Are you visiting Amsterdam soon and wondering which souvenirs you might bring back home? Not to worry. This is a comprehensive Amsterdam souvenir guide to help you choose during your visit.
Should it be the Dutch tiles, tulips, or cheese? You may be tempted to carry all of them back home. But these are not the only Amsterdam souvenirs – there are plenty of others that only a few know of. And even better, you can take them home legally. Let’s go through Amsterdam for a Dutch souvenir shopping spree.
We shall look at the best souvenirs from Amsterdam, why they are so important, where you can quickly get them, and, if possible, their prices. If you are traveling to the city soon or are already there, we have just the best items to look for during your tour. So off we go!
Best Souvenirs from Amsterdam
These are some excellent souvenirs and things you should buy in Amsterdam. Some of them are obvious, while others might be more easily overlooked.
Wooden Clogs from Zaanse Schans Workshop
The locals call them Klompen. You will get them from the famous Zaanse Schans workshop, where they are hand-made locally. The workshop is near the Windmills, a day trip from Amsterdam.
These wooden shoes are costly, so prepare to dig into your pockets a little bit deeper. But the price brings with it the authentic Holland tradition to your feet. What’s more? You can watch the windmills ride on the wind as your wooden shoes are worked on.
They come in different sizes for adults and kids. Wooden clogs for kids are a bit cheaper as they will cost less than 100 Euros. While cheaper ones are explicitly made for tourists, you can’t compare them to the beauty of hand-made souvenirs.
Hat from Barts
Nothing brings back fond memories from Amsterdam like a hat from Barts. The genesis of this shop was on the beaches of Santa Tropez.
Today, multiple shops are located at de Bijenkorf, with numerous Bart shops in central Amsterdam. The hats are between 20-30 Euros a piece. The shop does not only make hats but also items for cold weather, like gloves and scarves – which you may need if you didn’t pack appropriately for your trip.
Dutch Cheese
Talk about cheese, and you will describe the Netherlands in detail. It’s one of the best Amsterdam souvenirs to carry back home. If you are looking for what to buy in Amsterdam supermarkets, Dutch cheese can be a great choice.
What’s better? A vacuumed cheese can last for weeks without refrigeration, ensuring you enjoy the Dutch tradition for a longer time. Now, here is the million-dollar question. Which is the best Dutch cheese to buy as a souvenir in Amsterdam? Three types of cheese have been battling the coveted number-one spot. It’s not yet clear which is the winner.
Edam cheese is very classic, but Gouda is the most popular among the locals. Gouda cheese is not hard to find. It’s everywhere. On the other hand, Boerenkass is the most affordable. I won’t make a decision for you on which one to choose.
Stop by the shops and make that decision by tasting all the varieties of cheese for free. One of the most popular places to stop by is the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store. If you’re eager to take a day trip from Amsterdam, check out the Dutch cheese market in Alkmaar.
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Tulip Bulbs
The Netherlands is famous for planting tulips and is the home of the largest tulips farm in the world. It is why the plant is the state symbol of the Netherlands. There is no doubt that Dutch people have a special place for Tulips in their hearts.
Some countries do not allow the entry of Dutch tulip bulbs through customs. For instance, the USA only allows a few types of Dutch tulips. Rare types are illegal, and you might face the law if found in possession of some.
The floating flower market in central Amsterdam is the most common place to buy tulip bulbs on your trip. It’s a bit touristy but can be fun to see if you’ve never been. Ask the store if your country allows the entry of these plants.
While many stores sell tulip bulbs, the best place to get them is at Schiphol Airport, believe it or not. You’ll be sure to find a verified package of tulip bulbs that customs won’t confiscate.
See Related: Best Museums in The Hague
Dutch Art
The weekends, more so Sundays from March to October in Amsterdam, are hyped with all kinds of art. The meeting point is in the numerous art markets in Rembrandtplein, which is central to Amsterdam.
You will find numerous art products from talented artists all over the Netherlands. Modern art, traditional canvas paintings, art-inspired eyeglasses, or luggage tags. These are both recent-made arts and those created years ago.
Buying them online is cheaper but won’t be as authentic as purchasing from a local artist. If you want other ideas, grab a piece of Dutch history at the Van Gogh Museum shop, where you’ll find the best collection of Vincent Van Gogh souvenirs in the world.
See Related: Brussels vs Amsterdam
Dutch Licorice
If you didn’t know, the Netherlands has the highest consumption of licorice. So, if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll surely find a tasty treat to bring home.
You’ll see many styles of Dutch licorice-like sweet, hard, chew honey, and minty. While there are many stores to get this “drop” licorice, none is better than Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje. This old store tries to bring the ancient tradition of licorice to life.
See Related: Tips to Plan an Amazing Girls’ Trip to Amsterdam
Handmade Wallets
In 2004, a Dutch couple, Erik and Indy, found themselves on a path they never thought they would follow. They started a company called Mesimu that creates hand-made bags and wallets.
Their first products were t-shirts and handcrafted handbags sold in the markets around Amsterdam. Soon after the business picked up, they opened a bigger shop on Haarlemmerstraat. They relocated to Thailand in 2009 and opened a shop to sell their creations to the locals.
What they started in Holland has become a booming business to the few people that mastered their craft of creating hand-made wallets.
These wallets are made of Japanese cotton fabric and come in multiple colors. The physical configuration of the wallets includes a zip closure, front pockets, and five clear credit and bank card slots. Undoubtedly, these wallets are charming and unique – the perfect gift to give someone longing for one-of-a-kind Amsterdam souvenirs.
See Related: Best Weekend Trips from Amsterdam
Cowboy Belt
Cowboy belt in the Netherlands? Yes, you heard that right. The history of Cowboys Belts dates back to 1980 in an old hospital building. Today, they are the brand cowboy belt maker and have gone further to manufacture leather handbags and jackets.
They create rugged, high-quality materials that will take years to show the first signs of wear or tear. The company manufactures the items in different styles, with some being made of pure leather agitated in a concrete mixer and others having decorations of grommets and metal studs.
Their goal is to convey everyone’s unique personality with a universal product. These belts would be an excellent gift for a friend or a loved one. They make an excellent combination with a pair of jeans.
If you’re around Amsterdam and are dying to get one of these, visit the trendy home décor stores in the clothing boutiques.
See Related: Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam
Stroopwafels
If you love tasting foods from different cultures, you need to buy stroopwafels during a trip to Amsterdam. Take a packet or more back home to share with your family if possible.
They have been the signature Dutch cookie for years. Stroopwafels consist of two buttered wafers sandwiched by caramel syrup. And they are quite hard to resist.
You can find them in the many stroopwafels market around Amsterdam. They are not costly and are best when taken with a hot mug of coffee or tea. In case you forget, you need not worry; you can get them in the grocery stores at the airport.
See Related: Best Amsterdam Food to Try
Dutch Gin, Beer, or Wine
There are a ton of great breweries in Amsterdam producing both craft beer and traditional lagers. Heard of Heineken? It’s not that you can’t get Heineken at home… It’s just that Dutch beer tastes different directly at the source.
Not a beer drinker? Dutch gin is some of the best in the world and isn’t always easy to find outside of the Netherlands. An example of a great Dutch gin is Jenever, a juniper-flavored gin.
These drinks might be a great Amsterdam souvenir if you love bringing consumable goods from different cultures. Chateau Amsterdam, in the northern part of the city, produces wines. You can take a quick day trip there for wine tasting.
For craft beers, stop by Brouwerij t’IJ and Oedipus Brewery. You must try the Heineken Experience for a more touristy Dutch beer tour. When you have decided to carry a few bottles of your favorite drinks back home, buy a bottle protector so the bottles don’t open in the suitcases.
Delft Blue
Delft blue is a trademark of white and blue Dutch antiques. These were first used in the 16th century – making them a masterpiece if you are a collector.
They range from Dutch pottery to classic tiles and are available in almost every shop in Amsterdam. Although the originals will cost you thousands of Euros, you can get cheap and cheerful versions made with less expensive materials.
Check out this Delt blue tile from 1650 we purchased in Amsterdam.
The best place to look for them is at Galleria D’Arte Rinascimento, which stocks new and old products at reasonable prices.
Small White Canal House
This is one of the best Dutch souvenirs for your kids, as they can use it as a small toy house. The white canal house is made of ceramic with a beautiful finish of white color. It tends to replicate the actual canal houses in the country.
And guess what? It can double up as your tea light holder. Your kid can play with it, and you still use it as something beneficial in the house. Few stores are expressly set aside to sell these white canal houses. Check them out before you leave for the airport.
Upcycled Products
If you want something new from a used product, Amsterdam is the city to visit. The locals here love to innovate unique products from items that are no longer important.
This is their way of reducing waste, which is very eco-friendly. If you practice sustainability, there is no doubt that you’ll find something you will fall in love with at one of the many street markets and thrift shops.
The most common products you will likely encounter are belts made from old bicycle tires. Instead of burning tires that emit carbon dioxide, which causes the greenhouse effect, they are turned into fashionable products with aesthetic value. The craftsmen say they have enough bikes to make belts for the Netherlands population.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Amsterdam
Jewelry
There are numerous shops in Amsterdam where you can find necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Some artists make pendants with special materials locally sourced, while others design their jewelry to specifically represent something in the city.
Finding a piece of locally made jewelry is one way to ensure you earn your reputation as a good gift-giver.
See Related: Best Tours in Amsterdam
Conclusion
There is no doubt that Amsterdam is one of Europe’s best cities to visit. Storied culture, lovely food, impressive architecture, and friendly, welcoming people – what’s not to love?
You will enjoy your stay in the city so much that you’ll want to take a piece home with you. Souveniers will remind you of your experience in the Netherlands, and having these reminders around will have you daydreaming about your return.
When booking your next trip, take a peek at the top sites for booking tours, and you’ll soon find yourself back amongst the windmills.
FAQ
What can I bring back from Amsterdam?
There are many Amsterdam souvenirs you can buy on your trip. Amsterdam is known for its tulip bulbs. You can also find some of the best souvenirs for artists at the Van Gogh Museum shop, such as keychains, magnets, prints, and postcards.
If you want something more unique, consider buying a piece of Amsterdam’s famous Dutch gouda cheese, Delft pottery, or Delft blue. Whatever you choose, be sure to enjoy your trip and bring back some memories – and maybe even a few souvenirs from Amsterdam.
What product is Amsterdam known for?
Amsterdam is known for many great products, including gouda cheese, wooden shoes, Heineken beer, and Jenever, the traditional liquor of the Netherlands.
What is a good souvenir from the Netherlands?
If you are looking for something off-beat, then it doesn’t get much better than a gift The World’s Smallest Brewery, which makes miniature versions of Dutch beers that have been brewed since 1864, including Heineken. Amsterdam beer connoisseurs will recognize Damstraat brown ale too. If you are looking for something more traditional and you are a cheese connoisseur, you’ll need to visit one of the many specialty cheese shops to pick up some of that delicious Dutch gouda cheese.
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