ALL Coffeeshops in Amsterdam | Greenmeister (2024)

FAQs

How many coffeeshops are there in Amsterdam? ›

The Dutch capital is home to more than 160 'coffeeshops' and, whilst you can certainly enjoy a cappuccino in many of these places, that is not their main purpose! Here we look at the history of coffeeshops in the Netherlands and answer the question on every tourist's lips – why are coffee shops called coffee shops?

That is why some cities in the Netherlands, mostly in the southern part of the country, require you to have a "weedpass" to enter a coffeeshop. These are issued only to the residents of The Netherlands. It is not like this in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam tourists are free to visit coffeeshops and buy cannabis.

Customers must have a valid 18+ ID card to enter. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Possession of drugs or weapons is strictly prohibited. Sexual violence or harassment is not allowed, and all forms of aggression and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

But of course, if you're just going to consume space food, you can eat it wherever and whenever you like. Why is it called a coffeeshop when they don't sell coffee? Actually, they do — mainly cappuccinos or espressos and they might even serve teas, juices, soda, or no-drug snacks.

Technically, you can smoke in coffeeshops (cafes that sell weed – and usually coffee too) but nowhere else. In reality, you'll catch that familiar sweet grassy smell emanating off the parks on sunny days, and the police will probably turn a blind eye.

Amsterdam's coffeeshops are a popular tourist attraction.

They sell hashish and offer smoking facilities with loud music to smoke a joint. Many people visit the city to smoke marijuana.

You can buy your products in one coffeeshop and then go to another one to chill, but it is considered rude if you take up space and not purchase anything, so make sure you buy at least a drink or some snacks.

Amsterdam coffee shop FAQs

What time do coffee shops close in Amsterdam? While coffee shops in the city centre or the Red Light District close quite late (between 1AM and 3AM), those on the outskirts of Amsterdam in more residential areas tend to close earlier (between 9PM and 11PM).

To enter a coffeeshop, you must be 18 years of age – your ID will be checked. Visitors should keep in mind that most venues other than coffeeshops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises. In other words, you may not smoke cannabis in most clubs or bars, even in smoking areas.

There's usually a tip jar next to the register. You're not required nor even particularly expected to tip, but it's there. Most often customers drop some of their change in the tip jar; unlike restaurants, many if not most coffee shop transactions are in cash.

What is the difference between a cafe and a coffee shop in Amsterdam? ›

Many coffeeshops pride themselves in having a variety of loose leaf herbal teas, but the coffee options are like those at a normal Dutch café. The only difference about a coffeeshop is that the smaller bar in the back has a separate menu with a different list of “products” people can buy and consume onsite.

Anyone who is at least 18 years of age is allowed to buy and consume cannabis in coffee shops in Amsterdam. Sale of cannabis to persons under 18 is prohibited. To even step inside a coffee shop you must be at least 18 years of age. Also tourists can still visit coffee shops in Amsterdam.

In her view, and that of the local heads of police and prosecution bodies, banning tourists from coffee shops is unavoidable in order to reduce the size of the soft drug sector, tackle tourist nuisance and attack hard-drug criminality.

A cafe is typically known for its extensive food menu and a relaxed, sit-down environment. It caters to a wide range of tastes, often serving various dishes, pastries, or light meals. On the other hand, a coffee shop's primary focus is coffee, offering many brewing methods, espresso beverages, and a selection of teas.

Food and drinks

Especially if you consume your weed or hash on the spot, it's polite to buy a drink. In addition to cannabis, you can actually get coffee at a coffeeshop, as well as juices and soft drinks. Some coffee shops also sell food, such as sandwiches and sweets. Alcohol isn't sold in coffeeshops.

With around 250 coffeeshops scattered across Amsterdam, you'll find some of the city's best coffeeshops near Amsterdam Central Station. Since coffeeshops in Amsterdam refer to places that serve cannabis, if you are actually in need of a caffeine hit, you're better off heading for a koffiehuis or café.

In 1970s Amsterdam, cannabis was actually bought in coffee shops or living rooms where you could also drink coffee. In everyday language these places were called coffeeshops. Because of the policy of tolerance, they were eventually able to go public with their 'menu'. And the name just sticked.

The largest coffee shop is 3,221.77 m² (34,678 ft² 121 in²) and was achieved by Bonchai for Catering Co. LLC (Saudi Arabia) in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 4 September 2023.

The Amsterdam coffeeshop legal age is a minimum of 18 years old. Regardless of adult supervision, it's explicitly forbidden to enter a coffeeshop under the age of 18 — no exceptions.