De Bijenkorf is Amsterdam’s flagship luxury department store on Dam Square, open daily with five floors of designer fashion, beauty, homeware and gifts. Founded in 1870, it’s often compared to Macy’s in New York or Galeries Lafayette in Paris, and its Amsterdam store alone covers 21,000 m² across 5 floors. Below you’ll find the brand line-up, opening hours, how to get there, and how to claim your VAT refund.
Last updated: 1 September 2026 by Anastasia Dudina
Which brands does De Bijenkorf sell?
The store offers a premium shopping experience both for luxury brand fans (Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Burberry, Prada, Fendi) and for those who prefer mass-market labels (Benetton, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Diesel and more).
Pay special attention to the De Bijenkorf online outlet. Here you can find good discounts all year round.
Christmas shopping at De Bijenkorf
Christmas is, by all means, the most beautiful time of year at De Bijenkorf. The department store gets beautifully decorated, and the shelves are stocked with sophisticated Christmas tree decorations, interior items and presents. You can also order your Christmas decorations and gifts through the De Bijenkorf webshop and get everything delivered to your home.
Looking for Christmas present inspiration and ideas? We have a few!
How to get to De Bijenkorf?
De Bijenkorf is located on Dam Square. It’s just a 5 to 7 minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station. Alternatively, you can take tram line 4 or 14 (to the Dam stop) or metro line 52 (the Rokin stop).
If you’re travelling by car, you can park in Q-Park de Bijenkorf, which has direct access to the department store.
De Bijenkorf Amsterdam on Google Maps >>
De Bijenkorf Amsterdam opening hours
Monday 11:00 – 20:00
Tuesday 10:00 – 20:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 20:00
Thursday 10:00 – 20:00
Friday 10:00 – 20:00
Saturday 10:00 – 20:00
Sunday 12:00 – 19:00
Hours often run later during the December holiday season and can change around public holidays, so please check the De Bijenkorf official website before your visit.
Tax free shopping at De Bijenkorf
If you spend €50 or more at De Bijenkorf in a single day, you can get a VAT refund, processed in-store by Global Blue. Ask for a tax-free form at the till, then visit the Tax Refund Lounge on the 4th floor of the department store to claim it. You’ll still need to get a customs stamp or digital proof of export before you leave the EU.
A brief history of De Bijenkorf
De Bijenkorf (“The Beehive”) started in 1870 as a small haberdashery, “Magazijn de Bijenkorf,” on the Nieuwendijk in Amsterdam. It moved to its current spot on Dam Square in 1915, and the monumental building you see today was designed by architect Marcel Breuer and dates from 1957. More than 150 years later, De Bijenkorf has grown into the oldest department store in the country, with branches across the Netherlands and webshops serving the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
The Amsterdam flagship is also a cultural venue in its own right, hosting rotating art exhibitions, fashion shows, seasonal pop-ups and the annual “Turn on the Lights” event on Dam Square each November.
FAQ about De Bijenkorf
Where is De Bijenkorf located?
De Bijenkorf’s flagship store is on Dam Square in the centre of Amsterdam, a 5 to 7 minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station. It’s also reachable by tram lines 4 or 14 to the Dam stop, or metro line 52 to the Rokin stop.
What brands can I find at De Bijenkorf?
De Bijenkorf carries luxury brands including Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Burberry, Prada and Fendi, alongside mass-market labels such as Benetton, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors and Diesel.
What are De Bijenkorf’s opening hours?
De Bijenkorf is generally open Monday from 11:00 to 20:00, Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 20:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 19:00. Hours can run later during the December holiday season, so check the official website before visiting.
How old is De Bijenkorf?
De Bijenkorf was founded in 1870 as a small haberdashery on the Nieuwendijk in Amsterdam, making it the oldest department store in the Netherlands. It moved to its current Dam Square building, designed by Marcel Breuer, in 1957.
Can I get a VAT refund at De Bijenkorf?
Yes. Non-EU visitors who spend €50 or more in a single day can claim a VAT refund through Global Blue. Request a tax-free form at the till and process it at the Tax Refund Lounge on the 4th floor.
Enjoy your shopping in Amsterdam!
Related articles:
- The Netherlands with kids: fun things to do
- I amsterdam City Card: prices from € 67, discounts and tips
- Van Gogh Museum – tickets, prices, opening hours and tips
- Amsterdam museums ticket prices 2026 and tips
- Public transport in Amsterdam
- Amsterdam in one day: things to see and do
- Red Light District in Amsterdam
About the author:
Written by a local
Anastasia Dudina
I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2013 and exploring it ever since. I write and update all articles on Amsterdam Explorer and Holland Explorer myself – real tips, not tourist traps.