Officially this 'shop' is an opticians' museum, but don't let that put you off. The fascinating exhibits are of glasses through the ages, and most of the pairs you see are also...

A variety of rubbers of the non-erasing kind to wrap up trouser snakes of all shapes and sizes in a store that's equal parts amusing and inspiring.

Conscious Dreams was the original proponent of the smart drugs wave in Amsterdam. The staff here really know their stuff - the owner worked as a drugs adviser for five years -...

A new member of the legendary Dampkring family, this delightful emporium has everything needed to set up a grow centre at home: from hydroponics and organic equipment to...

Named in honour of its location behind the Royal Palace, the 'Beer King' stocks a head-spinning 850 brands of beer from around the world, and a range of fine glasses for...

This vintage frame specialist sells unused frames dating from the mid 1800s to the present day. Most frames are at fabulously low prices and built to last - and the staff are...

It's fair to say that, in terms of the sex industry at least, Amsterdam is a man's world. The opposite of most enterprises here, Female & Partners bucks the trend by welcoming...

One of the first shops in Amsterdam to sell hemp clothes and products, and now one of the last, Hemp Works has had to diversify into seed sales and fresh mushrooms, and it's...

Mexican Mercado with a twist. Even the hardiest resistors of tat will love the colourful culinary and household objects (including wacky wallpapers).

Lambiek, founded in 1968, claims to be the world's oldest comic shop and has thousands of books from around the world; its on-site cartoonists' gallery hosts exhibitions every...

Live la vida loca with Mexican housewares. Olé!

The Montreal-based ad agency that established this funky satellite office/gallery/store/café/bar sells everything from Canadian fashion labels, such as Team Macho and Renata...

Spoiled ups the ante at its fancy-pants new location on the Nine Streets with loads of fashion, art, weird gadgets, designer toys, a hair salon and a new jeans concept called...

Known for such twisted treats as balsamic vinegar and tomato bonbons and a caramel balsamic chocolate pie with a brownie bottom, Unlimited Delicious also offers individual or...