De 9 Straatjes

The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) form a picturesque shopping and nightlife district in downtown Amsterdam, stretching between Raadhuisstraat and Leidsegracht. These nine cross streets connect the major canals of the Canal Ring and were home to craftsmen's workshops in the 17th century, which is reflected in names such as Fell Street or Wolf Street. Today the narrow lanes draw visitors with a wide range of boutiques, antiques shops, and restaurants and cafés. You can soak up the historic atmosphere here and visit interesting museums, including the Eyewear Museum on Gasthuismolensteeg, which documents the history of eyeglasses, as well as the Felix Meritis building on Keizersgracht, which was once a center for art and science.