The city’s most famous market—often billed as the world’s only floating flower market—takes place on moored barges near Muntplein, where some fifteen stalls offer vibrantly hued plants, flowers and bulbs. The displays are particularly glorious during tulip season, but the attraction is a bit touristy.

Ground zero for design aficionados, this Dutch design collective opened in 1993 and is still on the leading edge. Located in a beautiful old canal house near Café de Jaren and the Rembrandt House, Droog (which means “dry” in Dutch) has an ever-changing collection of fashion and design items from hundreds of brands. A recent visit turned up elaborate paper parasols and innovative lamps as well as smaller items, like trendy glasses, frames and kitchenware. Don't miss the second-floor café.

This design Mecca, in a multilevel canal house near the 717 hotel, is well worth a visit. It specializes in contemporary furniture, especially from Scandinavian and Dutch designers, as well as cool housewares, bike accessories, jewelry, stationary and chocolate.