Prepare yourself to be smitten by the inimitable charm of De 9 Straatjes, the nine little streets tucked in the heart of Amsterdam’s beautiful canal district. With their compact size and unique mixture of distinctive boutiques, vintage shops, delightful cozy cafes, and picturesque canal views, these straatjes (streets) adorning the Amsterdam’s city map are a veritable treasure trove for any explorer.
Amsterdam’s Quirkiest Corner
This spot’s infectious ambience beautifully captures Amsterdam’s rich culture and history, ultimately spurring the words of renowned poet, John Greenleaf Whittier who once declared:
„Each broken arch and ivyed wall,
Stands in the twilight of the past,
And hears its old-world echoes fall.“
A Brief Journey Back in Time
The story of De 9 Straatjes begins in the Golden Age, precisely 1612, during Amsterdam’s expansion. Planned and designed by city planner Hendrick Jacobsz Staets, this quarter quickly became a lively working-class and trading area. Today, you can still sense the artistic ambiance and listen to its old-world whispers from the myriad of beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings.
What are these nine bewitching streets?
Nested in the heart of Canal Amsterdam, they are:
- Reestraat
- Hartenstraat
- Gasthuismolensteeg
- Berenstraat
- Wolvenstraat
- Oude Spiegelstraat
- Runstraat
- Huidenstraat
- Wijde Heisteeg
Best-Kept Secrets in De 9 Straatjes
Intriguing Shops and Boutiques
Every single shop in De 9 Straatjes radiates a different vibe, making shopping here an adventurous exploration. From vintage stores to avant-garde fashion curators, these streets are an addictive blend of the archaic, avant-garde, and everything in between.
For instance, Laura Dols located at Wolvenstraat 6 is a must-visit for vintage lovers. Meanwhile, the jewellery boutique Beadies, found at Huidenstraat 6, is an absolute marvel for those with an affinity for all things shiny and bright.
| Shop Name | Address | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| Laura Dols | Wolvenstraat 6 | Vintage Clothing |
| Beadies | Huidenstraat 6 | Handmade Jewellery |
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
The culinary scene in De 9 Straatjes is as quirky as the district itself. Walking through these streets, you will be enticed by a variety of aromas wafting from cozy cafes, bakeries, brunch spots and upscale restaurants.
Cafe de Reiger, at Nieuwe Leliestraat 34, offers the classic Amsterdam pub-experience, while the exciting menu at Libertine Café Café at Wolvenstraat 22, shall satiate the taste buds of anyone hankering for an indulgent meal.
| Food Spot | Address | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Cafe de Reiger | Nieuwe Leliestraat 34 | Traditional Dutch |
| Libertine Café Café | Wolvenstraat 22 | High-end fusion dishes |
Getting There and Around
De 9 Straatjes are essentially located between Leidsestraat and Raadhuisstraat. It’s effortlessly reachable by trams, buses, and is a short biking distance from Amsterdam Centraal. Indeed, there is no better way than to get lost in the labyrinths of De 9 Straatjes on foot or by bike, soaking in the daily life of this quaint district.
Embarking on a journey through De 9 Straatjes is akin to diving into the pages of an antique book – each corner echoes a heartwarming tale of art, culture, and history. After all, as Henry Miller once noted, „One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.“ Let De 9 Straatjes be your new lens to experience the entrancing city of Amsterdam!