Second Hand by Sam Sam is a vintage clothing shop at Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 2, 1015 RZ Amsterdam, in the Jordaan. Its appeal is pre-loved fashion: individual garments with a previous life rather than a standardized seasonal collection. Visit to browse for a distinctive addition to your wardrobe, then explore the independent shops, canals, and residential streets of this former working-class district west of Amsterdam’s canal belt.
What to Expect at Second Hand by Sam Sam
The attraction here is the search itself. Approach the selection garment by garment, looking at fabric, cut, construction, and condition rather than expecting a complete size run. Secondhand sizing can differ substantially from contemporary labels, especially across decades and countries. Hold pieces against something you already wear comfortably, and ask about trying them on before deciding. A promising label matters less than shoulders, sleeve length, and how the garment actually hangs.
This is a clothing-shopping stop rather than a museum of fashion history. Do not assume that every pre-loved piece is a documented vintage collectible: age, designer attribution, and provenance are questions to ask about individual items. Check seams, linings, fastenings, and care labels in good light. For travelers, packability matters too; a piece that needs specialist cleaning or alterations can cost more to own than its ticket suggests.
- Pre-loved clothing: The central draw is choosing existing garments instead of buying newly manufactured fashion.
- Individual finds: Browse with an open brief rather than relying on a particular brand, decade, or size being available.
- Condition checks: Examine underarms, cuffs, hems, zippers, and buttons before taking a purchase away.
- Jordaan setting: The Tweede Tuindwarsstraat address puts the shop among small streets between the canals and Marnixstraat.
- Walkable shopping circuit: Continue along Tweede Tuindwarsstraat and nearby Westerstraat for a broader neighborhood outing.
Second Hand by Sam Sam at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Tweede Tuindwarsstraat 2, 1015 RZ Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Neighborhood / Area | Jordaan, Amsterdam-Centrum |
| Operating Hours | Check the opening notice at the shop before planning a dedicated visit. |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission ticket; allow a midrange shopping budget ($$). Individual garment prices determine spending. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Westermarkt tram stop, approximately 10–15 minutes on foot; paid street parking is limited. |
| Official Website & Phone | Direct inquiries at the shop address; ask in store for current contact and ordering options. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Make this part of a daytime Jordaan walk rather than the sole reason for crossing the city, and check the door’s opening notice before arranging a return. Tram 13 stops at Westermarkt; consult GVB for current service. Walking or public transport is easier than driving through these narrow streets. Street spaces are metered and scarce; check Amsterdam’s parking information for restrictions. The approach includes brick paving, canal bridges, and narrow pavement sections. Wheelchair users should ask specifically about the entrance threshold, doorway width, and room to maneuver inside before committing to a visit.
Allow another hour for the surrounding neighborhood. Noorderkerk and Noordermarkt are roughly a 5–10-minute walk away; the square is particularly useful for combining shopping with its Monday market or Saturday organic food market. Westerkerk, the 17th-century Protestant church beside Prinsengracht, is about 10–15 minutes away. The Anne Frank House is nearby on the same canal, but entry requires its own advance planning and timed ticket. For food afterward, Westerstraat offers a convenient concentration of cafés and restaurants within a short walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit?
Check the shopfront’s current opening notice before scheduling a special trip. Daytime fits best with a Jordaan shopping walk; leave enough flexibility to return if the shop is closed.
Do I need a ticket, and how much should I budget?
This is a retail shop, not a ticketed attraction. Treat it as a $$ shopping stop, inspect individual price tags, and ask about card acceptance, returns, and any overseas shipping before purchasing.
How long should I spend at Second Hand by Sam Sam?
Budget 20 to 40 minutes for browsing and assessing fit. Add time if you are comparing several pieces or checking measurements carefully.
Is the shop suitable for wheelchair users and families?
Ask about step-free entry and internal clearance before arriving with a wheelchair or large stroller. Outside, narrow pavements and bicycles require attention; families should keep children close when stepping into the street.
When planning your Amsterdam travel guide or browsing verified vintage clothing store in Amsterdam, pair this stop with standout local spots including Museumwinkel, VIDAVILLA, Conservatorium Hotel, and SMOKED CRISPY BACON (nearby).
