The best coffeeshops in Amsterdam also happen to be among the top places to experience one of the world’s most enduring cannabis cultures. As widely known, coffeeshops in the Netherlands don’t primarily sell coffee. Their tale much resembles that of speakeasies. The first coffeeshop on the premises of an old bakery actually served coffee, with “everything else” sold hush-hush. That’s all changed, yet the name stuck.

Prohibited in the past and despite ongoing proposals to ban foreign visitors from becoming patrons, coffeeshops in Amsterdam remain ever so popular. They now bear licenses and operate under strict conditions. We’ve narrowed down from the hundreds in the Dutch capital. Most feature dazzling interiors while others are classy, embracing speakeasy vibes. Check them out below, and just remember that it’s illegal to smoke or consume any offerings off-premises.

  • 1

    The Bulldog The First Coffeeshop

    An Amsterdam cannabis culture institution

    The Bulldog The First Coffeeshop
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    The Bulldog is one of the longstanding coffeeshops in Amsterdam that has gained a worldwide repute as a pioneer of the Dutch capital’s cannabis scene. It grew from a damp basement in an alley on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canalside in 1974, and through its promotion of freedom and creativity, it managed to touch accord with the youth back then.

    The coffeeshop stands out with the bottom half of its facade and The Bulldog Brandstore next door colorfully painted. Inside, you’ll learn more about The Bulldog’s history through old photos and memorabilia, and smile after learning about the police raids it had in the past. Cozy cowhide sofas surround wooden tables in its main lounge. Windowside seating upstairs offers canal views. Beyond coffees, teas, waffles and smoothies, the menu has mildly infused chocolate and lemon space cakes, as well as pre-rolled reefer cones in various sizes.

    Location: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 GG Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +31 (0)20 625 9864

    Map

    photo by Dominic Milton Trott (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 2

    Green House Centrum Coffeeshop

    A relaxing canalside spot in Binnenstad

    Green House Centrum Coffeeshop
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Green House Centrum is one of the award-winning coffeeshops on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canalside in central Amsterdam. It has become a sort of go-to for those in the know, especially for its close association with Strain Hunters – a group of experts that source high-quality landrace strains around the globe. There are several Green House coffeeshops in Amsterdam, but the Centrum has been the main pilgrimage for many.

    Nicknamed Green House United, Centrum’s classy lounge is cozy with a huge bar area and with samples of among the world’s best strains. Their top selections include the Super Silver Haze. Many also visit simply for a drink, the vibe and music. Check out their proud award trophies and photos of world celebrities, from Eminem to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

    Location: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 191, 1012 EW Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm

    Map

    photo by Barrwk (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 3

    Abraxas

    Great chill vibes with dazzling interiors

    Abraxas
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Abraxas is a pretty Amsterdam coffeeshop that dates back to 1992. It has since gained a loyal following, becoming a favorable alternate to many visitors of the red-light district in central Amsterdam. As you enter this shop in Jonge Roelensteeg, you’ll admire the fantasy-themed decor created using wood, stone, glass, and hemp.

    Pick a seat in the first floor area or head upstairs to chill in the lounge. Highlights on the menu include world-class strains like White Widow. They also carry a good range of pre-rolled selections. You can check out the merch card decks for playing with friends as you enjoy your beverages, rolled selections, and space muffins.

    Location: Jonge Roelensteeg 12-14, 1012 PL Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Phone: +31 (0)20 625 5763

    Map

    photo by Not4rthur (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Boerejongens

    One of Amsterdam’s premium coffeeshops

    Boerejongens
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Boerejongens is a popular Amsterdam coffeeshop that offers professional and high-class services. Established in 2007, you can find it on Utrechtsestraat, north of De Wallen in central Amsterdam. The coffeeshop has also gained a reputation for its attractively prepared and delicious space cakes. Selections include frosted brownies, tarts, and red velvet cake.

    Its name means “farmer boys” in Dutch, which suits its reputation for offering naturally cultivated herbs. The shop is bright with staff clad in white lab-like attire who are ready to walk you through their best CBD oils, cigars and premium picks. Among the notable selections are the White Shoko and Super Silver Haze. There’s a second Boerejongens coffeeshop on Baarsjesweg 239 in West Amsterdam.

    Location: Utrechtsestraat 21, 1017 VH Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 9.45 pm

    Phone: +31 (0)20 447 3557

    Map

    photo by MaartjeW (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 5

    Barney's Coffeeshop Amsterdam

    A cozy spot in a 500-year-old building

    Barney's Coffeeshop Amsterdam
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Barney's Coffeeshop Amsterdam is on the northern borders of De Wallen, the red-light district in central Amsterdam. This popular coffeeshop opened a couple of decades ago, occupying one of the 500-year-old landmark buildings on Haarlemmerstraat.

    At Barney’s, you’re bound to have a fun time discovering some interesting strains – some of which come right from Barney's farm seed shop. The friendly and helpful staff are ready to show you their most popular samples, such as Laughing Buddha and Liberty Haze. You can find Barney’s within a 10-minute walk west of the Amsterdam Centraal railroad station.

    Location: Haarlemmerstraat 102, 1013 EW Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Daily from 10 am to 1 am

    Phone: +31 (0)20 625 9761

    Map

    photo by Tracy Vierra (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 6

    Coffeeshop The Stud

    One of Amsterdam’s brightest coffeeshops

    Coffeeshop The Stud
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Coffeeshop The Stud in East Amsterdam may be small, but it has a loyal following with its bright setup and friendly atmosphere. Expect white walls all around instead of the dark ‘speakeasy’ tone that many Amsterdam’s coffeeshops adopt.

    The Stud offers a warm welcome with cafe-like seating and service from attentive staff. Its well-varied menu includes top strains like Blue Cookie and Watermelon Zkittelz. They also offer a superb selection of hash such as Candy Cookie. Stop by their store for some great and reasonably priced merch, including a range of cool T-shirts.

    Location: Molukkenstraat 581, 1095 BJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Saturday–Wednesday from 7 am to 1 am, Thursday–Friday from 7 am to 10 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +31 (0)20 694 0983

    Map
  • 7

    420 Cafe

    A warm and casual coffeeshop in Damrak

    420 Cafe
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    420 Cafe is a small and casual coffeeshop in Damrak, Amsterdam, that’s more known for its delicious space cakes. The cafe has a warm vibe to enjoy your picks of grass, pre-rolled joints, hash, and edibles in favorite flavors such as lemon and chocolate.

    The soothing wooden-clad decor of 420 Cafe is augmented by the chill music that alternates between Bob Marley and Frank Zappa – there are even posters honoring the American singer. The staff are friendly and can help you with the selections as well as on what’s the latest talk of the town in Amsterdam.

    Location: Oudebrugsteeg 27, 1012 JN Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 8 pm

    Map

    photo by Dominic Milton Trott (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Easy Times Coffeeshop

    A cool chill-out spot in Amsterdam

    Easy Times Coffeeshop
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Easy Times Coffeeshop is an award-winning coffeeshop in Amsterdam known for its chilled vibes and friendly atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a relaxing lounge with sofas set against bright purple LED-backlit walls with Middle-Eastern motifs. It also has an impressive back area that’s dim-lit and featuring artwork all over.

    Among the best strains offered at Easy Times are Mango Kush, Papaya Punch, and Gorilla Cookies. The menu’s top selections of edibles, including a red velvet cake, are also worth checking out for non-smokers wanting in on the cannabis culture experience. You can find this popular coffeeshop just a 10-minute walk southwest from Dam Square. Easy Times Coffeeshop can get quite busy at certain times of the day.

    Location: Prinsengracht 476, 1017 KG Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Daily from 7 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +31 (0)20 626 5709

    Map

    photo by Ernest McGray, Jr. (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 9

    Original Dampkring Coffeeshop

    A coffeeshop with good music and bites

    Original Dampkring Coffeeshop
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Original Dampkring Coffeeshop is a top pick for a coffeeshop experience in Amsterdam if cozy ambience and good music are what you’re after. Cinephiles visiting Amsterdam often check out this spot, as it was where Brad Pitt and George Clooney filmed a scene for the hit heist movie Ocean’s Twelve (2004).

    Top picks at Dampkring include strains and hybrids such as Ceres Hilton and Mexican Haze. Non-smokers can enjoy everything from milkshake specials such as coffee dream espresso and caramel. The coffeeshop offers Wi-Fi, so you’ll see Amsterdam locals and students frequenting this spot with their laptops open while sipping a coffee or Dampkring’s homemade teas.

    Location: Handboogstraat 29, 1012 XM Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm

    Phone: +31 (0)20 638 0705

    Map

    photo by David Michalczuk (CC BY 2.0) modified

  • 10

    Gray Neighborhood Coffeeshop

    A tiny but popular coffeeshop in central Amsterdam

    Gray Neighborhood Coffeeshop
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Gray Neighborhood Coffeeshop may be one of the smallest coffeeshops in Amsterdam’s buzzing hub, but it’s highly popular among the city’s cannabis connoisseurs. Among its famous patrons are rapper-producer Snoop Dogg and actor-musician Willie Nelson. You’ll also spot other celebs like Woody Harrelson among the photos stuck on their fully covered walls.

    This American-owned and quirky-looking coffeeshop – its facade is drowned in stickers of all sorts – sits on Oude Leliestraat, just a short walk northwest across the Singel canal from Amsterdam’s Royal Palace. Inside, you’ll be greeted with personalized service from friendly staff. You can order custom servings of their best strains, the likes of Zombie Kush and Purple Punch.

    Location: Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands

    Open: Daily from noon to 8 pm

    Phone: +31 (0)20 420 4301

    Map

    photo by Simon_sees (CC BY 2.0) modified

Ari Gunadi | Compulsive Traveler