Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous municipality of the Netherlands. Its status as the capital is mandated by the Constitution of the Netherlands, although it is not the seat of the government, which is The Hague. Amsterdam has a population of 851,373 within the city proper, 1,351,587 in the urban area,and 2,410,960 in the Amsterdam metropolitan area. The city is located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country but is not its capital, which is Haarlem. The metropolitan area comprises much of the northern part of the Randstad, one of the larger conurbations in Europe, with a population of approximately 7 million.

Shopping at Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to many established and budding fashion talents. In addition to all the big brands, fashion chains (on Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat) and international designers.

There are some great markets to choose, set mostly in the centre of town. Whatever you are into, you are most likely to find it at one of the many markets- whether its general domestic appliances and other household goods or speciality produce such as cheeses or bread. All items are individually priced but if you are really daring, go down to the Waterlooplein Flea Market, one of the few markets in Amsterdam where haggling is commonplace, for your flowers or plants visit the Flower Market – Bloemenmarkt, and for your biological food check the Farmer’s market - Boerenmarkt (on Noordermarkt).