If you enjoy walking the quaint, mediaeval and instagram-worthy laneways of Western Europe’s old towns, don’t go past this charming district in Amsterdam.

The De Negen Straatjes, or The Nine Streets, is a network of narrow alleyways (yes, nine)  and canals in the World Heritage listed old town. 

It’s bounded by Raaduisstraat to the north and Leidsegracht to the south, and home to independent boutiques, trendy cafes, and art galleries.

The district is walking distance from the main train station and a hop and skip from the Amsterdam Royal Palace, often considered the cultural centre. 

I wanted to explore the area with a camera at sunrise; the blue hour light makes for better pictures. 

I briefly had the city to myself before merchants could be heard unlocking store doors and opening wood window shutters. The city was waking and the fragrance of coffee and fresh bread lingered.   

The streets and canals make for a three by three grid and the best way to experience it is by getting lost. 

The Nine Streets footpaths run under the gaze of wonky brick townhouses which twist and lean because of the soft ground. 

Window shop as you turn each corner. You’ll find known brands such as local outfitter Scotch and Soda on Huidenstraat, perfumery Le Labo on Reestraat, and Kookai Fashion on Berenstraat.

I was more taken by the many artisan food shops and galleries. 

“Travellers claim Amsterdam is picture postcard at almost every turn, and if you’re walking The Nine Streets, it’s true. 

I’ll return one day to Eddy Varenkamp’s store at Hartenstraat 30 where the gallery walls carry bold hand-printed posters or lino print cards depicting Amsterdam. 

Varekamp’s work shows simple pleasures; fish and fruit are bountiful on dinner plates, people parade along sunny streets, while others show people lying idle at the beach.

Varekamp says it rains a lot in The Netherlands and that’s not what he wants to show. 

The Varekamp gallery doesn’t post the art so get them in The Nine Streets or regret it. I didn’t and I do. 

The Nine Streets are home to many more once-in-a-lifetime stores but the context is the charm. Your shopping excursion has a backing track of cyclists ringing their bike bells as the careen past. 

This is a living, breathing place. It also has a history: In the 17th Century, the city drained swamp here to support a rapid expansion of Amsterdam. 

According to UNESCO, this growth explains the carbon copies of gabled houses which lean and warp. 

Travellers claim Amsterdam is picture postcard at almost every turn, and if you’re walking The Nine Streets, it’s true. 

Head north, towards the station, on Herengracht where you’ll find several hundred metres of the famed narrow houses fronting the canal where cars are not permitted.

Photos show off the architecture without the clutter. 

With your shopping done, there’s one last task. Take the photograph and post it online to impress your friends. That’s something money can’t buy.