife

Dance festivals Dance festivals

Venues Dans Werkplaats Amsterdam Arie Biemondstraat 107b (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/689 1789, Arie Biemondstraat 107b (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/689 1789, www.danswerkplaats.nl. A dance company staging productions by young, up-and-coming ch.o.r.eographers.

Internationaal Danstheater Kloveniersburgwal 87 (Old Centre) 020/623 9112, Kloveniersburgwal 87 (Old Centre) 020/623 9112, www.intdanstheater.nl. Original folk dancing from around the world, featuring international ch.o.r.eographers.

[image]Melkweg See " See "Clubs" for more. Upstairs in this pop and world music venue, there's a little theatre which puts on modern productions.

Muziektheater . Home of the National Ballet, but with a third of its dance schedule given over to international companies. . Home of the National Ballet, but with a third of its dance schedule given over to international companies.

Stadsschouwburg See " See "Stadsschouwburg". This theatre is the princ.i.p.al host to the Julidans dance festival in July, and also stages regular productions.

Entertainment and nightlife

Film Most of Amsterdam's commercial cinemas cinemas are huge multiplex affairs showing a selection of general releases. There's also a scattering of film houses ( are huge multiplex affairs showing a selection of general releases. There's also a scattering of film houses (filmhuizen) showing revival and art-house films revival and art-house films and occasional retrospectives. Two Amsterdam cinemas worth a visit no matter what's showing are the extravagant Art Deco and occasional retrospectives. Two Amsterdam cinemas worth a visit no matter what's showing are the extravagant Art Deco Tuschinski Tuschinski and the atmospheric and the atmospheric The Movies The Movies.

Pick up a copy of the weekly Film Agenda Film Agenda from any cinema for details of all films showing in the city, or check from any cinema for details of all films showing in the city, or check www.filmladder.nl. Weekly programmes change on Thursdays. All foreign movies playing in Amsterdam (Dutch movies are something of a rarity) are shown in their original language original language and subt.i.tled in Dutch which is fine for British or American films, but a little difficult if you fancy Tarkovsky or Pasolini. If you're interested in seeing a non-English-language movie, check with the venue whether it's been and subt.i.tled in Dutch which is fine for British or American films, but a little difficult if you fancy Tarkovsky or Pasolini. If you're interested in seeing a non-English-language movie, check with the venue whether it's been subt.i.tled subt.i.tled in English ( in English (Engels Ondert.i.teld) before you go. Films are almost never dubbed into Dutch; if they are, Nederlands Gesproken Nederlands Gesproken will be printed in the listings. will be printed in the listings. Tickets Tickets cost between 4.50 and 8.50, depending on the day and time you go. cost between 4.50 and 8.50, depending on the day and time you go.

Entertainment and nightlife

Film festivals Amsterdam's only regular event is the excellent International Doc.u.mentary Film Festival International Doc.u.mentary Film Festival in November/December ( in November/December (www.idfa.nl), when up to three hundred doc.u.mentaries from all over the world are shown over ten days, making it the largest doc.u.mentary festival in the world. Simultaneously, there's the Shadowfestival Shadowfestival ( (www.shadowfestival.nl), which showcases alternative doc.u.mentaries, while the Netherlands Film Festival Netherlands Film Festival ( (www.filmfestival.nl), held each September in Utrecht, features home-grown productions only.

Entertainment and nightlife

Film festivals Film festivals

Cinemas ArenA ArenA Boulevard 600 (Amsterdam Oost) 0900/1458, ArenA Boulevard 600 (Amsterdam Oost) 0900/1458, www.pathe.nl/arena. Metro or train to Bijlmer station. With 14 screens, this is the largest cinema in Amsterdam located right next to the ArenA stadium.

De Balie See " See "Major venues" for further details. Cultural centre for theatre, politics, film and new media, showing movies on selected evenings during the week, often with English subt.i.tles.

Cavia Van Hallstraat (Jordaan and Western Docklands) 52 020/681 1419, Van Hallstraat (Jordaan and Western Docklands) 52 020/681 1419, www.filmhuiscavia.nl. This is one of the best of the small filmhuizen filmhuizen, with an eclectic and non-commercial programme of international and art-house movies.

Cinecenter Lijnbaansgracht 236 (Grachtengordel south) 020/623 6615, Lijnbaansgracht 236 (Grachtengordel south) 020/623 6615, www.cinecenter.nl. Opposite the Melkweg, this cinema shows independent and quality commercial films, the majority originating from non-English-speaking countries, shown with an interval.

Filmmuseum Vondelpark 3 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/589 1400, Vondelpark 3 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/589 1400, www.filmmuseum.nl. Subsidized by the government since the 1940s, the Filmmuseum has a library of tens of thousands of films. Dutch films show regularly, along with all kinds of movies from all corners of the globe, sometimes with a themed run, such as retrospectives of directors' work. Silent movies often have live piano accompaniment, and on summer weekend evenings there are free open-air screenings on the terrace. Matinees are often cheap. Most films have English subt.i.tles.

Kriterion Roeterstraat 170 (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/623 1708, Roeterstraat 170 (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/623 1708, www.kriterion.nl. Weesperplein metro. Stylish duplex cinema showing art-house and quality commercial films, with late-night cult favourites. Friendly bar attached.

[image]Melkweg See " See "Clubs" for more. As well as music, art and dance, the Melkweg manages to maintain a consistently good monthly film programme, ranging from mainstream fodder through to more obscure imports.

The Movies Haarlemmerdijk 161 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/638 6016, Haarlemmerdijk 161 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/638 6016, www.themovies.nl. A beautiful Art Deco cinema, and a charming setting for independent films. Worth visiting for the bar and restaurant alone, fully restored to their original appearance. "Filmdinner" nights (MonThurs) include a three-course meal and film from 35. There are late showings (11.45pm) of cla.s.sic or cult films at weekends.

De Munt Vijzelstraat 15 (Grachtengordel south) 0900/1458, Vijzelstraat 15 (Grachtengordel south) 0900/1458, www.pathe.nl/demunt. Huge multi-screen cinema with up to six showings a day of mainstream films, as well as a few home-grown productions.

Rialto Ceintuurbaan 338 (De Pijp) 020/676 8700, Ceintuurbaan 338 (De Pijp) 020/676 8700, www.rialtofilm.nl. The only fully authentic art-house cinema in Amsterdam, showing an enormously varied programme of European and World movies supplemented by themed series and cla.s.sics. The cinema boasts a large cafe open to the public, and the place has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Smart Cinema 1e Const. Huygensstraat 10 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/427 5951, 1e Const. Huygensstraat 10 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/427 5951, www.smartprojects.p.a.ce.net. Tram #3 or #12 to Overtoom. Small cinema near the Filmmuseum showing the best non-mainstream offerings, with short experimental films, sometimes video art, before the film begins.

Studio K Timorplein 62 (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/692 0422, Timorplein 62 (Old Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/692 0422, www.studio-k.nu. Cultural hotspot containing a small cinema, theatre, music venue and restaurant in the eastern part of the city; run solely by students. Small selection of art-house movies for 7. Conveniently located in the same building as the Stay Okay Zeeburg Stay Okay Zeeburg hostel hostel.

Tropentheater See " See "Tropentheater". Attached to the Tropenmuseum, this theatre concentrates mostly on music and dance, but puts on ad hoc themed film events focusing on cultures from around the world. No screenings in June & July.

Tuschinski Theater Reguliersbreestraat 26 (Grachtengordel south), Reguliersbreestraat 26 (Grachtengordel south), www.pathe.nl/tuschinski. Fabulous Art Deco theatre, famous for its hand-woven carpet and hand-painted wallpaper, this film house shows the artier offerings from the mainstream list.

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Tuschinski Theater De Uitkijk Prinsengracht 452 (Grachtengordel south) 020/623 7460, Prinsengracht 452 (Grachtengordel south) 020/623 7460, www.uitkijk.nl. p.r.o.nounced "out-kike", the oldest cinema in the Netherlands is a converted ca.n.a.l house with no bar, no ice cream and no popcorn but low prices. Shows popular movies for months on end.

Shopping Variety is the essence of Amsterdam shopping shopping. Whereas in other or cities you can spend days trudging around in search of something interesting, here you'll find every kind of store packed into a relatively small area, plus a handful of great street markets street markets. There are, of course, the obligatory generic malls and pedestrianized shopping streets, where you can find exactly the same stuff you'd see at home, but where Amsterdam scores is in its excellent, unusual speciality shops speciality shops dedicated to rubber stamps, Indonesian arts or condoms, to name but three, almost always owned by a family or individual. dedicated to rubber stamps, Indonesian arts or condoms, to name but three, almost always owned by a family or individual.

Shopping in Amsterdam can be divided roughly by area area, with similar shops often huddled together in neighbouring streets. Broadly speaking, the Nieuwendijk Nieuwendijk/Kalverstraat strip running just west of Dam Square in the Old Centre is home to high-street fashion and mainstream department stores crowded Sat.u.r.day afternoons here can be a grim experience while nearby strip running just west of Dam Square in the Old Centre is home to high-street fashion and mainstream department stores crowded Sat.u.r.day afternoons here can be a grim experience while nearby Koningsplein Koningsplein and and Leidsestraat Leidsestraat offer a good selection of affordable designer clothes and shoe stores. In the offer a good selection of affordable designer clothes and shoe stores. In the Grachtengordel Grachtengordel and the and the Jordaan Jordaan, further to the south and west, many local artists ply their wares; you can find individual items of genuine interest here, as well as more specialized and offbeat clothes shops and some affordable antiques. Bear in mind, however, that the major ca.n.a.ls of the Grachtengordel (Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht) are mostly given over to homes and offices, and it's along the small radial streets that connect them that you'll find the more interesting and quirky shops, many of which are listed on the website www.theninestreets.com; the nine streets nine streets concerned extend south from Reestraat/Hartenstraat to Runstraat/Huidenstraat in Grachtengordel west. concerned extend south from Reestraat/Hartenstraat to Runstraat/Huidenstraat in Grachtengordel west.

Elsewhere, pricier antiques the cream of Amsterdam's renowned trade can be found in the Spiegelkwartier, centred on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, while to the south of the centre, P.C. Hooftstraat P.C. Hooftstraat, Van Baerlestraat Van Baerlestraat and, further south still, and, further south still, Beethovenstraat Beethovenstraat play host to designer clothes shops, upmarket ceramics stores, confectioners and delicatessens. play host to designer clothes shops, upmarket ceramics stores, confectioners and delicatessens.

As regards opening hours opening hours, many shops take Monday morning off, not opening until noon or 1pm and closing again at 6pm. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, hours are mostly a standard 9am to 6pm, although the larger shops in the centre have shifted towards a 7pm closing time. Thursday is late-opening night (koopavond), with most places staying open from 9am until 9pm and Sat.u.r.day hours are normally 8.30 or 9am to 5 or 5.30pm. On Sundays, many of the larger shops in the city centre now open from noon to 5pm, but their smaller rivals are mostly closed. A few "night shops" are open between roughly 4pm and 1am see "Night shops".

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Shopping on the nine streets Finally, note that some small and medium-sized shops won't accept credit cards credit cards ask if in doubt; traveller's cheques are accepted hardly anywhere. ask if in doubt; traveller's cheques are accepted hardly anywhere.

Shopping

Amsterdam's commercial art galleries Amsterdam's commercial art galleriesAmsterdam has a small but thriving commercial art scene commercial art scene and some great private galleries, and these are well worth visiting either to view specific exhibitions or to buy some art. and some great private galleries, and these are well worth visiting either to view specific exhibitions or to buy some art.Arti et Amicitae Rokin 112 (Old Centre) 020/623 3508, Rokin 112 (Old Centre) 020/623 3508, www.arti.nl. This centrally situated gallery, part of a private art academy, is one of the city's most prestigious exhibition s.p.a.ces, with a gallery at the top of a Berlage-designed staircase, usually given over to exhibitions of modern art in a variety of media. TuesSun noon6pm.Binnen Galerie Keizersgracht 82 (Grachtengordel west) 020/625 9603. A gallery of interior design, with regular exhibitions of furniture and a small permanent collection too. At Prinsenstraat. WedSat noon6pm. Keizersgracht 82 (Grachtengordel west) 020/625 9603. A gallery of interior design, with regular exhibitions of furniture and a small permanent collection too. At Prinsenstraat. WedSat noon6pm.Chiellerie Raamgracht 58 (Old Centre) 020/320 9448, Raamgracht 58 (Old Centre) 020/320 9448, www.chiellerie.nl. Cutting-edge gallery off Kloveniersburgwal that focuses on photography and has regular temporary exhibitions. Daily 26pm.FOAM Keizersgracht 609 (Grachtengordel south) 020/551 6500, Keizersgracht 609 (Grachtengordel south) 020/551 6500, www.foam.nl. One of the city's major exhibition s.p.a.ces for photography, with regular large exhibits and a small collection of material that's always on view. Entrance 7.50. Daily 10am6pm, Thurs & Fri till 9pm.Huis Ma.r.s.eille Keizersgracht 401 (Grachtengordel west) 020/539 8181, Keizersgracht 401 (Grachtengordel west) 020/539 8181, www.huisma.r.s.eille.nl. The city's prime photo exhibition s.p.a.ce, housed in a fabulous location in a restored, mid-seventeenth-century ca.n.a.l house that was once the home of a French merchant hence the name. It hosts quarterly exhibitions, to which admission is usually around 5. At Runstraat. TuesSun 11am6pm.Mok.u.m OZ Voorburgwal 334 (Old Centre), 020/624 3958, OZ Voorburgwal 334 (Old Centre), 020/624 3958, www.galeriemok.u.m.nl. This historic Amsterdam gallery, named after the Jewish word for the city and a famous magical realist novel, still exhibits both fantastical and realist modern works. WedSat noon5pm, Sun 15pm.Reflex Modern Art Gallery Weteringschans 79a (Grachtengordel south) 020/627 2832, Weteringschans 79a (Grachtengordel south) 020/627 2832, www.reflex-art.nl. You'll always find something interesting in this gallery, which represents some big international names, most notably some of the artists of the CoBrA school Appel, Corneille and others. At Spiegelgracht. TuesSat 11am6pm.Torch Lauriergracht 94 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/626 0284, Lauriergracht 94 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/626 0284, www.torchgallery.com. One of the city's most challenging contemporary galleries. ThursSat 26pm.W139 Warmoesstraat 139 (Old Centre) 020/622 9434, Warmoesstraat 139 (Old Centre) 020/622 9434, www.w139.nl. Long-established gallery in the heart of the city that can always be relied upon to take a chance on new, up-and-coming artists. Daily 11am7pm.Shopping

Night shops Night shopsMost night shops night shops ( (avondwinkels) open when other stores are starting to think about closing up, and they stay open until well into the night which sounds great, but you have to pay for the privilege: essentials can cost three times the regular price. There are one or two exceptions, but most are located a fair walk from the city centre and may take time to seek out. For a complete list, see the Gouden Gids (Yellow Pages) under "avondverkoop". Bear in mind also that Albert Heijn supermarkets Albert Heijn supermarkets are mostly open until 10pm Monday to Sat.u.r.day. are mostly open until 10pm Monday to Sat.u.r.day.De Avondmarkt De Wittenkade 9496 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/686 4919. One of the largest and cheapest night shops in town with a good selection of fresh products, spirits and home-made takeaway meals. MonFri 4pmmidnight, Sat 3pmmidnight, Sun 2pmmidnight. De Wittenkade 9496 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/686 4919. One of the largest and cheapest night shops in town with a good selection of fresh products, spirits and home-made takeaway meals. MonFri 4pmmidnight, Sat 3pmmidnight, Sun 2pmmidnight.Sterk De Clercqstraat 19 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/618 1727. Less a night shop than a city-centre inst.i.tution, with all kinds of breads and pastries baked on the premises, a large fresh produce section, a deli and friendly staff. Beats the pants off most regular supermarkets. On the far side of the Jordaan from the Old Centre via Rozengracht. Daily 9am1am. De Clercqstraat 19 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/618 1727. Less a night shop than a city-centre inst.i.tution, with all kinds of breads and pastries baked on the premises, a large fresh produce section, a deli and friendly staff. Beats the pants off most regular supermarkets. On the far side of the Jordaan from the Old Centre via Rozengracht. Daily 9am1am.Shopping

Smart shops Smart shopsRiding on the coat-tails of Amsterdam's liberal policy towards cannabis are a number of what have become known as "smart shops". Ostensibly established as outlets for "smart" drugs (memory enhancers, concentration aids, and so on), they do most of their business selling natural alternatives to hard drugs such as LSD, speed or ecstasy as well as a variety of natural aphrodisiacs. These subst.i.tutes often have many or all of the effects of the real thing, but with greatly reduced health risks and the added bonus of legality. Smart shops were once allowed to sell the popular alternative to LSD, magic mushrooms magic mushrooms, which grow wild all over northern Europe. However, new legislation introduced in December 2008 has put a halt to this, partly prompted by the death of a French teenager who committed suicide after using the psychotropic drug. Smart shops now sell mushroom seeds for home growing, and truffles, which supposedly have a similar effect to mushrooms.Conscious Dreams Kokopelli Warmoesstraat 12 (Old Centre) 020/421 7000, Warmoesstraat 12 (Old Centre) 020/421 7000, www.consciousdreams.nl. Magic mushrooms, aphrodisiacs, herbal remedies and psychedelic experiences at this city-centre smart shop. Daily 11am10pm.The Magic Mushroom Gallery Spuistraat 249 (Old Centre) 020/427 5765, Spuistraat 249 (Old Centre) 020/427 5765, www.magicmushroom.com. One of the city's oldest smart shops, with the usual array of s.e.xual stimulants, hallucinogens, pipes and basic drug accessories and of course the truffles. Daily 10am10pm.When Nature Calls Keizersgracht 508 (Grachtengordel south) 020/330 0700, Keizersgracht 508 (Grachtengordel south) 020/330 0700, www.whennaturecalls.nl. Another shop selling cannabis products such as hemp chocolate and beer, plus seeds. At the corner of Leidsestraat. Daily 10am10pm.

Shopping

Shops Shopping

Shops Shops

Antiques By necessity, this is only a sample of what's on offer you'll find antiques antiques shops in every corner of Amsterdam but there is a top-end-of-the-market concentration in the shops in every corner of Amsterdam but there is a top-end-of-the-market concentration in the Spiegelkwartier Spiegelkwartier along Nieuwe Spiegelstraat and Spiegelgracht. along Nieuwe Spiegelstraat and Spiegelgracht.

Affaire D'Eau Haarlemmerdijk 150 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/422 0411. Antique bathtubs, taps, sinks and toilets, as well as lamps, mirrors and soaps. MonFri 10.30am6pm, Sat 10.30am5pm. Haarlemmerdijk 150 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/422 0411. Antique bathtubs, taps, sinks and toilets, as well as lamps, mirrors and soaps. MonFri 10.30am6pm, Sat 10.30am5pm.

Jan Beekhuizen Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 49 (Grachtengordel south) 020/626 3912, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 49 (Grachtengordel south) 020/626 3912, www.janbeekhuizen.nl. European pewter from the fifteenth century onwards. Daily 10am6pm.

Jan Best Keizersgracht 357 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 2736. Famed antique lamp shop, with some wonderfully kitsch examples. Offbeat new lamps and lights too. Corner Huidenstraat. MonFri 10.30am6pm & Sat 10.30am5pm, Sun 1.30-5pm. Keizersgracht 357 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 2736. Famed antique lamp shop, with some wonderfully kitsch examples. Offbeat new lamps and lights too. Corner Huidenstraat. MonFri 10.30am6pm & Sat 10.30am5pm, Sun 1.30-5pm.

Gallery de Munt Munttoren, Muntplein 12 (Old Centre) 020/623 2271. One of the best outlets for gifts of antique delftware, pottery, hand-painted tiles and the like. MonSat 9.30am6pm, Sun 11am6pm. Munttoren, Muntplein 12 (Old Centre) 020/623 2271. One of the best outlets for gifts of antique delftware, pottery, hand-painted tiles and the like. MonSat 9.30am6pm, Sun 11am6pm.

Harrie van Gennip Govert Flinckstraat 402 (De Pijp, Outer districts) 020/679 3025, Govert Flinckstraat 402 (De Pijp, Outer districts) 020/679 3025, www.harrievangennip.nl. A huge collection of old and antique stoves from all parts of Europe, lovingly restored and all in working order. Thurs 16pm & Sat 11am4pm.

Eduard Kramer Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 64 (Grachtengordel south) 020/623 0832, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 64 (Grachtengordel south) 020/623 0832, www.antique-tileshop.nl. Holds a wonderful selection of Dutch tiles from the fifteenth century onwards, and operates an online ordering service. MonSat 10am6pm, Sun 16pm.

Thom & Lenny Nelis Keizersgracht 541 (Grachtengordel south) 020/623 1546. Medical antiques and spectacles. Just off Spiegelstraat. ThursSat 11am5pm. Keizersgracht 541 (Grachtengordel south) 020/623 1546. Medical antiques and spectacles. Just off Spiegelstraat. ThursSat 11am5pm.

Toth Ikonen Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 68 (Grachtengordel south) 020/420 7359, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 68 (Grachtengordel south) 020/420 7359, www.tothikonen.com. Antique Russian icons from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. TuesSat 11am5.30pm.

Van Dreven Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 38 (Grachtengordel south) 020/428 8442, Nieuwe Spiegelstraat 38 (Grachtengordel south) 020/428 8442, www.antique-horology.org/vandreven. Antique clocks, barometers and music boxes. TuesSun 10.30am6pm.

Van Hier tot Tokio Prinsengracht 262 (Grachtengordel west) 020/428 2682, Prinsengracht 262 (Grachtengordel west) 020/428 2682, www.vanhiertottokio.com. This split-level store just south of Reestraat has a good selection of modern and antique j.a.panese furniture, crafts, kimonos and the like. TuesFri noon6pm, Sat 11am6pm & Sun noon5pm.

Shopping

Shops Shops

Art supplies, postcards and posters Art Unlimited Keizersgracht 510 (Grachtengordel south) 020/624 8419, Keizersgracht 510 (Grachtengordel south) 020/624 8419, www.artunlimited.com. Sprawling postcard, card and poster shop, with excellent stock. All kinds of images: good for communiques home that avoid windmills and clogs. Near the corner of Leidsestraat. Mon 16pm, Tues, Wed & Sat 10am6pm, Thurs 10am8pm, Fri 10amnoon, Sun noon5pm.

Van Beek Stadhouderskade 6265 (De Pijp, Outer districts) 020/662 1670. Long-established outlet for art materials of all kinds. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 9am6pm, Sat 10am5pm. Stadhouderskade 6265 (De Pijp, Outer districts) 020/662 1670. Long-established outlet for art materials of all kinds. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 9am6pm, Sat 10am5pm.

Van Ginkel Bilderdijkstraat 99 (Oud West, Outer districts) 020/618 9827. Supplier of art materials, with an emphasis on print-making. MonFri 9.30am6pm, Sat 9.30am5pm. Bilderdijkstraat 99 (Oud West, Outer districts) 020/618 9827. Supplier of art materials, with an emphasis on print-making. MonFri 9.30am6pm, Sat 9.30am5pm.

Shopping

Shops Shops

Bikes While in Amsterdam you may want to buy a bike bike, but don't be tempted by anything you're offered on the street or in a bar more often than not you'll end up with a stolen edition. Try instead the shops listed here, which sell, rent and repair bikes of all qualities; buying a well-worn model will cost around 100, maybe less, while 150 and up should get you a fairly decent secondhand machine. To rent one you'll need to show ID and pay a 50 or 100 deposit, or leave a credit card; see Basics for further details. If you find that no one in the shop speaks English, check out the glossary of basic bike terms in "Useful cycling terms".

Damstraat Rent-a-Bike Damstraat 2022 (Old Centre) 020/625 5029, Damstraat 2022 (Old Centre) 020/625 5029, www.bikes.nl. Traditional Dutch bikes for sale, both used and new. Bike repair and rental from 6.50 for three hours, 9.50 a day, 35 a week, insurance excluded. Daily 9am6pm.

Freewheel Akoleienstraat 7 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/627 7252. Women-run bike sales and repairs. TuesFri 9am6pm, Sat 10am5pm. Akoleienstraat 7 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/627 7252. Women-run bike sales and repairs. TuesFri 9am6pm, Sat 10am5pm.

MacBike Centraal Station (Eastpoint), Stationsplein; Mr Visserplein 2; and Weteringschans 2, on the edge of Leidseplein 020/620 0985, Centraal Station (Eastpoint), Stationsplein; Mr Visserplein 2; and Weteringschans 2, on the edge of Leidseplein 020/620 0985, www.macbike.nl. Three locations (but one central phone number) for this well-established and very popular bike sales, rental and repair firm, though the circular MacBike disks sported by every one of their bikes do look distinctly un-cool. They also organize city tours. Rental from 7 for three hours, 9.50 a day and 30.80 a week. Daily 9am5.45pm.

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Books and comics Virtually all of Amsterdam's many bookshops bookshops stock at least a small selection of English-language books, though prices are always inflated (sometimes dramatically). A particular speciality is the city's range of stock at least a small selection of English-language books, though prices are always inflated (sometimes dramatically). A particular speciality is the city's range of secondhand and antiquarian secondhand and antiquarian bookshops, several of which are listed here, but for a comprehensive list pick up the free bookshops, several of which are listed here, but for a comprehensive list pick up the free Antiquarian & Secondhand Bookshops of Amsterdam Antiquarian & Secondhand Bookshops of Amsterdam leaflet at any of them. For gay and lesbian bookstores see " leaflet at any of them. For gay and lesbian bookstores see "Gay and lesbian Amsterdam".

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Books and comics Books and comics

General bookstores [image]American Book Center Spui 12 (Old Centre) 020/625 5537. This store has a vast stock of books in English, as well as lots of imported US magazines and books. Mon 11am7pm, TuesSat 10am8pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun 11am6.30pm. Spui 12 (Old Centre) 020/625 5537. This store has a vast stock of books in English, as well as lots of imported US magazines and books. Mon 11am7pm, TuesSat 10am8pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun 11am6.30pm.

Athenaeum Spui 1416 (Old Centre) 020/514 1460. Perhaps the city's most appealing bookshop, and although it's relatively short on stuff in English, its array of books about Amsterdam is always current, and its selection of international newspapers and magazines is one of the best in the city. Mon 11am6pm, TuesSat 9.30am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun noon5.30pm. Spui 1416 (Old Centre) 020/514 1460. Perhaps the city's most appealing bookshop, and although it's relatively short on stuff in English, its array of books about Amsterdam is always current, and its selection of international newspapers and magazines is one of the best in the city. Mon 11am6pm, TuesSat 9.30am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun noon5.30pm.

The English Bookshop Lauriergracht 71 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/626 4230, Lauriergracht 71 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/626 4230, www.englishbookshop.nl. A small, quirky collection of t.i.tles on a wide range of subjects, in particular literature, but also cookery, travel and children's books. TuesSat 11am6pm.

Martyrium Van Baerlestraat 170172 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/673 2092. Good general bookshop with lots of material in English. MonFri 9am6pm, Sat 9am5pm, Sun noon5pm. Van Baerlestraat 170172 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/673 2092. Good general bookshop with lots of material in English. MonFri 9am6pm, Sat 9am5pm, Sun noon5pm.

[image]Selexyz Scheltema Koningsplein 20 (Grachtengordel south) 020/523 1411, Koningsplein 20 (Grachtengordel south) 020/523 1411, www.scheltema.nl. Amsterdam's biggest and arguably best bookshop. Six floors of absolutely everything (mostly in Dutch). MonSat 10am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun noon5pm.

De Slegte Kalverstraat 4852 (Old Centre) 020/622 5933. The Amsterdam branch of a nationwide chain specializing in new and used books at a discount. Mon 11am6pm, TuesSat 9.30am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun noon5pm. Kalverstraat 4852 (Old Centre) 020/622 5933. The Amsterdam branch of a nationwide chain specializing in new and used books at a discount. Mon 11am6pm, TuesSat 9.30am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sun noon5pm.

Waterstone's Kalverstraat 152 (Old Centre) 020/638 3821. Amsterdam branch of the UK high-street chain, with four floors of books and magazines. A predictable selection, but prices are sometimes cheaper here than elsewhere. Sun & Mon 11am6pm, Tues & Wed 9am6pm, Thurs 9am9pm, Fri 9am7pm, Sat 10am7pm. Kalverstraat 152 (Old Centre) 020/638 3821. Amsterdam branch of the UK high-street chain, with four floors of books and magazines. A predictable selection, but prices are sometimes cheaper here than elsewhere. Sun & Mon 11am6pm, Tues & Wed 9am6pm, Thurs 9am9pm, Fri 9am7pm, Sat 10am7pm.

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Books and comics Books and comics

Secondhand and antiquarian Boekenmarkt Spui (Old Centre). Open-air book market every Friday 10am6pm. Spui (Old Centre). Open-air book market every Friday 10am6pm.

The Book Exchange Kloveniersburgwal 58 (Old Centre) 020/626 6266. Large and rambling old shop with a friendly American proprietor, and a great selection of secondhand books in English. MonSat 10am6pm, Sun 11.30am4pm. Kloveniersburgwal 58 (Old Centre) 020/626 6266. Large and rambling old shop with a friendly American proprietor, and a great selection of secondhand books in English. MonSat 10am6pm, Sun 11.30am4pm.

Book Traffic Leliegracht 50 (Grachtengordel west) 020/620 4690. An excellent and well-organized selection of mostly secondhand books. MonFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am6pm & Sun noon5pm. Leliegracht 50 (Grachtengordel west) 020/620 4690. An excellent and well-organized selection of mostly secondhand books. MonFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am6pm & Sun noon5pm.

Brinkman Singel 319 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 8353, Singel 319 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 8353, www.antiquariaatbrinkman.nl. A stalwart of the Amsterdam antiquarian book trade, Brinkman Brinkman has occupied the same premises for forty years. Lots of good local stuff. Corner Ramsteeg. MonFri 10am5pm & Sat 11am5pm. has occupied the same premises for forty years. Lots of good local stuff. Corner Ramsteeg. MonFri 10am5pm & Sat 11am5pm.

Egidius Haarlemmerstraat 87 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/624 3255. A good selection of literature, art and poetry, plus a gallery selling lithographs. TuesFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5pm. Haarlemmerstraat 87 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/624 3255. A good selection of literature, art and poetry, plus a gallery selling lithographs. TuesFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5pm.

Fenix Frans Halsstraat 88 (De Pijp, Outer districts) 020/673 9459. General secondhand bookstore, with piles of stuff stacked up on the floor. A good range of books in English, with the emphasis on Celtic literature, history and culture. TuesSat noon6pm. Frans Halsstraat 88 (De Pijp, Outer districts) 020/673 9459. General secondhand bookstore, with piles of stuff stacked up on the floor. A good range of books in English, with the emphasis on Celtic literature, history and culture. TuesSat noon6pm.

De Kloof Kloveniersburgwal 44 (Old Centre) 020/622 3828, Kloveniersburgwal 44 (Old Centre) 020/622 3828, www.kloof.nl. Enormous, higgledy-piggledy used bookshop on four floors great for a rummage. Lots of t.i.tles in English, especially on law, history, science and philosophy. ThursSat 1.305.30pm.

A. Kok Oude Hoogstraat 14 (Old Centre) 020/623 1191. Vintage and secondhand bookstore, especially strong on prints and maps. MonFri 9.30am6pm, Sat 9.30am5pm. Oude Hoogstraat 14 (Old Centre) 020/623 1191. Vintage and secondhand bookstore, especially strong on prints and maps. MonFri 9.30am6pm, Sat 9.30am5pm.

Magic Galaxies Oude Schans 140 (Old Centre) 020/627 6261. Run from home by a couple whose spare time is spent collecting science fiction, fantasy and other esoteric books, many of which are in English. Call first. Oude Schans 140 (Old Centre) 020/627 6261. Run from home by a couple whose spare time is spent collecting science fiction, fantasy and other esoteric books, many of which are in English. Call first.

Oudemanhuispoort Book Market MonFri 11am4pm. See " MonFri 11am4pm. See "Kloveniersburgwal".

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Books and comics Books and comics

Art and architecture Architectura & Natura Leliegracht 22 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 6186, Leliegracht 22 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 6186, www.architectura.nl. Books on architecture and interior design. An eclectic collection with many English t.i.tles. Mon noon6pm, Tues 9am6pm, WedFri 9am6.30pm, Sat 10am6pm.

[image]Boekie Woekie Berenstraat 16 (Grachtengordel west) 020/639 0507. Books on and by leading Dutch artists and graphic designers. Entertaining postcards too. Daily noon6pm. Berenstraat 16 (Grachtengordel west) 020/639 0507. Books on and by leading Dutch artists and graphic designers. Entertaining postcards too. Daily noon6pm.

Mendo Berenstraat 11 (Grachtengordel west) 020/612 1216. Stylish, a la mode bookshop specializing in architecture, art, interior design, photography and graphic design. MonSat noon5.30pm, Sun 15pm. Berenstraat 11 (Grachtengordel west) 020/612 1216. Stylish, a la mode bookshop specializing in architecture, art, interior design, photography and graphic design. MonSat noon5.30pm, Sun 15pm.

Nijhoff en Lee Staalstraat 13a (Old Centre) 020/620 39 80. This small corner store specializes in art, architecture and design t.i.tles, and is especially good on the art of printing, typography and lithography. Mon noon6pm, TuesSat 10am6pm, Sun noon6pm. Staalstraat 13a (Old Centre) 020/620 39 80. This small corner store specializes in art, architecture and design t.i.tles, and is especially good on the art of printing, typography and lithography. Mon noon6pm, TuesSat 10am6pm, Sun noon6pm.

Robert Premsela Van Baerlestraat 78 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/662 4266. Great art and architecture book specialist, with lots of stuff in English. Mon noon6pm, TuesFri 10am6pm, Sat 10am5.30pm, Sun 11am5pm. Van Baerlestraat 78 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/662 4266. Great art and architecture book specialist, with lots of stuff in English. Mon noon6pm, TuesFri 10am6pm, Sat 10am5.30pm, Sun 11am5pm.

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Books and comics Books and comics

Comics Gojoker Zeedijk 31a (Old Centre) 020/620 5078. Cla.s.sic and contemporary comic store. Mon & Sat 11am6pm, TuesFri 10am7pm (Thurs till 9pm), closed for lunch. Zeedijk 31a (Old Centre) 020/620 5078. Cla.s.sic and contemporary comic store. Mon & Sat 11am6pm, TuesFri 10am7pm (Thurs till 9pm), closed for lunch.

Lambiek Kerkstraat 132 (Grachtengordel south) 020/626 7543, Kerkstraat 132 (Grachtengordel south) 020/626 7543, www.lambiek.nl. The city's largest, oldest and best comic bookshop and gallery, with an international stock. Their website features the biggest comiclopedia in the world. MonFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5pm & Sun 15pm.

Vandal Com-x Rozengracht 31 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/420 2144, Rozengracht 31 (Jordaan and Western docklands) 020/420 2144, www.vandalcomx.com. US comic imports, as well as related toy figures, games and masks. Mon 15.30pm, TuesThurs 11am5.30pm, Fri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5pm.

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Books and comics Books and comics

Language Intertaal Van Baerlestraat 76 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/575 6756. Teach-yourself books and dictionaries in every language you can think of, and then some. TuesFri 10am6pm, Sat 10am5pm. Van Baerlestraat 76 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/575 6756. Teach-yourself books and dictionaries in every language you can think of, and then some. TuesFri 10am6pm, Sat 10am5pm.

Selexyz Scheltema See " See "General bookstores" for more. Amsterdam's biggest and best bookshop has an excellent range of language books and all sorts of stuff on the Dutch and their habits.

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Books and comics Books and comics

Politics and society Fort van Sjakoo Jodenbreestraat 24 (Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/625 8979, Jodenbreestraat 24 (Jewish Quarter and Eastern docklands) 020/625 8979, www.sjakoo.nl. Anarchist bookshop stocking a wide selection of radical political publications. MonFri 11am6pm, Sat 11am5pm.

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Books and comics Books and comics

Religion and occult Au Bout du Monde Singel 313 (Grachtengordel west) 020/625 1397, Singel 313 (Grachtengordel west) 020/625 1397, www.auboutdumonde.nl. Astrology, philosophy, psychology and mysticism, with cla.s.sical music playing while you browse. Near Raamsteeg. Mon 16pm, TuesSat 10am6pm, Sun 15pm.

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Books and comics Books and comics

Theatre and film Cine-Qua-Non Staalstraat 14 (Old Centre) 020/625 5588. Film and cinema history books, posters and other film paraphernalia. TuesFri 16pm. Staalstraat 14 (Old Centre) 020/625 5588. Film and cinema history books, posters and other film paraphernalia. TuesFri 16pm.

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Books and comics Books and comics

Travel A la Carte Utrechtsestraat 110 (Grachtengordel south) 020/625 0679. Large and friendly travel bookshop. Prinsengracht cross-street. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 10am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sat 10am5.30pm, Sun noon5pm. Utrechtsestraat 110 (Grachtengordel south) 020/625 0679. Large and friendly travel bookshop. Prinsengracht cross-street. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 10am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sat 10am5.30pm, Sun noon5pm.

Evenaar Singel 348 (Grachtengordel west) 020/624 6289. Concentrates less on guidebooks and more on travel literature, of which it has an exemplary selection in both English and Dutch. Near Raamsteeg. MonSat 12.156pm. Singel 348 (Grachtengordel west) 020/624 6289. Concentrates less on guidebooks and more on travel literature, of which it has an exemplary selection in both English and Dutch. Near Raamsteeg. MonSat 12.156pm.

[image]Pied-a-Terre Overtoom 135 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/627 4455, Overtoom 135 (Museum Quarter and Vondelpark) 020/627 4455, www.piedaterre.nl. The city's best travel bookshop, with knowledgeable staff and a huge selection of books and maps. Also sells inflatable and illuminated globes and hiking maps for Holland and beyond, mostly in English, as well as adventure holiday guides. Mon 16pm, TuesFri 10am6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sat 10am5pm.

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Pied-a-Terre Shopping

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Books and comics Books and comics

Women's Xantippe Unlimited Prinsengracht 290 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 5854, Prinsengracht 290 (Grachtengordel west) 020/623 5854, www.xantippe.nl. Amsterdam's foremost women's bookshop, with a wide selection of new feminist t.i.tles in English, plus guidebooks and postcards too. At Berenstraat. Mon 17pm, TuesFri 10am7pm, Sat 10am6pm, Sun noon5pm.

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Clothes and accessories In many ways, Amsterdam is an ideal place for clothes shopping clothes shopping; prices aren't too high and the city is sufficiently compact to save lots of shoe leather. On the other hand, don't expect the huge choice of, say, London or New York. There are good-value, if somewhat predictable, mainstream styles along Kalverstraat Kalverstraat and and Nieuwendijk Nieuwendijk, with better-quality wares along Rokin Rokin and and Leidsestraat Leidsestraat; the really fancy goods are to be found down in the south of the city on P.C. Hooftstraat P.C. Hooftstraat, Van Baerlestraat Van Baerlestraat and, further south still, on and, further south still, on Beethovenstraat Beethovenstraat.

There's a fair range of one-off secondhand clothing shops secondhand clothing shops dotted around the Jordaan, on dotted around the Jordaan, on Oude and Nieuwe Hoogstraat Oude and Nieuwe Hoogstraat, and along the narrow streets that connect the major ca.n.a.ls in Grachtengordel west Grachtengordel west. The Waterlooplein Waterlooplein flea market flea market is also a great hunting ground for vintage bargains. For children's clothes, see " is also a great hunting ground for vintage bargains. For children's clothes, see "Shops".

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Clothes and accessories Clothes and accessories

High-street and designer clothes Agnes B Rokin 126 (Old Centre) 020/627 1465. Amsterdam city-centre shop of the chic French designer, Agnes Trouble. Rokin 126 (Old Centre) 020/627 1465. Amsterdam city-centre shop of the chic French designer, Agnes Trouble.