Cultural diversity
Nowhere else in the world can you find as many nationalities as in Amsterdam: no fewer than 177, a number that carries this irrepressible and tolerant city to the top of the world ranking. That’s no recent development, either. Affectionately known as Mokum, the city has always drawn people from all over the world: Antwerp merchants, fugitives from religious persecution, Sephardic Jews, Frisian and Brabantian farmers, Germans, Scandinavians, and Mediterranean laborers. It is precisely that huge cultural diversity that gives the city its unique color and flavor.
Shopping
No matter what you’re seeking, it’s for sale somewhere in the shopping Valhalla of Amsterdam. Second-hand clothing, designer bags, comic books, diamonds, antiques… With 10,334 stores, 141 galleries, 165 antiquary bookstores, and 26 markets, Amsterdam has a reputation to maintain. The busiest shopping street is the famous Kalverstraat, which starts at Dam Square and is named after the calf markets that were once held there. Besides major department stores and fashion boutiques, the Kalverstraat also boasts numerous municipal and national monuments and listed buildings.
Amsterdam is also known for its engaging jumble of ‘strange’ little shops, tiny stores displaying the very best in fun and trendy accessories. Try the historic canal belt, where the lively shopping district of the Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes) is sure to reveal many extraordinary shopping surprises. It may be nice to know that the shops and department stores in Amsterdam’s center city are also open on Sunday - in contrast to many outlying areas.
Tips
Seeking chic? Pay a visit to the P.C. Hooftstraat in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, notorious for being the priciest shopping street in the Netherlands, which boasts countless exclusive clothing stores.