In true 'Cristina' fashion, this River Island store was the first shop I visited after landing in…read moreAmsterdam. For context, River Island clothing stores don't exist in the US, but I find myself shopping online using their app often. Before my trip, I purchased a pair of jeans that didn't fit (can someone explain how a US size 2-4 translates to a UK size 10?!) and realized I couldn't return them from the US. Instead, I tracked down a River Island store near Dam Square and set out on a quest to get my $50 back lol. So, back to the review... I stopped by just in time since the store is actually closing down this month. Almost everything was on sale, from swimwear to formalwear. I got a gorgeous summer dress for 10€ (originally €65) and a cute pair of corduroy pants for 10€ (originally €40). I was also able to process my international return with the lovely cashiers who were VERY patient as they processed a return for merchandise sold to me in GBP, charged to my card in USD, with a mandatory return to my card of EUR. Say that 3 times fast. Enough to confuse anyone, but they made it happen without any complaints (and we had a good laugh about it afterwards). If you're roaming around Dam Square and need some retail therapy, visit River Island before they close!

I found this store after searching online where I could find Keens shoes. It was huge with a great…read morevariety. Whether you are in need of hiking, camping, our any kind of outdoorsy needs, this is the place. Backpacks, tents, shoes, socks, jackets, water bottles...it's all there. Like I said, I went for shoes, so I didn't spend a lot of time looking at everything else. What I can tell you is that their variety of shoes made me very happy! I found two pairs I was interested in and nobody came up to me until I was obviously done searching. The woman I worked with was so helpful and helped me understand my size in relation to U.S. sizes and how much room there should be. I really needed these shoes (for walking around in winter), so I asked if I could wear them out. I needed insoles as well, so she went ahead and cut them out and put them in the shoe for me to wear out of the store! It was all very smooth and will definitely go back when I need something else! Oh, and it was all women working since it's a women's store, just so you know!

Went over to look for a pack and the guy who works there was fantastic! Not only did he know his…read morestuff, he also was completely understanding about my aesthetic preferences and budget. Super happy with his help! Some of their brands include Columbia, Osprey and The North Face.

Is this a Target or Walmart? It seems like a commercial department store. Were still in search of…read moreextra socks and underwear. This store has a full service coffee and pastry shop near the entrance. Four floors were too many for me at this point - feet are killing me from walking. Very nice organized store with an abundance if tourists, but no sale for me today.

Spoiler alert: I am not a local. I'm in the Netherlands for an event and decided to make a trip of…read moreit, so I am spending a lot of time poking around. Instead of (ahem--in addition to) the usual souvenirs, I wanted to pick up some clothing items, so I have been popping into clothing stores here and there. Depending on which location you go to, Hema might be mostly clothing or more of a department store. Either way, you'll find staples at good prices. If disaster has befallen you and your last few clean shirts? Hema has you covered. The disaster happened to be your shampoo or gel exploding? Hema. I really like the dressing room situation--most locations have an attendant to guide you to an open cubicle when you have found what you want to try on and take any items that didn't work out when you're done.

Selection seemed small but compare to the US, prices were cheaper. Not as cheap as Italy, but still…read morebetter! Employees were nice and said hello upon entering. They also went out of their way to show me suggestions for what I was shopping for. Didn't find exactly the wallet I liked, but they were very nice, welcoming, non-judgmental despite being in scruffy vacation outfits.

Great staff!! I wanted a special bag and the service rep even held it for me when I said I would…read morereturn the next day. They gave me flavored sparkling water while I looked around the store as well.

Monki is one of my favorite stores in the Kalverstraat. The bright neon lights might give the…read moreimpression of a lame clothing store when you pass by, but that's not what this place is. Monki is really awesome. It is a Swedish brand, from the same owner as H&M. I would describe their style as; basics with a twist, edgy, hip and colourful. They use a lot of colour, also colourblocking, interesting fabrics. They have a lot of stuff that is oversized. Also a lot of things with nice prints. Shoes, bags, socks, underwear and very cool jewellery. Inside, the shop also looks really cool and the girls shopping here do as well. This place attracs a young hip,almost hipster crowd. Girls who love to combine vintage with new stuff. The staff at this place is also very friendly and helpfull. Monki's prices look like the prices at H&M, so it is not expensive.

One of my favourite clothing stores in Amsterdam! The store is easy recognizable with the bright…read morepink coloured sign outside and the flashy disco balls in front of their windows. Somehow I can always find a cool piece of clothing or a nice accesory here! The clothes are really the latest fashion and very original! Sometimes the prices are a bit high, but there are also things that are quite cheap!

Very very cool store for vintage clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry- some which is new. The…read morestaff is helpful and the store has a whimsical atmosphere. Great range of dresses. and especially boots. Dangerous as there is always something to buy to add to my collection.

Really great place. Lots lots lots to offer for ladies...dresses, shirts, skirts, sun glasses,…read morescarfs, bags, etc. A great style. Inventive and fun clothes that fit really well. Some new, some vintage. Nice staff. Good prices. You can get things for cheap and can also spend €125 on a pair of Christian Dior vintage glasses (fabulous, I want them!) so they have something for everyone. Check it out for sure.

What are the chances you can shop in a tiny boutique, have a cupcake and a cappuccino while…read morebrowsing the latest fashion magazine? Living by the manta "Make cupcakes not war" this place is quaint and a cute getaway from the hectic touristy areas of Amsterdam. Free wifi!