Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) are nine short lanes bridging the main canals in the western canal belt, packed with over 250 boutiques, vintage shops, cafés, and galleries in 17th-century buildings. It's touristy but genuinely charming and walkable. Best treated as a leisurely browse rather than a destination in itself.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What are shop opening hours in the Nine Streets?

Most shops open Monday to Saturday from about 10:00 to 18:00, and Sundays from roughly 12:00 to 17:00. Smaller independent boutiques can keep irregular hours, especially early in the week. Aim for late morning to early afternoon for the fullest selection open.

Is the Nine Streets worth visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy wandering pretty canal streets and poking into small shops and cafés. It's undeniably on the tourist trail, but the scale, architecture, and mix of independents keep it pleasant. Pair it with the adjacent Jordaan for a fuller half-day.

What exactly are the Nine Streets?

They're nine narrow connecting streets threaded between the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals in the western canal belt. Together they form a compact shopping-and-café sub-neighbourhood of over 250 businesses. The name refers to the streets themselves, not a single landmark.

Where should I stop for coffee or lunch in the Nine Streets?

The streets are dotted with small cafés and lunch spots, many spilling onto the canals. Because tables are limited and the area is popular, expect short waits at peak times. Duck one street over from the busiest lane and you'll usually find a quieter seat.

How much time do I need for the Nine Streets?

One to two hours covers it comfortably for a browse and a coffee. Serious shoppers could stretch it longer, but the area is small enough to see the whole grid in an afternoon. It works best combined with the Jordaan or a canal walk.

How do I get to the Nine Streets?

Take tram 13, 14, or 17 to the Westermarkt stop, from which the streets are a few minutes' walk. It's also an easy 15-minute stroll from Amsterdam Centraal through the canal belt. The area is small and entirely walkable once you arrive.

Is the Nine Streets good for a rainy day?

It's decent, since browsing shops gives you plenty of indoor pauses between short walks. It won't keep you fully dry the way a museum would, but the density of doorways helps. Bring a compact umbrella and treat the shops as your shelter between showers.

What kind of shopping is there?

Expect independent boutiques, Dutch designers, vintage and secondhand clothing, specialty stores (cheese, buttons, eyewear), and small galleries rather than big chains. Prices skew mid-to-high. It's browsing territory for one-off finds, not bargain hunting or department-store efficiency.

Nearby in Ask Amsterdam

• Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)Attraction0.16 km · 2 min walk
• BegijnhofAttraction0.33 km · 4 min walk
• Café de DokterBar0.4 km · 5 min walk
• Vleminckx SausmeestersRestaurant0.42 km · 5 min walk
• JordaanNeighborhood0.57 km · 7 min walk