Want to test out some of Amsterdam’s best coffee shops? Well, the city is packed with hundreds of them. Cannabis was legalised in the Dutch capital in 1980 and since then, the city has become famous for its smoking culture and countless quirky coffeeshops. Smoking a joint at least once while visiting the city has become a tourist must-do. With so much choice around the city, we’ve rounded up the best coffeeshops in Amsterdam…
First time in Amsterdam? Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Amsterdam’s Coffee Shops
Grey Area
Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam
Grey Area is a fantastic coffeeshop close to the Nine Streets that has been running for 25 years. Many famous faces have smoked in here from Snoop Dogg to Ty Dolla $ign. It’s hard to miss the colourful, quirky building that’s plastered in skater stickers. Inside, there’s a cosy vibe that feels like you’re chilling in a living room. The helpful budtenders will talk you through the menu; there are also edibles such as Scout Cookies or brownies. Expect good music in here and a really relaxed vibe.
Original Dampkring
Handboogstraat 29, 1012 XM Amsterdam
If you come to the Original Dampkring for a smoke, you won’t be disappointed. This small but nicely decorated coffeeshop is a favourite in Amsterdam’s smoking scene that really lives up to its reputation. The weed is really good quality and the strains are old school. We’ve heard that the lemon space cake here is a winner. The whole vibe is super relaxed, just be sure to follow the rules - for example you can’t be on your phone which is kinda cool. Original Dampkring also serves up fantastic milkshakes.
The original Bulldog
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 GG Amsterdam
The BullDog is a pretty well-known coffee shop chain in Amsterdam with a few dotted across the city - but the best branch is by far the original. Located on the Red Light District overlooking the canal, this coffeeshop is spread over two floors and was the first Bull Dog to open in the city. It actually started as a sex shop back in 1974 based in a cellar of house number 90; people would smoke in secret here as it proved a safe place to enjoy a joint - slowly, the space evolved into a coffeeshop. If you’re looking for a guaranteed good atmosphere plus fair prices, then the Bulldog is for you. Expect psychedelic paintings inside and a decent food menu and popular weed brownies. It’s always quite busy in here.
Coffeeshop Smokey
Rembrandtplein 24, 1017 CV Amsterdam
You won’t miss this place if you’re wandering around Rembrandtplein Square at night: it’s bright neon lights will catch your eye from across the square. The cool thing about Coffee shop Smokey is that it’s attached to a nightclub. You can spend all day chilling at Smokey and then party away afterwards in the club nextdoor. Popular with students and tourists, inside you’ll find a pool table, luminous neon lights and a fun atmosphere. While this is more of a touristy coffee shop, the whole place is buzzing when it gets dark so we recommend heading here if you’re up for a late night. It’s position on Rembrandtplein makes ideal because the whole area comes to life in the evening. When people return from a trip from Amsterdam, they often rave about this place.
Siberie
Brouwersgracht 11, 1015 GA Amsterdam
Coffeeshop Siberie is a fantastic contender in this list if you’re looking for a cafe-style environment, perfect for a relaxed smoke during the day a hot cup of coffee. Overlooking the canal with fantastic views of the famous narrow houses of Amsterdam, the location is pretty unbeatable when it comes to photo opportunities. Siberie offers a great menu, some of the friendliest staff in the city and a fantastic drinks selection (no alcohol is served here but the Chocamel is delightful). The chilled out atmosphere and light, airy decor makes you feel right at home. There’s a good selection of weed and cookies!
Green House Centrum
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 191, 1012 EW Amsterdam
Snacks, drinks, salads and shakes. Green House Centrum is more than just a coffee shop. This cosy - and often packed - coffee shop in De Wallen looks over the canal boasting a picturesque central location. Inside, there’s a funky yet relaxed interior with wooden floors and a colour scheme that’s peaceful on the eye; oranges, browns and yellows. Pop by for a toastie and a joint. Green House has seen the likes of many celebrities over the years from Miley Cyrus, Pink!, Lil Wayne and Rihanna.
Barney’s
Haarlemmerstraat 102, 1013 EW Amsterdam
This award-winning coffee shop on Haarlemmerstraat is one of the most famous in Amsterdam, popular with both locals and tourists. While the coffeeshop is located in a 500 year old building, the interior is far from old. Inside, it’s modern and relaxed with friendly and knowledgeable staff. If you need any advice or it’s your first time smoking, they’d be happy to help. In fact, we would recommend this joint (mind the pun) to first time weed smokers in particular. Barney’s doesn’t just sell high quality affordable weed, but delicious hearty food, too. While it’s fairly small inside, there is always a great atmosphere. Barney’s is easy to get to being just a short stroll from Centraal station.
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Article by Shereen Sagoo
