Amsterdam's small size and intimate nature makes shopping a satisfying experience. The famous P.C. Hooftstraat makes creditors knock on your door, the Kalverstraat offers regular middle, on markets and in secondhand boutiques you can be for a true fashionista for few dollars. The best way to spend the day shopping is per bike, preferably one with bags for carrying things, a large bell to protect you from unwary tourists and a ring clasp at the rear that opens and closes quickly for parking convenience.
Visiting per car is not an advisable means of transport in the city, and the tram plus footwork is a close second after the bike, all you need to get the rush out of your head. Trams run on time but not as often and they are not everywhere. Opening hours are gradually becoming more liberal, but for now it’s still: weekdays from 9.00 to 18.00, on Monday morning only at 11:00 am and on Thursday there is a late opening until 21:00. On Saturdays most shops close already at 17.00 and Sundays, almost all the shops downtown are open, almost nothing beyond the centre though. Consider lots of shopping crowds from out of town over the weekend.
