Amsterdam vintage guide
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top destinations for vintage-lovers, and a firm favourite holiday haunt of Vintage Brighton editor Jo-ann Fortune. We hope this run down of some of our must-visit vintage haunts inspires you to explore the city for yourself, and if you’ve taken the trip, let us know about your favourite shops and markets.
Jordaan district
With its narrow streets lined with independent cafes, second-shops and vintage boutiques, Amsterdam’s western Jordaan district exudes a bohemian vibe similar to that of Brighton’s North Laine.
Haarlemmerstraat
A real treat for vintage-lovers, this well-presented shop sells select pieces of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and fabric from the 1940s to the 1980s at affordable prices. It also boasts a range of designer jewellery from Paris and the rockabilly-attired owner is a great advert for the sleek and classic styles on offer.
Selling a mixture or new vintage-inspired and real vintage home accessories, textiles, furniture, as well as inspirational coffee-table books and on-trend clogs, Het Grote Aventuur is just a few doors up from Wini vintage, helping put Haarlemmerstraat firmly on the vintage-lovers’ map. Until 31 August 2011, the shop is also playing host to a pop-up museum displaying holiday snaps from the same destinations through the decades.
As well as a vast range of women’s and men’s clothes, spanning the 1950s to 1980s, many sale rails and bargain bins, Lady Day also has an impressive range of children’s vintage. Prices start from just €1 for scarves to €95 for original 1950s sun dresses.
4 Gasthuismolensteeg
This second-hand bookshop sells many pre-loved English titles, as well as vintage Life magazines and comic books. Unfortunately, the owner tells us that after 26 years, he’s soon to shut up shop for good, so make the most of this gem, and the closing down half price sale, now.
Reminiscent of Brighton’s Snoopers’ Paradise, Nic Nic is rammed full of Mid-Century modern home accessories, including desirable kitchenware items and kitsch ornaments, as well as vintage-inspired clothes. Prices aren’t cheap, but you’ll find some real quality pieces here.
As it says on the tin, this small shop specialises in 1950s and 1960s homewares and is packed with iconic lighting, lamps and kitchen appliances. A very stylish store.
Arguably one of the prettiest shops in Amsterdam, Juffrow Splinter is a ‘curiosity’ shop selling vintage finds such as tea cups, bar wares and tins, vintage-inspired homewares including cute door-nobs, cake plates and candleholders and larger shabby chic furniture items. A great place for original gifts.
Also check out De Looier antique market for table-top stalls and collectibles from all eras.
Waterlooplein
Located in the south-east of the city centre, in the old Jewish quarter, the Waterlooplein square is home to a flea market, selling everything from new leather goods and shoes to vintage clothing and second-hand books.
It’s also surrounded by a handful of vintage clothing stores, such as Episode, actually in the market square, and those on the nearby Nieuwe Hoog Straat, which cater for the trendy young crowd the area attracts. Unlike the rock-bottom bargains that can be found on the market stalls, prices in these stores mirror those in London.
Also check out the small but perfectly formed La Rosa Curiosa for re-made, vintage and new retro-inspired clothing and accessories.
Don’t forget to let us know about your favourite Amsterdam vintage haunts and fabulous finds by leaving a comment below.
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