Your guide to thrift / vintage shopping in Amsterdam
There’s shopping, there’s thrifting, and then there’s thrifting in Amsterdam! The city’s thrift shops and markets are like living museums, allowing you to sift through items that once belonged to locals. For those seeking sustainable and affordable fashion alternatives, Amsterdam offers a treasure of options.
But let’s be real—not all thrift shops are equal. Some are like finding a diamond in the rough, while others… well, let’s just say they have a bit too much rough and not enough diamond. Lucky for you, we’ve done some research and come across the best thrift stores and vintage shops in Amsterdam. No scam or overpriced stores on this blog! So this is our selection of where to find the best thrifted stuff in Amsterdam!
1. IJ-hallen
Known for being the largest flea market in Europe, IJhallen is a haven for thrift enthusiasts. Held on weekend per month, so you might want to plan your trip around the next IJhal weekend! During the cold season it is held in a massive industrial warehouse, called NDSM Wharf, during the spring/summer, the market moves outdoors, becoming an open-air market. From clothing and accessories to furniture and antiques, you can find just about anything here. The market opens at 9 AM, so our personal suggestion would be: wear comfortable shoes, bring bags and be there as soon as you can! Check the IJhallen website for the agenda.
2. Waterlooplein Market
Waterlooplein Market is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most famous flea markets. This market offers an eclectic mix of second-hand clothes, vintage items, vinyls and unique finds… but you will have to get your hands dirty to find the good stuff and do not be afraid of a bit of dust! While enjoying the thrifting you might need some laundry and dry cleaning-related help too.
3. Candies
Although Candies is a vintage store rather than a thrift shop, it’s worth mentioning for its curated selection of high-quality items. Be prepared for higher prices, but also expect to find some rare pieces that are well worth the investment.
4. Kilo Shop
Kilo Shop has different locations, but the best one is definitely in De Pijp, Amsterdam’s trendiest neighborhood. We love the range of vintage fashion in this store which has everything from 80s style jumpers, fur jackets, summer dresses, sunglasses and high quality second-hand denim jeans. Unlike traditional thrift stores, Kiloshop charges by weight rather than per item.
Thrifting isn’t just about saving money; it is not just about sustainability; it’s about creating a wardrobe as unique as you are. By thrifting in Amsterdam, your wardrobe can become a unique collection of pieces that tell a story. Get ready to upgrade your wardrobe with unique pieces that scream “I thrifted this in Amsterdam!”
Visiting Amsterdam on a budget?
Read more tips on ways to save some money on your Amsterdam trip in our blog. Pro tip is of course a city card that includes all the attractions you want to visit, for example: the Explore Pass Amsterdam. 😊
