De Negen Straatjes, or the Nine Streets, is a small Amsterdam neighbourhood where nine connecting streets cross the western canal belt between Raadhuisstraat and Leidsestraat. Its bridges, brick lanes and narrow canal houses make it one of the most rewarding parts of the city to explore on foot.
The area took shape in the 17th century, when Amsterdam’s canal ring was expanding. Several street names recall the animal hides once traded and worked here, a reminder of the tanners and craftspeople who lived and worked in the district. Today the canals form part of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring, though the ground floors have largely given way to independent boutiques, vintage shops, cafés and specialist stores.
Come to browse rather than race through: Reestraat, Hartenstraat and their neighbours offer an appealing mix of fashion, homeware and places to pause over coffee. Allow at least two hours if you plan to shop, and visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience than a summer Saturday afternoon. Keep an eye out for cyclists when crossing the narrow streets and bridges.