Last Updated: August 29, 2022
Best Souvenirs From Amsterdam: Souvenirs For Everyone
Wondering which souvenirs you should take home from Amsterdam? You’re definitely in the right place because we’ll tell you all about the best Amsterdam souvenirs!
Gouda cheese, stroopwafels, Anne Franke memorabilia, and candy are just some of the most popular Amsterdam souvenirs you can take home. Read on to learn more about the best souvenirs from Amsterdam, and see which items you should search for while you’re visiting the Dutch capital!
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Vincent Van Gogh Memorabilia
Amsterdam is home to the Van Gogh museum which houses the largest collection of artists’ works in the world. It’s the most popular museum in the country and one of the top tourist attractions in the city, especially for art lovers.
When you’re done exploring the museum’s collection, head to the Van Gogh museum shop for some of the best souvenir shopping in Amsterdam. Everything at the shop is inspired by Van Gogh’s artworks, and they sell everything from cushion covers to diamond jewelry. Whether you’re looking to spend a fortune or just a few bucks, you’ll find something in your price range at this souvenir shop.
The museum shop also sells books about Vincent Van Gogh and his artworks, and it’s even possible to purchase custom prints. This is a great place to look for gifts as well, especially if you’re looking for unique presents.
Gouda Cheese
Gouda is the most famous variety of Dutch cheese and it’s one of the best things you can buy in Amsterdam. Head straight to the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store in the heart of the city, for the best selection of Gouda cheese you’ll ever see in your life.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed in this cheese store, especially if you hadn’t considered just how many varieties of gouda cheese exist in Amsterdam. The good news is that the staff at the store are very helpful and they’ll let you try the different cheeses until you’ve figured out which one you like best and want to take home.
Don’t go too crazy with the cheeses and remember that you probably can’t fit an entire wheel of cheese in your luggage. The more varieties you try the harder it will be to decide which cheese to take home, but it’s smart to pick up a slice of each cheese you liked.
Eat them while you’re still in Amsterdam or pack them in your luggage to bring home – it’s up to you, but keep in mind that the cheese needs to be packaged airtight for transport, otherwise your luggage could stink up half the airport.
Tulip Bulbs
Tulips are one of the things that Holland is best known for around the world, so it makes sense to pick up a few tulip bulbs in Amsterdam. Head to Amsterdam’s iconic floating flower market to find the best selection of tulip bulbs, fresh flowers, and other Amsterdam souvenirs.
The city’s floating flower market has been operating since 1862 and it’s one of the most famous symbols of the city. The market is open from Monday to Saturday, so you have plenty of time to scour the market for the best tulip bulbs you can find. It’s better to arrive at the market earlier in the morning before the stock of most vendors is emptied out by tourists and locals alike.
The floating flower market in Amsterdam is situated in the city center. The stalls with flowers are usually on the boats that are moored in the canal, and that’s why it’s called a floating flower market in the first place!
Dutch Beer
The Netherlands produces some of the world’s most famous pale lagers – the likes of Heineken, Bavaria, and Amstel are all produced in the country and exported to countries all over the world. Although you can find these beers pretty much anywhere in the world, they taste the best when you try them at the source.
Head to one of the many bars in the city to taste fresh local lagers on tap and decide which you like best. You can buy Dutch beers to take home almost anywhere in the city, but it’s best to head to specialty shops. These stores sell local and international craft beers, as well as specialty beers that you won’t be able to find in supermarket chains.
There are dozens of beer shops throughout the city of Amsterdam, and a few are in the inner city center.
Stroopwafel
Stroopwafels are some of the most popular souvenirs from Amsterdam but also one of the most famous Dutch treats. A stroopwafel is two thin waffles joined together with delicious caramel and it tastes absolutely amazing. The sweet snack has become so popular you can now find it in stores all over the world, but those can’t quite compare to fresh stroopwafels from Amsterdam.
Pick up a bag of stroopwafels to take home, but be sure to also try them fresh. Countless coffee shops all over Amsterdam press fresh stroopwafels, and some even dip them into other toppings, to make them even more delicious.
Head to Van Wonderen Stroopwafels in central Amsterdam to try some delicious, Instagram-worthy treats. The fresh stroopwafels are dipped in toppings such as salted caramel, M&Ms, white chocolate, marshmallows, and more, and you can eat them right there at the cafe.
Van Wonderen also sells packaged stroopwafels, so be sure to pick up a few bags to take home as souvenirs.
Dutch Licorice
The Dutch are famous for being obsessed with licorice. They consume approximately four pounds of licorice per person every year, plus the country is the largest producer of licorice in the European Union. What’s even more interesting is that the Netherlands doesn’t grow any licorice at all – they import the raw product and turn it into candy, which is then exported all over the world.
Dutch licorice is one of the things that most people who visit the Netherlands choose to bring home. The average sweet tooth will especially have a good time in Amsterdam, considering there are candy shops in pretty much every corner of the city.
It’s impossible to select just one candy shop and call it the best in the city – a lot of them have a similar range of products, and the only thing that matters is which candy you like best.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of licorice it’s worth it to try some while you’re in Amsterdam. Maybe there’s truly something special about the Dutch licorice – try and see what the hype is about. If you end up liking it, you’ll be glad you still have some time to scour the shops and purchase all the licorice you can carry. Otherwise, you can gift it to a sweet tooth and they’ll be forever grateful for the gesture.
Cannabis (If You’re Allowed)
Amsterdam is world-famous for being one of a few places in Europe where you can legally smoke weed. Coffee shops throughout the city sell cannabis, and you’re allowed to purchase up to five grams of any strain and smoke it in the coffee shop, as long as you’re not being a pain in the ass about it.
This has made the city a prime destination among potheads all over the world, many of whom like to bring some of the special Dutch ganja back home. Dutch weed makes for a great souvenir, but only if you are allowed to bring it into your country.
So, before you start filling your suitcase with Amnesia Haze, check your country’s customs and see if you’re allowed to bring cannabis inside the country. If you’re not (which will probably be the case) you can always opt for some cannabis-inspired souvenirs.
Even if you don’t smoke weed, you can pick up a rasta-colored cheese slicer or a cute magnet, plus you can purchase all sorts of gifts for all your friends who enjoy the occasional puff. Grinders, pipes, bongs, and pretty much everything related to weed are sold all over Amsterdam, so the options are endless.
Anne Frank Memorabilia
Anne Frank is one of the most prominent figures in Dutch history, so it makes perfect sense to pick up some Anne Frank memorabilia while you’re in the city. Head to Anne Frank house – it’s one of Amsterdam’s most famous museums and an attraction that’s usually the first thing many tourists in Amsterdam come to see.
The museum has its own souvenir shop where you can purchase Anne Frank’s diary, other books, DVDs, and smaller memorabilia. You can get a simple tote bag with the logo of the museum – it makes for a great Amsterdam souvenir, but it’s also very functional since you can use it to carry all your Gouda cheese, stroopwafels, and other souvenirs you purchase in Amsterdam!
Wooden Clogs
Wooden clogs have a long history in the Netherlands. They date back to the 13th century when they were worn by local farmers, factory workers, and fishermen for their comfort, insulation, and durability. They weren’t originally made entirely from wood – the initial wooden clogs were made from leather and only had a wooden sole.
However, this initial design of the clog wasn’t protective enough, and it wasn’t long until the Dutch started to carve out entire shoes from poplar or willow. Hooks, nails, and other sharp objects can’t penetrate the wood, which is one of the key reasons for the popularity of these shoes among Dutch farmers, workers, and artisans.
Today, they’re more of memorabilia of a previous era, particularly for the tourists who come to Amsterdam. You can find wooden clogs in countless shops throughout the city – they’re made in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, and it’s extremely easy to find a pair you love and want to take home.
Wooden clogs also make for great presents from Amsterdam, especially for those people in your life who you know are very into shoes.
Delft Blue
Delft Blue is world-famous pottery from the Netherlands. It’s been produced since the 17th century in the city of Delft, which is situated near The Hague in the western Netherlands. In the early days of Delft pottery, it was very popular among the wealthier Dutch people, who would show off their collection to their peers.
The authentic Delftware potters preferred to call Delft Blue pottery porcelain, but the reality is that it is a much cheaper version of authentic Chinese porcelain. It’s much more affordable than real porcelain, and nowadays it’s affordable enough that most tourists visiting Amsterdam can afford to pick up a smaller piece or two, to take home as souvenirs.
Although the pottery is specific to the city of Delft, you can easily find authentic souvenirs in Amsterdam. There are several Delft Blue pottery stores in the city, and most of them are stocked with affordable items that the average tourist is more likely to purchase. You can even find Delft Blue clogs and Nijntje Knuffel plushies dressed in Delft Blue pottery colors!
Cheese Slicer
Every cheese connoisseur needs a good cheese slicer and Amsterdam is the perfect city to look for one. How else are you going to cut up all the cheeses you bought while visiting Amsterdam?
Cheese slicers, graters, and knife sets are sold in most shops throughout the city, so you don’t have to head to a specialty cheese store to find them. It’s worth noting that the ones sold in cheese shops and other specialty stores are usually higher quality than the gimmicky slicers sold at souvenir shops.
They’re also more expensive, so ultimately it comes down to whether you want to buy a proper Dutch cheese slicer, or you’re just looking for a cute Amsterdam souvenir to take home. In any case, a good cheese slicer makes for a great Amsterdam souvenir that you can actually use for years to come.
Handmade Wallet
Amsterdam is known for a variety of quality leather shops where you can buy handmade, one-of-a-kind products. There are countless shops that sell leather goods in Amsterdam, and many of them sell gorgeous handcrafted goods.
A handmade wallet is a pricey Amsterdam souvenir, but one that will likely last you decades to come. Some of the most popular leather goods stores in Amsterdam are situated in the inner city center, and you can find most of them while you’re just walking around and exploring the city.
Hester van Eeghen stores are particularly common in Amsterdam. The famous designer is one of the most influential Dutch designers of the 20th century, and her stores can be found in countries all over the world. If you want to get a high-quality leather wallet from one of Holland’s most famous designers, a Hester van Eeghen store is definitely the best place to go.
Alternatively, you can find handmade wallets in various souvenir shops throughout the city. They won’t be quite as fancy, but they will be beautiful, and unique, and they’ll forever remind you of your trip to the Dutch capital!
Dutch Gin Mayonnaise
In 2017 a famous Amsterdam seafood restaurant started serving gin-infused mayonnaise with their dishes. This was Mossel & Gin and that move just made them even more internationally famous. Today, they have their own brand of gin-infused mayonnaise and ketchup, which they export to countries all over the world.
It’s as insane as it sounds, but it’s a sneaky way to have some gin with your breakfast without anyone having a clue. You can buy Gin Mayonnaise in various grocery shops throughout Amsterdam, but it’s best to head straight to the source and taste it at the restaurant for the first time.
It’s worth noting that infusing mayonnaise and ketchup with gin has made this seafood restaurant extremely famous. It’s busy almost all the time, so be sure to book a table a couple of days in advance, at least. Try one of their staple dishes infused with the signature condiment, and see if it’s worth buying to take home as a souvenir, or as your new favorite spread for breakfast!
Nijntje Knuffel
Nijntje Knuffel are some of the cutest souvenirs you can take home from Amsterdam. These are stuffed toys that are extremely popular among Dutch children, and they can be found in various stores throughout the city. You can get these in grocery stores, toy stores, and souvenir shops, but you’ll also find the occasional nintje knuffel in a cheese shop or a pottery store.
They are so ubiquitous in the Netherlands that they’re everywhere you look, so it’s virtually impossible not to notice them while you are traveling in Amsterdam. Pick up one of these plushy toys to bring home, and it will remind you of your trip to Amsterdam every time you glance at it.
The stuffed toys also make for great presents for children, so stock up on these souvenirs if you’re shopping for kids.
Chocolate
The Dutch even do chocolate differently – while traditional cacao has a strong and somewhat acidic taste, the Dutch like to process it with alkaline. This neutralizes the acidity of cacao and mellows its flavor, which is what makes Dutch chocolate so special.
There are countless chocolate shops in Amsterdam, and every single one of them has a special treat you can’t find anywhere else. You can join a chocolate tour of the city or explore the shops on your own – be sure to check out as many shops as you can find, and taste all the different chocolate delicacies until you find the one you’re absolutely in love with.
There are numerous stores that sell delicious Dutch chocolates in Amsterdam, but the most popular ones are Puccini Bomboni, Artichoke, Huize van Wely, Vanderdonk, and Hotel Chocolat, among others. It’s worth noting that many of these stores sell traditional chocolates in addition to Dutch chocolates, so be sure to ask for the specific kind of chocolate you want to try.
It can be a bit overwhelming staring at the myriad of mouthwatering treats, and it’s always smart to ask for recommendations from the local chocolatiers.
Hagelslag
Hagelslag are chocolate sprinkles that are extremely popular in the Netherlands. You can find them in grocery stores all over Amsterdam and they’re generally very affordable. Specialty stores also sell higher quality versions of Hagelslag, but you will pay a pretty penny for the better version.
It’s just chocolate sprinkles, and the Dutch like to eat them with bread for breakfast. This is a popular tradition in the Netherlands, and most locals will just sprinkle some Hagelslag on a buttered slice of bread. Toasting is optional, and even though it might sound extremely weird, it’s absolutely delicious and the perfect Dutch breakfast for chocolate lovers.
It’s just butter and chocolate sprinkles, after all – what’s not to love about that?
Bicycle Seat Cover
It’s no secret that Amsterdam is the Dutch capital of cyclists. Bicycles are the most popular way of getting around the city, and if you’re visiting Amsterdam, it’s almost impossible not to get on a bike at one point during your stay.
Bicycle seat covers are very popular in Amsterdam. The locals use them to protect the bike seats from the elements, and you can find them pretty much anywhere in Amsterdam. They’re even handed out for free sometimes, and you might be able to snag a free bike seat cover if you’re lucky.
If you want to pick out a bicycle seat cover to take home as a souvenir, it’s best to head to one of the many bike shops in Amsterdam. They offer huge selections of bike seat covers in any color and design you can think of, and you can even order custom bike seat covers at certain stores.
It’s worth noting that the custom covers are usually very pricey, so stick with something basic if you’re not looking to spend a fortune on this particular Amsterdam souvenir.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
