We stayed for 10 days, but the truth is, 4 days is enough to get a solid feel for the city. Amsterdam is compact and well connected, so if you’re staying in the city center or in nearby neighborhoods, you can do almost everything on foot, by bicycle, bus or tram.

Amsterdam was the most expensive city we stayed in during the trip. Besides the nightly rate, there’s also a tourist tax, which makes it even pricier. That’s why we ended up staying a bit further out from the center — which, to be honest, wasn’t ideal. If you can, stay in more central neighborhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp or Oud-West. That way you’ll make better use of your time and get around more easily.

Patta Located in Centrum. Founded in 2004 by Edson Sabajo and Guillaume Schmidt, Patta is one of the most influential sneaker culture brands in Europe. It started as a local store and grew into a global label, with major collaborations with Nike, Converse, Vans, and ASICS. The store itself is minimalist and low-profile — especially compared to others we visited — but what makes Patta special goes far beyond the space. It represents community and legacy. Visiting the store is almost a symbolic gesture for anyone who follows streetwear culture.

Solebox Also in Centrum, visiting this boutique is more about the experience than just the product selection. The store looks and feels like a laboratory — with tiled walls, a sneaker periodic table, hazard signs, test tubes, bubbling liquids, and even bursts of smoke that fill the space every now and then. Founded in Berlin, Solebox has collaborated with nearly every major brand and now has locations in multiple European cities.

Baskèts At De Pijp, this Amsterdam-based store focuses on streetwear, sneakers, and graphic design. In addition to its in-house brand, it carries a curated selection from Carhartt, Stüssy, Veja, and others — plus books, magazines, and design objects.

Sneaker District In Centrum. Founded in Amsterdam in 2010, the store has expanded with locations in Antwerp and Paris. It has a strong mix of sneakers and streetwear, blending classic models with new drops.

DIV Amsterdam Located in Oost, it’s focused on contemporary and minimalist streetwear. DIV’s selection blends the classic with the hyped — featuring brands like Norse Projects, A.P.C., and Wood Wood.

Maha Located in Jordaan and founded in 2015, Maha is one of the few stores in Europe entirely dedicated to women’s streetwear. The curatorship is a real standout, with unique, exclusive pieces made for women — far from the usual “shrink it and pink it” approach. They carry brands like Sporty & Rich, Ader Error, Salomon, adidas and New Balance. The space itself is also beautifully designed.

Behind The Pines Located in Jordaan. A store that blends streetwear, outdoor fashion, and snow sports. The focus is on quality and sustainability, with brands like Patagonia, Snow Peak, Veja, and more. A beachy, laid-back vibe.

Chaptr One Also in Centrum, this is one of Amsterdam’s first sneaker consignment boutiques. Located on the iconic Singel canal, it was founded in late 2017 by sneaker enthusiast and Air Max collector Chanica “Shoenica” Kist. Specializes in reselling rare models and exclusive collaborations. If you’re into sneakers, design, and unique pieces, this one’s a must-visit.

Café de Jaren At Centrum, it’s a great spot worth visiting for the view. Located right by the canal, the café sits inside a beautiful former bank full of original details. It has an open, airy interior, plus a balcony and leafy patio. Perfect for relaxing after a long walk. That’s exactly what we did — even with the chill in the air, we sat outside by the water, watching the boats and bridges.

STACH Food Located in Stadionplein, across from the Olympic Stadium, STACH is a small and modest café with great drinks, sandwiches, and smoothies — totally our kind of place. On weekends, there’s a small food market out front where you can try different cuisines. A local tip from our friends Rafael D’Paula and Vanessa Rodriguez.

Meo’s Colosseum At Oud-West, we didn’t manage to go, but this one definitely deserves a spot here. With over 20 years of history, Meo’s is known for its authentic Surinamese cuisine. In 2021, it partnered with Patta — one of Europe’s most influential streetwear brands — showing how food and culture can walk hand in hand.

Moco Museum Located in Museumplein, it’s a private museum focused on modern and contemporary art. It features works by Banksy, Murakami, Kusama, Basquiat, Sorayama, and other heavy hitters in pop and street art. The museum is housed in an old home, and the artworks are spread across its many rooms — which makes walking through the space part of the experience. Moco also has locations in Barcelona and London, but the Amsterdam museum is the original.

Stedelijk Museum Also in Museumplein, its our favorite museum in the city. With striking architecture, it brings together modern art and contemporary design installations. Founded in 1874, it’s known for its Mondrian and Malevich collections and bold exhibitions.

Skatecafe In Noord, it was on our list, but we didn’t get the chance to go. It has a vibe similar to Layback in Florianópolis — mixing skateboarding and food in an industrial warehouse space.

Waterfront by the Eye Museum Also in Noord. Take the free ferry from Central Station to the Eye Film Museum. In front of the building, there’s a wide staircase with an incredible view of the city. It’s the perfect place to chill and watch the movement on the IJ river.

Café De Duivel Located in Centrum. We didn’t get to visit, but it’s worth a mention. Founded in the 1990s, Café De Duivel is a legendary bar and one of the first to embrace hip hop culture in Amsterdam.

We hope you enjoy Kickstory’s guide to Amsterdam! Here are our final thoughts on the city:

Amsterdam has a strong streetwear and sneaker culture scene, with stores that stand out not just for their selection, but for their history — like Patta, Sneaker District, and Maha. Some are more traditional, others bet on bold concepts, but all of them reflect the diversity of the city. The local food isn’t necessarily the highlight, but it’s easy to find great options, especially in food markets and neighborhood spots.

The city has a lot of interesting museums, and getting around is easy — whether by bicycle or public transport. Central neighborhoods like De Pijp, Jordaan, and Oud-West bring together the best of food, shopping, and leisure — and are great areas to stay. We hope our tips help you build your own route through Amsterdam, with that familiar Kickstory lens.

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*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate/sponsored links, for which I make a commission.