The Dutch city of Hilervsum is definitely one of the more interesting cities in the Netherlands. Not a big town, Hilversum has epitomized the growing upper class population in the country, with trendy boutiques and malls springing up everything. Hilversum shopping can be interesting given that the people populating the city tend to be fashion forward and eclectic.

Hilvertshof  Shopping Center

One of the most prominent shopping complexes in Hilversum, the Hilvertshof Shopping Center is the best place to begin shopping. This began in 1973 as the Netherlands’ first covered shopping complex, and it is now one of the country’s most famous and largest shopping centers than can be found around. The mall, in general, provides for a pretty typical shopping experience, but the range of items due to the sheer size of the place can be overwhelming. Popular international brands such as Zara and Mango can be found here alongside domestic brands. It is a fantastic place for fashion lovers, since most of the shops here are fashion boutiques. Given that the Netherlands is a country of four seasons, be sure to look out for the various boutique window changes that showcase the changing trends of the city as the weather changes along with it.  

Gooische  Brink Shopping Center

The Gooische Brink Shopping Center is a good place to be if you’re looking for something more upmarket. Filled with little boutique shops and luxury brands, this place is very popular among the celebrities and the wealthy that reside in the city. International brands are available, but the beauty of this place lies in the little shops that sell one-off pieces that are not available anywhere else in the world. Most stores provide for the younger crowd, and mostly cater for women, but there are those that specialize in work wear and menswear as well. Whatever it is that you might choose to buy, be assured that many of the things here are exclusive.

Langgewenst Market

Available on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to late afternoon, the market is the place where locals get their necessities. Wednesday markets sell non-food products, while Saturdays are generally meant for edible produce. The Wednesday markets can be of interest to those looking to bring home a souvenir, but the Saturdays are when the locals truly show a slice of their daily life. Be sure to walk around the place, taking in the sights, smells and taste of true city life in the Netherlands, and a sense of how it is to live in Hilversum.