The 5 most unusual shops in Amsterdam

The Dutch have a special relationship with pindakaas (peanut butter). Some people even take their favourite brand with them on holiday. Whereas there used to be only two types in the past, crunchy or smooth, you can now head to this store for ten homemade flavours: from caramel and sea salt to onion and garlic.

The Upcycle only sells what others have left behind. Think belts made out of old bicycle tires, teaspoon- or bike-chain earrings, and candles made of recycled wax. Why throw anything away, the owners ask: waste is nothing but material in the wrong place.

Mariska Schaefer grew up in her grandmother’s cake shop. In 2002, she opened her own, old-fashioned Dutch candy shop in the Jordaan. From behind the counter, she sells pieces of zoethout (liquorice), stroopsoldaatjes (syrup soldiers made of caramelised sugar) and other sweets.

Some of the fossils, meteorites, dinosaur fangs, shark’s teeth and rare stones sold at Terra Incognita have made it into the collections of natural history museums. This tiny shop is near the Concert Hall and the Museum district, and sells small treasures, some of which are millions of years old. Prices range from two euros to hundreds or more.

It’s easy to overlook the city’s smallest house as it’s just 2,02 metre wide. Inside you’ll find a specialty tea shop that sells high quality teas and lovely treats such as chocolate, nougat and liqueur. What’s more: there’s a tiny hidden tea room on the first floor where you can have brunch or enjoy a high tea. Book ahead.