Shopping
Pick up a free map of the city center at the AUB Ticket Shop, located on the corner of the Leidseplein and Marnixstraat. The friendly staff at the ticket shop will inform you (at length) about what is going on in the city.
Music
If you're into music, the best-known shop is Concerto. This shop sells everything: rock, avant-garde, classical, jazz, and has a second-hard department which is worth a look. Velvet Records at the Rozengracht has a good stock of classic rock. In the Kalverstraat, near Dam square, you will find the megastore Fame, which overprizes new releases. You might find a rare import if you are lucky. Musicland in the Kinkerstraat is cheap. Last years big names can be picked up for about half the price.
Books
Books in English can be found at nearly every bookshop in the centre. Waterstone's and the American Book Center at are the biggest, though not necessarily the best. For newspapers and magazines try Athenaeum Nieuwscentrum. Are three are near the Spui in the city centre.
Flowers
Don't buy your flowers at the Bloemenmarkt (flower market). You get a far better deal at the Albert Cuyp market.
Posters
If you want to buy a poster of a famous Dutch painting, you can save money at one the shops in the Kalverstraat. Posters are on sale in the shops of the museums, but they tend to be more expensive.
Souvenirs
Souvenirs can be bought at dozens of shops. Here you will find wooden shoes, electric tulips and stupid t-shirts ("Amsterdam Hash It", and worse). Most of it is made in China, India and Indonesia.