The 9 Streets

The Nine Streets district (De Negen Straatjes) in Amsterdam is a charming labyrinth of historic streets that offers a unique experience of shopping, culture, and gastronomy. Located in the heart of the canal belt, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this district connects the four main canals: Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, through nine picturesque streets. The streets that form this enchanting district are Reestraat, Hartenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Berenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Oude Spiegelstraat, Runstraat, Huidenstraat, and Wijde Heisteeg. The Nine Streets were born in the 17th century, during the Dutch Golden Age, when Amsterdam was a thriving center of trade and culture. Originally, these streets housed craft workshops and merchant shops, but today they are known for their fashion stores, vintage boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes. This evolution has transformed the Nine Streets into one of the trendiest and most sought-after destinations in Amsterdam. Strolling through these streets, visitors can immerse themselves in a unique atmosphere, characterized by historic townhouses, colorful facades, and cobblestone lanes. The Nine Streets are famous for their independent shops and boutiques that offer a wide range of products, from high fashion garments to creations by local designers, from handcrafted jewelry to home goods. Among the most notable shops is the Dutch fashion boutique Marlies Dekkers in Berenstraat, famous for its innovative and bold lingerie. The Nine Streets are also a landmark for art and culture lovers. Numerous art galleries and artist studios dot the district, offering works ranging from contemporary art to photography, to unique design pieces. A must-visit is the Dutch Accent gallery in Berenstraat, which showcases landscape and cityscape paintings by local artists. Another distinctive element of the Nine Streets is their gastronomic offering. The district is dotted with restaurants, cafes, and bistros that offer a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Dutch to international. For example, the Raïnaraï restaurant, located on Prinsengracht, offers delicious Algerian cuisine in a cozy setting. Additionally, local patisseries invite visitors to taste specialties such as the famous stroopwafels or Dutch apple pie. The Nine Streets also host events and markets that enliven the district throughout the year. Among the most well-known events is the 9 Straatjes Shopping Night, an annual event where shops stay open until late, offering special discounts and live entertainment. Moreover, during weekends, the streets fill with stalls selling handcrafted products, local foods, and vintage items, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. From a historical perspective, the Nine Streets offer numerous points of interest. Among these is the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s floating flower market, located along the Singel. This market, active since 1862, is famous for its flower stalls on floating barges, where visitors can purchase tulips and other seasonal plants. Additionally, in Runstraat, there is De Kaaskamer van Amsterdam, a shop that offers a wide selection of the best Dutch cheeses, edams, and goudas, along with fresh salads, sandwiches, and wines. The Nine Streets are easily accessible by public transport, thanks to their central location. The tram lines that stop at Koningsplein make it easy to reach the district from any point in the city. This ease of access, combined with the beauty and variety of offerings, makes the Nine Streets a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Amsterdam.