The Kalverpassage

The Kalverpassage Amsterdam is Formerly known as the Kalvertoren, the recently renovated shopping passage between Kalverstraat and Heiligeweg, is set to become “an important shopping destination in the Dutch capital, where shopping will be an experience with plenty of spectacle to draw them in”, according to property developer Lesley Bamberger of Kroonenberg Groep, who was also responsible for breathing new life into ailing shopping areas like Gelderlandplein and Osdorpplein.

Kalverpassage Stores, walk this way.

With a carefully selected line-up of local- and international fashion retailers, restaurants and shops set around a central atrium across two floors, it’s hard not to be impressed by the new Kalverpassage Amsterdam. But look up from the characteristic cobblestone floors, and you’ll notice strikingly original art. Reflected on triangular LED ceiling panels by the entrance, there’s the imposing “Triangular Grid”, an app-controlled custom-designed artwork in a palette of 364 colours that changes every minute of the year, with seven colours swapping each other out every week. It was created by Sigrid Calon, a renowned artist famous for her geometric style, which combines graphic art with hypnotic patterns. Calon was also responsible for the design of the Uniqlo store on 5th Avenue in New York and has collaborated with Swatch, amongst others. Artworks by other big name artists, such as Ai Weiwei, Maarten Baas and Ichwan Noor are also on permanent display here.

From Kalvertoren to Kalverpassage

Whereas the previous Kalvertoren design packed way too many small stores into a tight space, rather like the 15th-century cattle market after which it was named, the redesigned Kalverpassage provides breathing room to fewer retailers:

At their brand new 4000 m2 store, Saks Off makes their motto of “exceptional value, great experience” come true for lovers of the latest high-end labels and the freshest designer brands. With a wide, constantly updated range of accessibly priced name brand fashion, it’s always worth popping in to see what’s in store today.

For a unique shopping experience that combines international allure, quality and personal service for men and women, head to Costes. Style-savvy shoppers know that they’ll always find something on-trend for every occasion, from perfect beachwear to timeless basics or that effortless just-thrown-together outfit.

Named after the coldest, harshest side of the mountain, The North Face has helped countless adventurers to reach new heights and “never stop exploring”. This is the address for quality climbing- and hiking apparel, equipment and footwear, where form always meets function.

With a long history of making the ordinary extraordinary, HEMA is a well-known Dutch retailer that sells only affordable own-brand household goods, cosmetics, office essentials, and clothing, footwear and accessories for the whole family, as well as typical Dutch treats, and a whole lot more. It’s the kind of store where you’ll never leave empty-handed.

Food Destination

Forget food courts and mall food, at the Kalverpassage good food is the name of the game: Named for its location between the busy Kalverstraat and popular Bloemenmarkt, Calf & Bloom is the type of eatery where you go for a coffee but end up lingering over a meal on the sunny terrace overlooking the Singel canal. There are the usual lunch-time crowd-pleasers like chicken or salmon club sandwiches (made with really good bread from Brood van Menno) and various omelettes, but also warm dishes like flammkuchen and pasta, plus a children’s menu with kiddie hits like chicken nuggets and spaghetti.

Up a glass lift, hidden on the top floor is one of Amsterdam’s best-kept secrets, Café- Restaurant Blue, which combines 360-degree views of the city with an inviting menu of all-day brunch and lunch standbys such as scrambled eggs with salmon and spinach, couscous salad, an impressive selection of freshly made sandwiches, various (veggie) burgers, as well as cocktails, craft beers and bar bites. See if you can spot the Rijksmuseum, Centraal Station, the Royal Palace or the Westerkerk, and remember, with one of the most beautiful cities in the world as your backdrop, you simply have to take a selfie here. For those moments when only chocolate will do, it’s hard to beat Leonidas’ fresh Belgian pralines, made with the finest quality chocolate and premium ingredients, such as Turkish hazelnuts, French Morello cherries, Italian almonds, and the very best butter and cream. These little gold boxes of bonbons make a stylish gift for your loved ones or a delicious souvenir for yourself. Could there be a sweeter way to share your memories?