Sneek - or Snits, as the Frisians say - is the largest town in the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân. Known for Sneek Week and the famous Waterpoort from around 1600, which was once part of the city wall. But you can do much more in Sneek than spend a day looking at boats and soaking up history. We went ahead and mapped out a sustainable shopping route for you, packed with great second-hand shops and addresses for vintage.
Sneek: historic city centre with hip edge
For a very short time, Sneek was allowed to call itself the capital of Friesland in the 15th century. Logical really, being the Central Station of all Frisian water traffic. The city still plays that role and the annual Sneekweek is proof of that. But even outside the festival season, it's nice to be here. Around the Waterpoort you will find charming streets, cosy terraces and surprisingly many nice shops. And yes, there are plenty of sustainable gems among them too. Fancy a stroll? Let's go!
Sustainable shopping route through Sneek
We preceded you and collected the best second-hand shops, vintage boutiques and sustainable addresses in and around the centre of Sneek. Put on your most comfortable trainers and bring an empty bag, because there is plenty to find in Sneek! Tip: go on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, when most shops are open!
Dorcas thrift store
We start the route at Dorcas. Right in the centre of Sneek is a thrift shop where you still really feel like you are treasure hunting. Prices here are still old-fashioned friendly, and with a bit of luck you'll score a real gem for a few quid. From retro crockery to fine second-hand clothes, browse! Note: Dorcas is only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays! Address: Grootzand 54
Second-hand shop ’t Grachtje
Got your fix at Dorcas? Then cross the bridge to ’t Grachtje. This second-hand shop in Sneek has been the place for second-hand women's clothing, bags, shoes and jewellery since 1999. Here you'll find beautiful brands, neatly selected and also well priced for a second-hand boutique with wonderful input. Note: open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Address: Grootzand 77
Lab36, second-hand concept store
Will you be there on Thursday, Friday or Saturday? Then you're in luck, because then Lab36 open. This stylish shop mixes vintage, art and unusual home accessories. Here you will find great gifts for yourself or someone else - all stuff with a story. Address: Scharnestraat 36
Filsen: vintage & tea
Just down the road you walk in at Filsen. What a pleasant surprise! Tea and vintage in one shop. It is a pink tea shop, styled to perfection, with an interior to fall in love with. All second-hand items are carefully chosen and perfectly match the atmosphere of the shop. You can browse around and taste special tea blends before taking something home. Above all, get advice from owner Ilse, who will help you with love. Shopping with a cup of tea? Yes, please! Open Wednesday to Saturday. Address: Grootzand 27
Sustainable shopping in Sneek is a must. Tea and vintage: a unique but great combination. We also made a video of this shopping tour. Watch the video!
Bente's Books & Coffee
Time for a stopover? Then hit Bente's Books & Coffee not over. Located in a beautiful building, this atmospheric book café is the ideal place to settle down for a while. You will find second-hand books, good coffee and a nice atmosphere. Tip: also browse the shelves, who knows what you might find. Open Wednesday to Saturday. Address: Grootzand 17A
A cute little bookstore in Sneek where the coffee is waiting for you.
Thrift shop(s) Okay 13
Are you there on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday? Then you can also pop in at Okay 13. This little thrift shop may not be big, but it is full of trinkets. From bric-a-brac to kitsch and old toys to forgotten treasures, you never know what you might come across. Address: Oude Koemarkt 13
Join the Audio
Looking for good audio equipment without it having to come out of the box new? Then drop by Join the Audio. This specialist shop sells used equipment as well as new equipment and does repairs. So amplifiers, turntables and speakers get a second life instead of ending up on the scrap heap. Perhaps not a ‘hip’ address, but a very valuable stop for those who want to consume consciously and love good sound. Address: Galiga Street 6
The Diva: second-hand designer clothes
Do you love beautiful brands? Then be sure to drop in at The Diva. This shop specialises in second-hand designer clothes. Here you can score a Max Mara coat, a Marc Jacobs bag or Prada pumps. Everything is in top condition and stylishly presented. You almost forget you are in a second-hand shop. Address: Leeuwenburg 22A
Koester concept store
If you walk further, you will automatically come to Koester Conceptstore visit. Here you will find interior items, gifts, self-care products and nursery accessories - mostly handmade, from sustainable or local makers. A perfect place if you are looking for a special gift, or to make your own place just that little bit more cosy. Address: Oosterdijk 62
Koester concepts tore is a sustainable gift shop in Sneek with cool items for the home and gifts from local makers, among others.
Thrift shop De Snuffelhoek
For those who never get enough of cycles, there is still The Snuffelhoek. A place where you really can come across anything - well search carefully! Think second-hand toys, retro electronics, books and messy gems. Not slick, but cosy. Address: Gedempte Pol 11
Jennies table
At Jennies Table you will find all sorts of things. New and pre-loved clothes, used shoes, jewellery, watches, leather belts, toys, LPs and singles, vintage and antiques, as well as protein products and stuff from the shop. A delightful mix of styles, smells and treasures. Prices are often favourable and the selection changes quickly. Whether there's something for you among them? There is only one way to find out: just go shopping there! Address: Jousterkade 2
Lunch tip in Sneek!
In between all that shopping, you need to eat well, of course. For a sweet break Loof the place: here you will find delectable cakes in a cosy setting. But this is also the place for lunch. Prefer something savoury? Then go to Smuk - a bright, quiet place with Scandinavian atmosphere, where local, organic and fresh play the main role. The menu features delicious dishes with lots of vegetables, grains and flavour. Vegetarians and vegans also have plenty to choose from here. Both places are perfect for catching up and having a good meal. Address Loof: Wijde Burgstraat 18, Address Smuk: Kleinzand 1.
Lunch tip during your day of sustainable shopping in Sneek: cake at the cosy Loof.
Thrift shops outside the centre of Sneek
Do you have access to a car (or bike with good pedals)? Then there are a few more addresses just outside the city that are worth the detour. At Sytsma Antiques & Home accessories / Beautiful in Living you will find a mix of bric-a-brac, antiques and atmospheric home items. Also the Estafette thrift shop Sneek is highly recommended, with a great selection of clothes, homeware and furniture. Finally, there is The Sneeker Good: a thrift shop with a social mission as well as a surprisingly varied offer.
Bonus: explore Sneek with a city guide
Want to really round off your day in Sneek? Then book a city walk at the Fries Scheepvaartmuseum. Not only the shops are worthwhile, but also the stories behind the pretty streets and shop premises (often monuments) bring the city to life. One of the highlights of such a walk is the iconic Waterpoort, Sneek's landmark. This gate from 1613 was once part of the city wall and was literally the entrance to the city from the water. At night at ten o'clock, the gate was locked, and those who arrived late were left to sleep outside. Today, the gate is closed to the public, but... those who go out with a guide are allowed inside. A unique look at a special place! Please note: walks are at fixed times or on request from four people upwards. Check out the website for more information.
Super fun insider tip: a city walk through Sneek with a city guide highlighting the water tower ín.
Second-hand shopping and sustainable shopping in Sneek
Sneek - or Snits - has everything for a day of sustainable enjoyment. From thrift shops to designer finds and from bookstores to cake shops: in an afternoon you will run out of time. Be surprised by the offer, taste the atmosphere and support the shops that really add something. And don't forget to bring that extra bag. Because I bet you'll come home with more than you planned? We also have a great sleeping tip for you in the area. Check out Konga Float, a floating cottage with a private island. Have you spotted another great tip in (near) Sneek? Let us know. We will lovingly add a good tip to the itinerary.
More Friesland tips
- Also see: Your travel guide for a sustainable day out in Leeuwarden.
- Also see: itinerary for a weekend in northwest Friesland.
- Also see: A road trip through Friesland.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl, other: Koester concept store.
