All Coffeeshops in the Netherlands; Menu, Reviews & More - Greenmeister (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a café and a coffeeshop in the Netherlands? ›

In the Netherlands, a café is the equivalent of a full bar, and sells liquor, co*cktails, wine, and beer. A 'koffiehuis' serves coffee, while a 'coffee shop' (using the English term) sells soft drugs (cannabis and hashish) and is not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages or other drugs.

In the last decade or so, the number of coffee shops in the Netherlands generally decreased, from just under 730 in 2005 to 565 in 2022. Roughly one third of these coffee shops were in the capital, Amsterdam.

After all, the Dutch consume more coffee per day than almost any other country! A place selling coffee is called a 'Koffie Huis' (coffee house) or café. You won't have any trouble finding one – just have a sniff outside if you're not sure which type it is – you'll be able to tell, trust us!

» What is an Amsterdam Coffeeshop? In the Netherlands, a coffeeshop is an establishment where you can legally do soft drugs — buying and smoking weed or hash, eating “space cakes” (any kind of cake or sweet like brownies that is infused with cannabis), etc.

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.

There are no restrictions for cannabis or coffeeshops for people over 18 years old. If I am correct some cities (Especially near the Belgian and German border) also will ask for proof of address in the Netherlands if you cannot provide a Dutch ID. But I believe they dont ask this in the coffeeshops in Amsterdam.

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.

Smoking is to be banned in all Dutch cafes, restaurants, hotels, and sports facilities from July 2008, when the Netherlands' government axes the previous unsuccessful policy of industry self regulation.

If you're wondering why they are called coffeeshops, the name derives from the semi-secret drug trade in cafés in the early 1970s. Mellow Yellow coffeeshop in Amsterdam (which closed in 2017) was the first to obtain a license from the City of Amsterdam in 1972.

'Een bakje troost' is our favorite slang for coffee meaning 'a cup of comfort' or 'a cup of solace' in Dutch.

How do the Dutch drink their coffee? ›

Dutch coffee, which has a history in its past, is prepared with cold water, not with the commonly used hot brewing methods.

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).

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.

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.

How big is the chance you will be robbed or mugged in Amsterdam? Not very big. On average, there are five robbings in the streets of Amsterdam per day (by comparison: just in Paris Nord station, there are 30–40 suitcases stolen every day). In almost all of these cases, people were robbed of their mobile phone.

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.

In many ways, a cafe could be thought of as more of a restaurant than a coffee shop. While they will usually still serve coffee, traditional cafes such as Paris' Café Procope (the oldest cafe in Europe) have extensive menus [9].

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.

Smoking is to be banned in all Dutch cafes, restaurants, hotels, and sports facilities from July 2008, when the Netherlands' government axes the previous unsuccessful policy of industry self regulation.