9 straatjes | 9 streets
De Negen Straatjes comprises nine side streets off the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel in central Amsterdam which have been promoting themselves with that name since the 1990s. Together they form a sub-neighborhood within the larger western Grachtengordel (English: Canal Belt), one with many small and diverse shops and restaurants. The construction in this area goes back to the first half of the 17th century. De Negen Straatjes is bordered on the north by the Raadhuisstraat and on the south by the Leidsegracht. In between, the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel are intersected by three cross streets – but each of the cross streets has different names in each of its sections between the canals.
From the Prinsengracht towards the Singel and beginning with the northernmost streets, the streets are:
- Reestraat (English: Roe Deer Street) – Hartenstraat (English: Hearts Street) – Gasthuismolensteeg (English: Inn Mill Alley)
- Berenstraat (English: Bear Street) – Wolvenstraat (English: Wolf Street) – Oude Spiegelstraat (English: Old Mirror Street)
- Runstraat (English: Cow Street) – Huidenstraat (English: Skins or Pelts Street) – Wijde Heisteeg (English: Wide Heath Street)
The names are reminders of many of the types of work that were carried out here in centuries past, especially the processing of skins (cow, bear, wolf and roe deer skins).
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Review
This is a cute and picturesque boutique shopping district in West Amsterdam. Although tourists descend on the Red Light District and coffee shops in droves, I went to Amsterdam for the lovely quaintness of De Negen Straatjes and the Jordaan. I’ve read that the Nine Little Streets contain 190 shops. I had a little bit of trouble finding the area; Look for Haartenstraat, Wolvenstraat, and Huidenstraat and the Keizersgracht and Herengracht canals. Around Christmas, I found some lovely little houses that are supposed to house candles inside them. Cheese shops also there, and cute little eateries.
REVIEW
Winding narrow streets with small boutique shops, smaller sidewalks and with hidden fashion gems to the right and left. There’s a canal at the end of every block so you can’t go wrong with the scenery too – so take it all in. Local eateries and pubs add to the local charm or the locals. Say hello to the locals and make sure to ask for directions and pull out a map. We love that too.
