Monday - Amsterdam's 9 Straatjes

When you feel like doing a bit of shopping, have grown tired of all the usual chains populating the Dutch high streets and maybe are looking for something different, take a walk around the "9 straatjes" (= 9 little streets) in Amsterdam.

This cute-ish name defines an area comprising 9 blocks enclosed between the Singel and the Prinsengracht, dotted with small indipendent shops, cafes and vintage (too expensive to be called second-hand, that is) shops.

Even if you don't need (or want) to buy anything, a walk around and maybe a stop for a bite and a drink are still worthy, as the whole area has a nice village feeling to it and is away-from-the maddening-crowds that roam the Dam or the Red Light District.

http://www.de9straatjes.nl/uk/

As seen in a shop in one of the 9 straatjes.