Amsterdam

[amsterdame]

I'm visiting Amsterdam.
Any nice clothes shops to see ?
Beauty products to buy?
Pharmacy buys ( as in France - where there are lots of goodies to buy)
Thank you.

[DancingHouse]

C&A !

[botemp]

The Negen Straatjes (nine streets) and the area around the Gerard Doustraat for independent shops, niche independent labels, and the odd vintage shop. The Kalverstraat is more the traditional high street. P.C. Hooftstraat for international high fashion labels, the architectural facade of the Chanel shop is worth seeing regardless as to whether you can afford to shop there, the Shoebaloo shop makes for a nice out of this world experience. De Bijenkorf and Hudson's Bay are the big department stores, higher end think Selfridge's with a bit of John Lewis thrown in.

In terms of cosmetics nothing especially noteworthy Dutch but ICI Paris XL always have massive reductions on high end cosmetics and perfume. Holland & Barrett sell some Danish pharmacy finds from Decubal, a bit in line with La Roche Posay. Things like Weleda are also cheaper. Etos, Kruidvat, and Trekpleister are the Boots and Superdrug equivalent but nowhere near as exciting IMO.

Please don't rent a bike. Please don't throw up in the planters or bike crates. Steer clear of the canals if you're stoned.

Enjoy your trip

[amsterdame]

Thank you

[amsterdame]

Just to give feedback.
I really enjoyed Amsterdam.
We had a two night break.
At the airport there is a bus that drops you to all central Amsterdam hotels. That was handy. €17 single.
Stayed in an Ibis- expensive for Ibis but really central.
We did a canal boat tour, a walking tour, the Anne Frank house ( prebooked it), the Church in the attic and a rich merchant's house ( I forget the name) and had a lovely dinner in the Duchess restaurant at the W hotel - dh's surprise treat.
I would visit again and highly recommend it.

[mrsmildred]

But what did you think of the S&B??!

Personally, I love Amsterdam, but like most European cities, even worldwide, find the high street shops pretty much the same as here. Certainly all the big brands are available everywhere. Plus the exchange rate doesn't exactly help find a bargain.The difference is the shopping areas themselves, and Negen Straatjes is certainly one of the nicer shopping areas to wander around I think.

[amsterdame]

mrsmildred We had no time to shop- We never got to the Negen Straajes, sadly.
I shall have to return.