Start at the Waterlooplein market to find affordable vintage treasures, and explore iconic stores like Bis! Vintage, Laura Dols, and Zipper. From retro clothing from the ’50s to ’90s to curated designer pieces, this route guides you through the top vintage hotspots in the city. Covering 4 km from Waterlooplein to Elandsgracht, the journey takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on your shopping pace – perfect for vintage lovers!
Essential Tips for Vintage Shopping in Amsterdam
To make the most of your vintage shopping experience in Amsterdam, aim to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy the best selections. Sundays may not be the best choice, as not all shops and markets are open. Setting a budget of €50-€100 will help you snag a few unique finds without overspending. While bargaining is common at markets like Waterlooplein, remember that prices in shops are usually fixed.
1. Waterlooplein – Oldest Flea Market in Amsterdam
Open Mon-Sat 9 AM – 5 PM | Waterlooplein
There’s no better way to start your day than by vintage hunting at Waterlooplein. The market stalls are set up early here, giving you the best chance to find real gems and affordable pieces. At this historic marketplace, you’ll find a wide range of second-hand clothing, including blazers, leather jackets, and denim. One of the most enjoyable activities is searching through piles of clothing, where you can uncover vintage treasures priced between 3 and 20 euros. The selection changes constantly, making each visit surprising and special.
TIP >> If you love museums, the nearby Amsterdam Museum is a must-visit, where you can learn more about the city’s rich history and culture. Book here!
2. Bis! Vintage
Open Mon 12 PM – 6 PM, Tue-Sat 11 AM – 6 PM, Sun 1 PM – 6 PM
Just a five-minute walk from Waterlooplein, you’ll find Bis! Vintage hidden under the pink arches. Here, you can discover unique garments from different decades, spanning from the 60s to the 90s, with a focus on style and quality. The collection includes affordable pieces with colorful styles and retro prints. Thanks to its relaxed store atmosphere, this vintage hotspot is a favorite among locals and fashionistas.
3. Bij Ons Vintage
Open Mon-Wed 11 AM – 7 PM, Thu-Sat 10 AM – 8 PM, Sun 12 PM – 8 PM | Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 150 & Reestraat 13
In the downtown area of Amsterdam, at the start of the Nine Streets, you’ll find the Bij Ons Vintage stores. The cozy retro interior and vintage fashion collection will take you back in time. Discover unique fashion items from the 50s to the 80s, featuring brands you’ve probably never heard of.
TIP >> Keep an eye on their Instagram for regular discounts, and if you’re a student, you’ll get 25% off any purchase of €20 or more with your student card.
When you walk down the canals, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Amsterdam’s top vintage hotspots. Start at Laura Dols on Wolvenstraat and walk to Elandsgracht to complete your sustainable route.
4. Laura Dols
Open Mon-Sat 11 AM – 6 PM, Sun 12 PM – 6 PM | Wolvenstraat 7
Upon arriving at the store, you’ll immerse yourself in glamorous vintage fashion from the 1950s to the 1980s. This iconic thrift shop has a collection of beautiful vintage evening wear, party dresses, petticoats, and lots of glitter. Laura Dols is the place for those who love elegant and classic fashion with a nostalgic touch.
5. Episode
Open Sun–Thu: 11 AM – 7 PM | Fri & Sat: 10 AM – 7 PM / Waterlooplein 1
Just a short walk down the street at the Keizersgracht bridge corner, you’ll find Episode. This popular thrift shop has multiple locations around Amsterdam and is a hotspot for locals. Here, you’ll find a wide range of secondhand clothing for both men and women, with pieces from various past decades. Episode is also the perfect place for accessories, leather goods, and vintage bags. Don’t miss their unique upcycled collection, crafted by their own team!
6. Zipper
Open Mon-Wed 11 AM – 6 PM, Thu-Sat 11 AM – 7 PM, Sun 12 PM – 6 PM | Huidenstraat 7
Take a small detour to the south or north side of the canals to visit the secondhand hotspot Zipper. This store is loved for its wide selection of diverse vintage clothing, accessories, and shoes. Zipper offers both men’s and women’s clothing and is popular for its mix of affordable vintage basics, eye-catching statement pieces, and unique designer finds. Known for its dynamic and lively atmosphere, Zipper is an unmissable hotspot among vintage lovers.
7. Enso Vintage
Open daily 11 AM – 6 PM | Elandsgracht 12H
Our last stop on the vintage hotspot map is Enso Vintage. This clean, small store is perfect for aesthetic appreciators and designer hunters. It focuses on high-quality clothing and style, ranging from high-end statement items to timeless pieces. Every item is carefully curated by the team, ensuring you discover vintage fashion you won’t find anywhere else. The stylish interior and relaxed vibe provide the perfect shopping experience to conclude your sustainable route through the city.
Prefer Not to Walk?
If you’d rather not walk because shopping can be tiring enough, consider booking an all-in-one public transport card. This handy card allows you to use all public transport options, including buses, trams, and the metro, making it easy to navigate your vintage shopping route and visit nearby attractions without the hassle of long walks. Plus, it’s perfect for exploring Amsterdam’s incredible museums, so you can enjoy a day of shopping and culture all in one go!
Nearby Museums to Explore
We love to mix our love for vintage finds with visits to some great museums nearby. These attractions are close to our shopping route, so it’s easy to enjoy both vintage shopping and the city’s rich art scene. Here are some museums you won’t want to miss! Many of these places have changing exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see:
Share Your Vintage Finds With us!
We always love to see that you follow our tips and visit the places we recommend! Tag us on Instagram or TikTok. We’d love to hear about your vintage shopping experiences! Do you already follow us? We even share more of the best places, restaurants and things to do on our Socials.
Even More Insider Tips
As locals, we’re excited to share our best tips with you—after all, who better to ask? You might also enjoy reading:
- A List of Our Favorite Breakfast Places in the City
- Our Monthly Event Guide Full of Best Things to Do this Month
- A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Museums in Amsterdam
- Most Beautiful Streets in Amsterdam You Have to Visit
- Must-Know Travel Tips for Your Amsterdam Visit
- Best Local Street Markets in Amsterdam
