There is no better way of shopping in the Netherlands than the distinct combination of contemporary design, historical background and global ambience the Dutch cities provide. Be it in the classy shopping streets of Amsterdam, exploring the designer shops of Rotterdam, or visiting the various colorful open-air markets in Utrecht, there is something to offer the shopper in every part of the country. The Netherlands is heaven of fashion, art, antiques and local crafts all combined in a friendly European environment. It is easy to access, has a friendly culture, and an effective transport system, it is not surprising that the country has millions of visitors every year who go there not only to sightsee, but also have an experience they will always remember when shopping.

You have to pack your bags before you go enjoy shopping in the Netherlands but you need to have your travelling documents. When applying to Netherlands visiting visa or get your Netherlands visa in Sharjah, it is advisable to initiate the process early and get the services of reputable traveling agents such as Gokite Travel that will facilitate a smooth journey. After the arrival, you should be ready to be surprised by the assorting range of shopping possibilities: designer boutiques, expensive shops, vintage shops, or street markets are all available. You can be a fashion junkie, an antique collector, or a bargain hunter: shopping in this place will be a trip in the Dutch creativity and culture.

1. Dutch Shopping Experience: A Tradition-Modernity mixture.

The balance of the contemporary and traditional influences is one of the biggest pleasures of shopping in the Netherlands. The cities of the Netherlands are characterized by progressive urban design and artistic experimentation, but preserving the traditions of local craft and the culture. They have trendy concept stores and family owned businesses, next door, that are several generations old.

The shopping scenes of such big cities as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht are different. The capital of Amsterdam is renowned and praised by such fashion areas like De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) where boutique shopping and canals are united. Rotterdam, however, is also the city of innovative architecture and the newest shopping malls such as Lijnbaan and Koopgoot. Utrecht has its hoardes of pleasant lanes as well as stalls, whereas The Hague is luxurious with global shops.

The convenience is what makes shopping in the Netherlands so desirable. The majority of the stores are operating seven days a week with their evenings on Thursday usually the designated late-night shopping nights. The Dutch shops are neatly arranged, store prices are open, and the employees are usually conversant with English-speaking, which makes it easy and fun to shop around.

2. Shopping Destinations of Luxury.

To people that appreciate luxury in life the Netherlands boasts of a number of luxury malls where one would find luxury lifestyle.

P.C. Hooftstraat Amsterdam Fashion Avenue.

P.C. Hooftstraat, which is close to the renowned Vondelpark and the Rijksmuseum, is the Dutch equivalent of the Champs-Elysée in Paris or Bond Street in London. In this case, there will be foreign luxurious brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Dutch designer boutiques that feature modern minimalism. It is the final foremost place of the high-end shopping in the Netherlands.

De Bijenkorf -The Luxury Department Store of The Netherlands.

De Bijenkorf (the Beehive) is a famous chain of department stores located in Dutch big cities. Its flagship store in Amsterdam has it all in fashion and beauty, homeware, and gourmet foods. It has beautiful interiors and fine brands, and it is necessary to visit it when traveling in search of a one-stop luxury shop.

The Noordeinde Palace District of the Hague.

The Hague Noordeinde Palace area has a sophisticated ambiance and is surrounded by royal history. The attractive streets around the working palace of King Willem-Alexander are lined with luxury shops, art galleries, and antique shops.

3. The Cool Boutiques and Idea Stores.

Netherlands has the culture of design and its shopping boutique setup is representative of the creativity.

De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) Amsterdam.

This is an idyllic location in the canal belt of Amsterdam that is ideal to those who are fond of the boutique. In this case, the vintage stores, hand-made jewelry shops, and separate fashion labels are mixed with small cafes. The shops are all unique and therefore, the shopping in the Netherlands is also necessary.

The Witte de Withstraat of Rotterdam.

Witte de Withstraat is a cultural, artistic and fashionable place in Rotterdam. It is full of fashionable concept stores, art galleries and creative studios. The neighborhood is ideal to find the upcoming designers and one-of-kind pieces.

Leyweg and Oudegracht in Utrecht.

The city center of Utrecht is a mix of old urban and new boutiques. Steenweg and Oudegracht are the streets to visit when you need sustainable clothing or handmade accessories.

4. Markets on the Streets: The core of the Dutch culture of shopping.

One can never leave the Netherlands without enjoying the famous street markets in the Netherlands, to have a real experience of the life of the locals. These outdoor events are the places of fresh products, antiquities, and neighborhood delicacies at reasonable prices.

Amsterdam Albert Cuyp Market.

One of the most popular markets in Europe is the Albert Cuyp Market in the De Pijp district. Stroopwafels and Dutch cheese, clothing, and souvenirs are just some of the items that represent the real Dutch life in this market.

Markthal – Rotterdam

Markthal in Rotterdam is a contemporary spin of the old fashioned market experience. It is situated in a magnificent architectural structure which comprises dozens of food stalls, shops and restaurants all under one roof. It is ideal among people who love shopping gourmet in the Netherlands.

Dappert and Noordermarkt.

Dappermarkt is a multicultural food and cheaper goods place, whereas Noordermarkt is an organic goods and vintage place. They both present a distinct perspective on the Dutch market culture and are worth traveling with them regardless of the budget.

5. Dutch Specialties and souvenirs.

A trip to a store requires souvenirs and in the Netherlands, there are many characteristic ones to take.

• Delft Blue Ceramics: These blue white pottery items of Delft are ideal gifts and collectables.

• Dutch Cheese: Gouda to Edam, the cheese lovers can taste it in local markets or taste it and choose ready-made set in specialty shops.

• Wooden Clogs and Tulip Bulbs: These products represent the Dutch culture and can be located in the majority of tourist spots.

Dutch Chocolate and Stroopwafels: Sweet dishes that are representative of culinary delights in the country.

Souvenir shopping is known to not only assist in the livelihood of local artisans, but also to enable the traveler to carry a part of the Dutch culture back home.

6. Shopping Centers and Outlets.

The shopping malls and outlets of the Netherlands are diverse in terms of local and international brands.

Batavia Stad fashion outlet- Lelystad.

The first fashion outlet center in the country is Batavia Stad which is located approximately 45 minutes out of Amsterdam. This is the place where you will find the best designer brands with discounted prices and it is a popular shopping place among bargain hunters.

Leidschendam Mall of the Netherlands.

It is a luxury, lifestyle, and recreational state-of-the-art mall near The Hague. It includes more than 250 shops, eateries and entertainment joints, which makes it a must visit place when one is keen on shopping in Netherlands.

Hoog Catharijne – Utrecht

Located on the edge of Utrecht Central Station, Hoog Catharijne is a combination of fashion, restaurant and electronics, it is one of the biggest indoor shopping malls of the country.

7. Sustainability and Ethical Shopping.

Since the idea of sustainability is one that is being adopted worldwide, Netherlands can be seen as a country that facilitates eco-friendly and ethical shopping behavior. A lot of Dutch brands are concerned with slow fashion, fair trade, and sustainable materials.

Eco-friendly clothing will be found in stores such as Nukuhiva (in Utrecht and Amsterdam), and the reuse and recycling of clothing will be promoted in vintage shops in big cities. Travelers make a more responsible type of shopping in the Netherlands by patronizing these businesses.

8. Shopping in the Netherlands: some useful hints.

These are some practical tips before you roll into your retail adventure:

• Forms of payment: Majority of the stores accept credit cards, although in some smaller shops, debit cards or cash are accepted.

• Restitution VAT: In most cases, non-EU visitors can claim VAT disbursement on bigger shopping. Keep your receipts!

• Opening Hours: The majority of stores start their day at 10 AM and close their day at 6 PM, and the late shopping on Thursday.

• Market Days: Markets are typically open all day long in the morning up to the late afternoon- check schedules locally.

• Seasonal Sales: Major sales usually take place during the month of January and July and they have a huge discount.

9. Shopping Beyond the Cities

When you move out of the major cities, they have smaller towns that present pleasant surprises. Such destinations as Haarlem, Maastricht, and Leyden have boutique shops, antique shops and the lovely local markets. These are places that make shopping in the Netherlands less like a tourist place.

10. Visa and Travel Preparations.

Travelers of numerous countries must obtain a Netherlands visiting visa before they begin their shopping trip. During application, one is required to provide required documents, accommodation evidence, financial stability, and travel insurance.

Assuming you are located in the UAE, then you can easily get your visa to the Netherlands in Sharjah under approved travel companies. Businesses such as Gokite Travel can help in paperwork, appointment and orientation of the applicants through all the stages. You will have time to enjoy your future shopping experience without being distressed with visa issues with the help of professionals.

Conclusion

Shopping in the Netherlands is not only purchasing products but it is also finding a lifestyle that is creative, high-quality as well as sustainable. The posh boutiques of Amsterdam, the colorful street markets of Rotterdam and Utrecht all give a story about the Dutch culture and craftsmanship. Looking either after designer clothes, handmade gifts, or just enjoying the energetic atmosphere, the Netherlands will leave something to people of all types of tourists.

To have a hassle free trip, be sure that you have prepared your travel documents beforehand. In case you have applied Netherlands visiting visa or want to secure Netherlands visa in Sharjah, then Gokite Travel would be the most trusted partner to help you to simplify the whole process. When you get there, you will find that in the Netherlands, shopping is not just a hobby but a fantastic adventure of design, diversity and Dutch hospitality. And now is the time to pack your bags, create your shopping list and have a memorable shopping experience in one of the most motivating destinations in Europe.