If you like shopping or just strolling around in interesting shops, the biggest Amsterdam department store the Bijenkorf is not to be missed. The Bijenkorf is centrally located at the Dam square, to the left of the Krasnapolsky Hotel and with the Beurs van Berlage at the back.

When visiting the Bijenkorf, do not just expect to fulfill your needs; rather enjoy the store’s selection and its taste. Here is the big, six storey department store – full of light, surprising with interesting objects and shining with modern design.

The history of the Bijenkorf dates back till 1870, when Philip Goudsmit opened his first shop selling buttons and sewing supplies at the busy Nieuwendjik street. During the renovation of the shop in 1912, it had to be temporary moved to the Dam square. The sales quadrupled and ever since the Bijenkorf, now in its monumental building dating from 1957 (designed by Marcel Breuer), has been located at the Dam square.

The store has a lot more to offer than just the quality of it’s up market choice and sometimes high prices. The store contains a restaurant, a coffee bar, art gallery and a hairdresser for the young people. It organizes festivities, concerts, fashion shows, cultural travels and exhibitions. It issues its own credit card and a periodical magazine.

The Bijenkorf also bears the proud title Royal, because its rich history is inseparably linked with the history of Amsterdam and the Netherlands. The Bijenkorf and its personnel bravely resisted German occupation during World War II. The store has been burnt two times, remaining opened throughout the war years. During that time, as Jewish-owned, The Bijenkorf had to be formally handed over to the non-Jewish proprietors.

Today the Bijenkorf embraces 12 stores and one outlet store nationwide. It is owned by Maxeda (formerly known as VendexKBB), which also owns the department stores Vroom & Dreesmann and HEMA (Hollandsche Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam, existing since 1926), both of which compete below the average price level of the Bijenkorf.

You can easily reach the Bijenkorf from Amsterdam Central Station. On foot it will take you five minutes. Ypou can also take one of the tram lines 4,9,16,24 and 25 to the tram stop: Dam Square.

Crazy Days

Once a year, usually at the end of September or beginning of October, the Bijenkorf organizes three crazy days of special sales. Many objects of the top world’s luxury brands are sold at large discount, usually 25% – 40% cheaper. Amazingly the discounted products often belong to the actually most sought after and popular. The store opens during these days at 8am and the impatient crowd will find many products inside, wrapped in a bright yellow paper.

Opening hours

Monday 11.00am – 6pm
Tuesday - Wednesday 9.30am – 6pm
Thursday – Friday 9.30am – 9pm
Saturday 9.30am - 6pm
Sunday 12.00am – 6pm