Shopping is what brings a high percentage of the tourists to Amsterdam. Shopping opportunities range from large old departments stores such as Metz and Company to the small specialty shops. Many people stay in the Amsterdam hotels just to stroll along the canals and visit the small shops. One of the more popular shopping areas is known as Negen Straatjes. This area is composed of nine narrow streets that wind among Amsterdam’s concentric canal system. The selling point for these shops is that they are all privately owned and carry a large variety of goods. If the shops are too much for you, try one of the open air markets for awhile.