Fashion/accessories/books/canals

Wijde Heisteeg/huidenstraat/runstraat

Nine sweet streets in the Canal Ring, it doesn’t get much prettier than this, and that’s before you hit the shops. Note that many of these stores can be found online too at / 9straat jesonline.com. Begin at beloved bookstore Athenaeum at Spui 14-16 / T: 1, 2, 5 Spui / 020 514 1460 / athenaeum.nl. Exit right into Wijde Heisteeg, cross two bridges, and keep left to find NMBR Nine / Herengracht 360 / 020 770 5189 / nmbrnine.com / for luxe handmade fash like python jackets and mohair vests. Zip left out onto Huidenstraat to find Pompadour pâtisserie at #12 / 020 623 9554 / for a quick cake break, then Velour at #14 / 020 210 0163 / velour.se / carries feel-good preppy pieces (m/w). Be charmed by Dutch designer Tony Cohen’s dreamy pieces pour les femmes at #28 / 020 320 3211 / tony-cohen.com, plus sophisty designer w/wear at Van Ravenstein on the corner / Keizersgracht 359 / 020 639 0067 / van-ravenstein.nl. Cross the bridge and either turn right for The Dylan (see Accom.) at #384, with pretty patio and Vinkeles’ (see Rest./glam) epic ‘high wine’ (think high tea meets happy hour), or go straight into Runstraat. Cheesy De Kaaskamer #7 / 020 623 3483 / kaaskamer.nl / sells 400+ pongtastic varietals from all over Europe; pore paradise Skins Cosmetics soothes at #11 (see Spa), and bot-enhancing Denham the jeanmaker (w) is at #17 / 020 528 7730 / denhamthejeanmaker.com. Brit-chic furny waits at #22 Timothy Oulton (see Standout Stores), while opp. at #27 the Mint Mini Mall / 020 627 2466 / mintminimall.nl / has lifestyle accessories packed into a tiny shop. Turn right at the corner into Prinsengracht for the dedicated men’s Denham store at #495 / 020 331 5039 / denhamthejeanmaker. com, then at #467 Anouk Beerents (see Advanced Shopping) is the queen of antique mirrors. That’s just the start...