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Best supermarkets in Amsterdam: Where to go grocery shopping?
Are you new to the Netherlands? We'll tell you where to shop at the best supermarkets in Amsterdam.
This destination, known for its cosmopolitan and multicultural atmosphere, welcomes thousands of tourists, digital nomads, and students each year who establish their residence for a season. If that’s your case, this article will help you figure out where to do your shopping and learn about the best supermarkets in Amsterdam.
If you stroll through its streets, you’ll find everything from large international chains, central markets, neighbourhood supermarkets, to small traditional shops. Each with its own unique characteristics to suit all budgets, so come shop with us through Amsterdam!
What types of shops are there in Amsterdam?
Supermarkets in Amsterdam have different features, and knowing them will help you choose according to your needs. For example, to find organic, international, vegetarian products, do a monthly shop, or pick up your daily basics. Whether you’re staying as a digital nomad, a student, or just visiting as a tourist, take note of the types of stores you can find here:
- Chain supermarkets: These are the most common in the city, such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Dirk, offering everything from basic products to gourmet options.
- Discount supermarkets: Here you’ll find lower prices on basic items, like Lidl and Aldi, which are popular with students and families seeking to save.
- Eco shops: Specialised in organic, vegetarian, and sustainable products. Examples: Ekoplaza and Marqt.
- Markets: Traditional open-air markets selling fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and fish, such as Albert Cuypmarkt and Noordermarkt.
- International product shops: In these small neighbourhood stores, you can find products from countries like Asia, Suriname, Turkey, and Morocco.
- Night shops: These shops are open all night or until very late for any emergency needs: Snacks, drinks, and basic items.
Top supermarkets in Amsterdam
The quality of life this city offers in terms of safety, employment, and services is high, but what about the prices of its food products? Let’s find out what the five best supermarkets in Amsterdam are, what you can buy there, their hours, locations, and their main advantages and disadvantages.
1. Albert Heijn
It’s the largest supermarket chain in Amsterdam and all of the Netherlands. With both larger and smaller stores, it’s present in every neighbourhood, open from around 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, depending on the location, with reduced hours on Sundays.
What can you buy here? Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, bakery items, cleaning supplies, snacks, organic products, private labels, and imported products. It also has bio and gourmet sections, with slightly higher prices than discount supermarkets, but offering better quality and variety:
- Milk (1 L): $1.53 (€1.30)
- Bread (400 g): $1.65 (€1.40)
- Eggs (6 units): $3.30 (€2.80)
- Gouda cheese (400 g): $7.95 (€6.75)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium and organic brands | Higher prices than Lidl or Aldi |
| Many branches in all neighbourhoods | Limited stock in small stores |
| Frequent promotions | Higher prices in tourist areas |
Advantages and disadvantages of Albert Heijn.
2. Lidl
It’s one of Amsterdam’s most popular discount supermarkets, known for offering much lower prices than other types of stores. Lidl is a German chain with 25 stores in the city, such as the one at Hemonylaan 25a, open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Sundays included. You can find basic products, fresh items, own brands, and even clothing, small appliances, and homeware.
Thanks to its private label products, prices are very affordable, and it’s great for doing big shopping, as you’ll notice the savings in your budget:
- Milk (1 L): $1.53 (€1.30)
- Potatoes (1 kg): $0.70 (€0.59)
- Minced beef (750 g): $11.80 (€9.99)
- Bio cheese (400 g): $5.30 (€4.49)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good value for money | Fewer international products |
| Offers and promotions | Limited gourmet selection |
| Low prices on basic products |
Advantages and disadvantages of Lidl.
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3. Albert Cuypmarkt, Central Market
If you enjoy the experience of shopping outdoors, you should visit Europe’s largest street market, Albert Cuypmarkt, founded in 1905, located in the De Pijp district. With more than 250 stalls, it opens Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
It’s the best place to buy fresh products at a good price, like fruits, fresh vegetables, fish, meat, Dutch cheeses, flowers, spices, clothing, accessories, and street food like herring for $4.75 (€4.00), stroopwafels for $2.35 (€2.00), or kibbeling (fried fish).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Variety of fresh products | Very crowded |
| Food stalls available | Higher prices on tourist products |
| Local producers | Doesn’t open on Sundays |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Central Market.
4. Tjin’s Toko, International Neighbourhood Shop
This small neighbourhood store was founded in 1959 and is located near the famous Ferdinand Bolstraat. It specialises in international products, especially Surinamese, Asian, and Caribbean cuisine. Here, you can buy rice, spices, sauces, noodles, fresh Asian produce, and prepared snacks like the famous broodje pom (curried chicken sandwich) for $6.50 (€5.50).
Although its prices are higher than in typical supermarkets in Amsterdam, you’ll find international products that are hard to find elsewhere. Its opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with reduced hours on Sundays.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| International products | Prices higher than supermarkets |
| Popular prepared snacks | Limited stock |
| Excellent location | Not recommended for big shopping |
Advantages and disadvantages of Tjin’s Toko.
5. Jumbo
Another well-known supermarket in Amsterdam is Jumbo, in hypermarket format, with 29 stores across the city, open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Prices here are slightly cheaper than Albert Heijn but more expensive than Lidl, with fresh products, dairy, bread, meat, international products, cleaning supplies, and affordable private labels:
- Milk (1 L): $1.96 (€1.66)
- Chicken thighs (800 g): $7.54 (€6.39)
- Mineral water (1 L): $2.05 (€1.74)
- Edam cheese (1 kg): $11.95 (€10.12)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Own brand with good prices | Higher prices than Lidl |
| Large stores and stock | Very crowded |
| Good weekly offers |
Advantages and disadvantages of Jumbo.
Other notable stores and shops in Amsterdam
What else might you need in this city? Besides visiting the best supermarkets in Amsterdam, we’ve also selected three stores that can help you acquire home goods, footwear, or renew your smartphone.
Hema, Variety Items
The Dutch chain Hema was founded in Amsterdam in 1926 with the goal of providing everyday products at affordable prices, all with its own design. Here, you can find any item you need for home, basic clothing, food, snacks, cosmetics, kitchenware, or decor. There are hundreds of stores across the Netherlands, many in the capital, with hours from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, like the store at Kalverstraat 212.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great variety of items | No fresh food |
| Stores in almost every neighbourhood | Limited stock in smaller stores |
| Quality design | No gourmet products |
Advantages and disadvantages of Hema.
VanHaren Schoenen, Footwear
Another traditional Dutch store with several branches in Amsterdam, such as in the city centre or Bijlmerplein, is this footwear store specialising in family shoes. It follows the Rack Room concept, meaning all sizes are available and within reach at the store, without needing to wait for employee assistance.
It’s not a low-cost store, but its prices aren’t too high either. For example, trainers start a t$40 (€35) and boots from $6.50 (€5.50). You can visit this store from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| International brands | High prices on well-known brands |
| Click & Collect service at many branches | Less variety in luxury products |
| Online store |
Advantages and disadvantages of VanHaren.
MediaMarkt, Electronics and Technology
The well-known German chain for electronics, technology, and multimedia is also present in Amsterdam, with locations like Oosterdokskade and Buikslotermeerplein, open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with reduced hours on weekends.
Here, you’ll find televisions, computers, tablets, mobile phones, kitchen appliances, sound systems, or tech accessories, with average prices and many promotions, such as their famous VAT-free Day.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide range of electronic products from recognised brands | According to customer reviews, not always the best after-sales service |
| Ability to view and test products before buying | Very crowded stores |
| Various promotions throughout the year | Some prices higher than online stores |
Advantages and disadvantages of MediaMarkt.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Supermarkets in Amsterdam
Lidl or Aldi are the cheapest, especially for basics like bread, milk, eggs, or pasta.
Most supermarkets in Amsterdam open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, some go up to 10:00 PM. They also open on Sundays, though with reduced hours.
Yes, medium and large supermarkets accept international cards. However, some small neighbourhood shops only accept cash or local cards.
Albert Cuypmarkt is one of the most popular in the city for buying fruits, vegetables, spices, cheeses, and prepared foods like herring and stroopwafels.
Supermarkets in Amsterdam have similar prices to those in other cities, as the large chains standardise their prices. However, small shops in tourist areas tend to have higher prices.
