The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)

Wedged between the grand Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht canals, The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) represents the quintessential Amsterdam canal-side experience, strip-mined of tourist traps and filled with authentic local character.

What to expect

The Nine Streets are comprised of three parallel streets—Reestraat, Hartenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg (forming the northern tier); Berenstraat, Wolvenstraat, Oude Spiegelstraat (middle); and Runstraat, Huidenstraat, Wijde Heisteeg (southern).

Visitors traverse narrow, cobblestone alleyways flanked by 17th-century merchant houses. Forget mass-market chains; this district is a curated ecosystem of independent boutiques. You will find high-quality stationery at De Posthumuswinkel (one of the oldest stamp makers in the city), vintage designer archives, and independent artisan ateliers. Sensory highlights include the scent of roasting coffee from Pluk, the sight of aged wooden shopfronts reflecting in the canal waters, and the tactile experience of browsing independent bookstores and local leathercraft workshops. It is a place for slow wandering rather than rapid sightseeing.

History & significance

The Nine Streets were constructed during the 17th-century expansion of the city, originally built to house craftsmen and cobblers. The name of each street—Berenstraat (Bear Street), Wolvenstraat (Wolf Street), Huidenstraat (Hide Street)—actually references the tanning and fur industries that once dominated this quadrant of the city. Today, it remains a protected UNESCO World Heritage district, preserved to maintain its original structural integrity while accommodating modern boutique retail.

Practical tips

Opening Hours: Most stores operate on a 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, though many stay open until 7:00 PM on Thursdays. Note that some independent shop owners close on Mondays or Sunday mornings.
Queues: There are no tickets or queues for the streets themselves. However, popular cafes like Pluk or Bakers & Roasters (nearby) build queues by late morning; plan your coffee break for 10:30 AM or 3:00 PM to secure a window seat.
Best Time of Day: Arrive before 11:00 AM. In the early morning, the light hits the canal facades perfectly, and the foot traffic is sparse, allowing you to photograph the bridges without crowds.

Getting there

The district is located in the heart of the Canal Belt (Grachtengordel).

Tram: Take lines 2, 11, or 12 to the Spui stop, which leaves you a 5-minute walk from Runstraat.
Walking: It is approximately a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station. The streets are pedestrian-friendly but narrow; skip the bike if you plan on stopping frequently, as locking a cycle in these cramped passages is notoriously difficult.

Nearby