Are you looking for a place to shop till you drop in the Netherlands? Do you want to discover the best shopping malls in the country, where you can find a variety of stores, restaurants, entertainment, and more? Do you want to know what makes each mall unique and worth visiting?
This post is for you if you provided a yes answer to any of these questions. Based on their size, popularity, diversity, and quality, we will introduce you to the best seven shopping malls in the Netherlands in 2023 in this post. Additionally, we will provide you with some advice on how to get there, what to expect, and what to do at each mall.
These incredible retail malls have something for everyone, whether you are a local or a visitor, a fashionista or a deal hunter, a foodie or a movie buff. So let’s get started without further ado!
What is the history of shopping malls in Netherlands?
The history of shopping malls in the Netherlands is relatively short, with the first one, Leidsenhage, opening in 1971 near The Hague. It was a modern and spacious center offering various shops and services. In 2021, it was transformed into Westfield Mall of the Netherlands, the country’s largest shopping mall with 280 stores, restaurants, and entertainment.
Apart from Westfield, the Netherlands has other unique shopping experiences, such as Kalvertoren in Amsterdam, hidden under one roof with a panoramic city view from a glass elevator, and Magna Plaza, a luxury shopping center in a neo-Gothic post office building.
What is the biggest mall in the Netherlands?
The biggest shopping mall in the Netherlands is Westfield Mall of the Netherlands, which opened in 2021 and became Holland’s largest shopping mall at 117,000 m. It is a modern lifestyle center that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, cinemas, and other attractions. It is located in Leidschendam, a town near The Hague, and is accessible by tram or car.
Some other large shopping malls in the Netherlands are Hoog Catharijne in Utrecht, which is a multi-level enclosed shopping mall adjacent to Utrecht Centraal with 107,000 m of space, and Zuidplein in Rotterdam, which is a 60,000m multi-level enclosed shopping mall near the Ahoy event venue.
Best shopping malls in the Netherlands
Here are five of the best shopping malls in the Netherlands:
1. Westfield Mall of the Netherlands:
This is the largest shopping mall in the country, with 280 stores, restaurants, cinemas, and other attractions. It is a modern lifestyle center that offers a variety of shops, from fashion to electronics, from beauty to home. It is located in Leidschendam, a town near The Hague, and is accessible by tram or car.
2. Hoog Catharijne:
This is a multi-level enclosed shopping mall adjacent to Utrecht Centraal, the main railway station of Utrecht. It has 107,000 m 2 of space and over 200 shops, including international brands like Zara, H&M, and Primark. It also has a cinema, a food court, and a rooftop garden.
3. Zuidplein:
This is a 60,000 m 2 multi-level enclosed shopping mall near the Ahoy event venue in Rotterdam. It has over 150 shops, ranging from fashion to sports, from books to jewelry. It also has a theater, a library, and a health center.
4. Markthal:
This Rotterdam commercial center is special because it blends a market hall with flats. It has an amazing arch design to it, and within are bright paintings. There are more than 100 booths there that sell fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, pork, and seafood. Restaurants, cafés, and bars are also present.
5. Designer Outlet Roermond:
This is a factory outlet shopping mall near the German border in Roermond. It has over 200 stores selling designer brands at discounted prices, such as Armani, Burberry, Calvin Klein, and Nike. It also has a children’s playground and a food court.
Where to shop in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, you can find a wide variety of shopping options. Here are some popular places and areas to shop in the country:
1. Amsterdam:
- Kalverstraat: A bustling shopping street in Amsterdam with many international and local fashion brands.
- Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes): A charming area known for its boutique shops and unique finds.
- Albert Cuyp Market: The largest daily market in Amsterdam, offering food, clothing, and more.
2. Rotterdam:
- Markthal: A modern indoor market with a diverse range of food stalls and shops.
- Meent: A stylish street with designer boutiques and fashion stores.
- Witte de Withstraat: An artsy street with trendy shops, galleries, and bars.
3. The Hague:
- Noordeinde: Home to upscale boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.
- Haagse Markt: One of the largest open-air markets in Europe, known for its diverse products.
- Passage: A historic shopping arcade with a selection of shops and restaurants.
4. Utrecht:
- Oudegracht: A unique shopping experience along the canal, with a mix of stores and boutiques.
- Hoog Catharijne: A large shopping mall located next to Utrecht Central Station.
- Twijnstraat: A charming street with specialty shops, including boutiques and food stores.
5. Maastricht:
- Stokstraatkwartier: A picturesque neighborhood with high-end fashion boutiques.
- Markt: The central square hosts a bi-weekly market for fresh produce and regional products.
6. Eindhoven:
- Strijp-S: A former industrial site transformed into a trendy area with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.
- Heuvel Eindhoven: A shopping center with a variety of stores and dining options.
7. Leiden:
- Haarlemmerstraat: A bustling shopping street with a mix of big brands and smaller shops.
- Hooglandse Kerkgracht: A charming canal-side street with unique boutiques.
Top 10 shopping malls in the Netherlands 2023
These are the top 10 shopping malls in the Netherlands in 2023, based on their size, popularity, diversity and quality:
- Westfield Mall of the Netherlands
- Hoog Catharijne
- Zuidplein
- Markthal
- Designer Outlet Roermond
- Batavia Stad Amsterdam Fashion Outlet
- Passage
- City Mall Almere
- K in Kortrijk
- Shopping Gent Zuid
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Shopping Guide for the Netherlands
You might be curious about what to buy and where to shop in the Netherlands if you have plans to travel there. The Netherlands is well-known for its lovely canals, vivid tulips, recognizable windmills, and delectable cheese, but there is much more to explore in its varied and energetic shopping scene. Here are some recommendations and advice about shopping in the Netherlands.
- Department stores like De Bijenkorf, HEMA, and Hudson’s Bay.
- For fashion, find international brands in major cities and unique boutiques in areas like Amsterdam’s Nine Streets.
- Sports and leisure gear: Bike shops like Gazelle, skate stores, and outdoor shops.
- Home and garden supplies: DIY stores like Gamma, home decor at IKEA, and garden items at Intratuin.
- Books and stationery: Visit ABC, Boekhandel Dominicanen, and Polare for books, and kiosks for magazines.
- Electronics and technology: MediaMarkt, BCC, Coolblue, Apple Stores, Microsoft Stores, and Samsung Stores.
- Health and beauty products: Pharmacies, drugstores like Kruidvat and Etos, and Dutch beauty brands like Rituals.
- Children’s clothes and toys: Shops like Zeeman, Wibra, H&M Kids, Intertoys, Bart Smit, Lego Store, and more.
Enjoy your shopping experience in the Netherlands! If you have any queries or comments, kindly type them in the space below. We hope the information we have provided will assist you in planning your shopping vacation in this stunning country.
