13 November 2025
The coolest more sustainable fashion and lifestyle shops in Brussels
- COSH! Member Publicity
- City Guide
Looking for a day out where you can combine your love of fashion with sustainability, creativity and a bit of adventure? Then put on your comfiest (secondhand) sneakers, hop on your bike and take the ferry to vibrant Amsterdam Noord. This neighbourhood is full of vintage treasures, creative designers, inspiring hotspots and cool bars and restaurants. We’ll take you on a more sustainable day trip in Amsterdam Noord that will enrich your wardrobe and your heart.
COSH! makes more sustainable shopping easier. Create your own shopping route with COSH! and add these great shops to it. This way, you’re guaranteed a successful shopping trip in Amsterdam Noord!
Cycling onto the ferry: the day begins!
Start your day at Amsterdam Central Station, cross the IJ River by ferry and just 5 minutes later you’ll be in Amsterdam Noord. Bring your bike, because that way you can get from place to place quickly. As soon as you reach the other side of the water, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped the city for a while: more space and, above all, more creativity.
Shop 1: ROOKIE
Cosy kids shop with secondhand and more sustainable brands
Your first stop? That’s ROOKIE on the Van der Pekstraat. Because when you’re looking for more sustainable children’s clothing or sometimes buy secondhand for your little one, this place is perfect for you. You’ll find a combination of high-quality secondhand and new items from sustainable brands for children of all ages, as well as wooden toys, accessories and (used) educational children’s books.
Rookie is run by sisters Christine and Saskia. Together, they ensure a pleasant shopping experience for both children and their parents. Rookie has two locations in Amsterdam Noord: one across Pek & Kleren on the lively Van Der Pekstraat and the second store on Purmerplein.
While you’re there, soak up the atmosphere of the Van Der Pekmarkt, which takes place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Perfect for a break with a fresh juice or to do some grocery shopping.
A lunch with impact: go to Café De Ceuvel
Time for a delicious lunch! Café De Ceuvel is an iconic spot in Amsterdam Noord, built on a former shipyard. Everything here revolves around reuse, experimentation and the circular economy. Enjoy your lunch while you’re surrounded by recycled houses, floating gardens and creative minds. Everything on the menu is vegan, organic and made with local ingredients. Bonus: De Ceuvel is also a social impact hub and hotel – a great place to keep in mind if your city break will last a little longer.
Shop 2: Figo Vintage
Amsterdam’s largest vintage store
With a full stomach, cycle on to Figo Vintage, a thrift paradise in Amsterdam Noord. In early 2024, they opened Amsterdam’s largest vintage store, housed in a former factory of 1000 m². Think racks filled with retro jackets, flared jeans, funky accessories and cheerful staff always eager to offer styling tips. Whether you’re looking for a 70s blouse or a leather biker jacket, Figo has it.
Another great thing: not only are the clothes vintage, but everything in the interior of the store is also secondhand and/or recycled, which is making a positive impact. After all, why buy new when there’s already so much beauty out there?!
Shop 3: Modestraat
Creative hub and meeting place in Noord
Get back on your bike and head towards Buikslotermeerplein. Here you’ll find a creative hub and cultural meeting place called Modestraat, where local residents and creative makers gather. Here, workshops are regularly organised, there’s a swap shop where you can swap or buy secondhand clothes, a repair café where you can (learn to) repair clothes and creatives can rent their own atelier. Fancy a treat? Then you can also visit the cosy living room café for coffee, a freshly made (vegetarian) lunch and a friendly chat. Also, keep an eye on the online calendar for the latest updates, because there’s always something going on here!
Shop 4: Sophia Bentoh
Discover the artistic fashion atelier of print and fashion stylist Sophia Bentoh
It’s time for today’s final shopping stop, the atelier of the vibrant designer Sophia Bentoh. Born in Togo and raised in the Netherlands, she weaves African symbolism and personal elements into graphic, artistic and colourful fashion with soul. Her collection, handmade and locally produced in small quantities, includes digitally printed clothing and accessories made from recycled plastic and cotton.
Discover the world of Sophia Bentoh, ideal for city nomads, lovers of colour and design, and anyone who dares to stand out with patterns that tell a story.
Have dinner with a view over the water
End your day in Amsterdam Noord with a relaxed dinner at De Verbroederij – a vibrant waterfront restaurant where local food, social connection and creativity come together. While overlooking the river IJ or putting your toes in the sand at the city beach, you can enjoy a delicious meal, a local beer and good conversation, and watch the sun slowly set over the IJ.
Then take the ferry back to Central Station: golden sunlight on the water, wind in your hair and a bag full of more sustainable gems. A day in Amsterdam Noord feels like a mini-vacation full of creativity and an investment in a better world.
