Digging through charity shops and second-hand stores isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s a great way to get your hands on affordable, unique and retro items to update your wardrobe. Plus it can also help to reduce your carbon footprint – win, win! We’ve rounded up a few of the best spots in Amsterdam for sustainable shopping. Time to grab your tote bags and hunt for some sustainable bargains!

1. Time Machine Vintage

It’s only fair to start this piece with Time Machine Vintage. They are one of the first thrift stores in the city running since 1969, so you know they are truly vintage! It’s also one of those rare thrift stores that are reasonably priced so being sustainable doesn’t have to pinch your pockets. From silk blouses to vintage denim, you’re sure to leave with a bag full of pre-loved goodies!

Where to find us: Nieuwe Hoogstraat 26
1011 HG Amsterdam

2. Relove Exchange

Your one-stop-shop for everything second hand and sustainable in Amsterdam. From clothes and shoes to crockery and bric-a-brac, Relove Exchange has it all. A lot of the items here have been hand-picked, so there’s no need to spend hours upon rummaging!

Where to find us: Ferdinand Bolstraat 110
1072 LP Amsterdam

3. Lena Fashion Library

Ever heard of a library for clothes? In an effort to fight the overconsumption & overproduction of clothes, the founders of the Fashion Library started a monthly subscription scheme to extend the lifespan of clothes. The members can borrow clothes and return them in a month’s time or buy it for a 10% discount. Who knew borrowing clothes could be so responsible?

Where to find us: Westerstraat 174h
1015 MP Amsterdam

4. Fashion For Good

If you thought Fashion For Good is just a museum – think again! The museum store on the ground floor sells a variety of sustainable brands that sell everything from fish skin purses to recycled polyester clothing. For those on the hunt for a more eco-friendly souvenir Fashion For Good is a must-visit!

Where to find us: Rokin 102
1012 KZ Amsterdam

5. Rumours Vintage

A Clink favourite and one of the most popular thrift stores in Amsterdam, so popular in fact that there are two branches. One just a 15-minute walk from ClinkNOORD and another at Haarlemmerstraat 99. Each of their stores is full of unique vintage finds that are truly one of a kind. You can shop everything from the funky 60s jewellery to the vibrant 90s jackets and all of it is pre-loved!

Where to find us: Haarlemmerstraat 29
Amsterdam 1013 EM
&
Haarlemmerstraat 99
Amsterdam 1013 EM

6. Episode

Episode has recently opened its doors in Amsterdam after the success of its multiple branches around Europe. The store boasts a large collection of vintage sneakers, jackets and jumpers making it ideal for fashionistas. They also pride themselves on their supply chain and makes sure that every item is quality checked – no old smelly clothes here!

Where to find us: Berenstraat 1
1016 GG Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city jam-packed with restaurants, street food stalls and takeaways – its certainly not short of places to dine. But where is best to go I hear you ask?! Check out the selection of restaurants below which compiles some of the most quaint, unheard of gems within the Dam food scene. From eclectic Thai restaurants to the best cheese fondue, we’ve got you covered. Sit back and indulge – literally!

1. Rakang

Where? Elandsgracht 29 – 31
Why go? For bold Thai flavours in an eclectic and colourful setting

Rakang has been around for a long time (since 1994 to be exact!) and for very good reason. This cosy Jordan restaurant is a real favourite with the Amsterdam locals thanks to its authentic Thai flavours based around three core pillars: simplicity of dishes, fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours.

Colourful and contemporary artwork adorns the walls and Eastern-inspired crockery fills the tables. Favourite dishes with the locals include the thom kha kai soup along with the beef tenderloin in oyster sauce and the fried prawns with curry powder and fiery red chillies.

2. Miss Korea BBQ

Where? Albert Cuypstraat 66-70
Why go? For a unique dining experience, you can enjoy with friends

All you can eat restaurants can often conjure up visions of unappetising mountains of buffet food. Not so at Miss Korea BBQ. Here, diners sit around a table with an inset barbecue at its centre and cook their own sizzling dinner, choosing from seasoned beef, pork belly, squid, prawns and veg. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

It’s a great social spot to head to with a group of friends (old or new!) You can spend a good few hours chatting whilst you cook up a storm. If you’re looking to eat like a local in Amsterdam, you could do worse than Miss Korea BBQ.

3. De Zuid

Where? Azartplein 2A, 1019 PD
Why go? For cheese fondue and some of the best views across the city.

As a mostly residential area, Java Island isn’t well known to most visitors coming to Amsterdam. A pleasant walk from Centraal Station along the recently developed IJ Waterfront, this small island boasts some impressive modern architecture and great views overlooking the city. It’s certainly worth a visit if you’re looking to venture off the tourist track.

A hidden gem well-loved by Amsterdam locals is De Zuid. With friendly, smiling staff and a no-fuss atmosphere, this cosy pub does a delectable cheese fondue and has a great selection of Belgian beers. Once you’re finished, take a stroll across the street. Once you approach the water, head towards some giant concrete steps where you’ll get a beautiful view across the water to the city.

4. Sir Hummus

Where? Van der Helstplein 2
Why go? For simply the best hummus in town.
When? n.b. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

If you often feel overwhelmed with the sheer choice on menus these days, then Sir Hummus could well be the place for you. Located in the trendy De Pijp district, this local favourite serves just one thing … You guessed it: hummus!

Here at Sir Hummus, the well-loved chickpea dip is more than something to eat with a crisp or spread in a sandwich. It forms the basis of a whole dish. Served slightly warm with fresh herbs, a spicy sauce, pitta bread and a side salad, it’s a hearty and healthy lunch that really hits the spot. Add meat or mushrooms if you’re feeling particularly peckish.

5. Drovers Dog

Where? Eerste Atjehstraat 62, 1094 KP
Why go? To eat like a local in Amsterdam – via Australia

Aussies know how to do brunch and this place is absolute proof of that. Banging Bloody Marys, proper coffee and a cracking selection of brekkie dishes, this is a spot that Amsterdam locals return to again and again. The atmosphere, as you’d expect from a place run by Australians, is super relaxed.

So, if you’re looking for a leisurely way to spend a few hours – with friends or with a book or pile of newspapers – head to Drovers Dog. Brunch is our favourite here, but they do dinner too and we wouldn’t turn our nose up at that either. So popular is Drovers Dog, they’ve now got two other locations in the city.

6. Hotel de Goudfazant

Where? Aambeeldstraat 10H
Why go? For a special dinner in a spectacular setting

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for a special occasion, we’d heartily recommend a visit to Hotel de Goudfazant. Unlike its name suggests, this is not a hotel but rather a restaurant in an old industrial warehouse in Amsterdam Noord.

The space manages to feel grand yet cosy with an impressive chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. For just €31.50 you can enjoy a three-course set menu which generally comprises of classic French-inspired dishes. Tables are filled mainly with groups of Dutch friends, families and couples so if you’re looking to eat like a local in Amsterdam, Hotel de Ghoudfazant is a ‘ghoud’ bet.

7. Yam Yam Trattoria Pizzeria

Where? Frederik Hendrikstraat 88-90
Why go? For pizza done right

Sometimes, nothing but a good pizza will do! Luckily Amsterdam has upped its game in recent years when it comes to good Italian food. Yam Yam is a local favourite in Amsterdam West. With a proper wood-fired oven and the feel of a chic Italian cafeteria, this is the perfect spot to enjoy crispy, authentic pizza and a nice bottle of red.

Plus, as the pizzas are light to eat, we’re quite sure you’ll have room for one of Yam Yam’s famous gelatos to finish off your dinner the proper Italian way.

8. De Wasserette

Where? Eerste Van der Helststraat 27
Why go? For cracking sandwiches and proper coffee

If you’re planning a visit to Albert Cuyp market, a favourite with Amsterdam locals, then De Wasserette is a great place to stop for a spot of lunch when you’ve wandered around a lot of stalls and starting to feel peckish.

Well known for their fantastic sandwiches, you’ll find a young, hip crowd here (the ones who always know where to find a good coffee!) With outdoor heaters you can even sit outside during the winter – a great spot for watching the colourful characters that go by in this vibrant neighbourhood

9. Cafe Par Hasard

Where? Ceintuurbaan 113-115, Amsterdam
Why go? For classic and hearty dishes at a great price

What list of local favourites would be complete without a mention of a firm Dutch favourite snack – fries served in a paper cone with a good dollop of mayonnaise on top? You can pick up a delicious version of this on-the-go snack at the Friterie counter next to Café Par Hasard.

Or if you’re looking for something a little more substantial, then Par Hasard serves up hearty classics like bitterballen, fish and chips and steak tartare. The three-course menu for €27.50 is popular amongst locals and pretty good value in our book.

If all this food has got you hungry for a visit to Amsterdam then book your bed at Ecomama today!

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Top Sustainable Shopping Spots In Amsterdam