Amsterdam, a Complete Tour of Coffeeshop Culture

Once you tell someone you are traveling to Amsterdam, the coffeeshop jokes are going to start. This is mainly with American tourists, despite many states legalizing cannabis. Coffeeshop culture like Amsterdam is something we have not been able to replicate in the USA. What surprises most visitors is that cannabis consumption is actually not legal in Amsterdam (and most of the Netherlands) it is only decriminalized. Read on to learn all the ins and outs about weed in Amsterdam and the coffeeshop culture most associated with Amsterdam. 

As marijuana has become legal in more cities and less stigmatized in America, you’d think the Dutch cultural attitudes about the substance would spread to the States, but it hasn’t yet. The coffeeshop culture in Amsterdam is much more than just dispensaries to go or enjoy a smoke in the coffeeshop. These coffeeshops are each unique, everything from a hole in the wall for locals to a relaxing place to eat, drink & smoke with friends. Coffee shops are not like bars, you won’t see people getting angry or starting fights. At a coffeeshop everyone gets along and are friends, those who bring a bad vibe are asked to leave. 

What are the Rules for Smoking in Amsterdam?

The basic rules of smoking or consuming cannabis in Amsterdam:

1. You must be 18+, and ID’s will be checked.
2. An individual must have 5 grams or less on them at a time.
3. You may not be causing a disturbance, some tourists forget they are guests in the Netherlands. 
4. You can not smoke where there are signs banning it. These areas include de Wallen (The Red Light District), Dam Square, Damrak and Nieuwmarket.  
5. Never travel over the border with cannabis!

Tourists often ask, can you smoke outside? And the answer is… some places. In 2023, a partial smoking ban was enacted to prevent some poor behavior in the narrow canal streets, especially in the Red Light District. However, it is typical for someone to smoke a joint sitting next to the canals or in a park. When in doubt, if you are in a coffeeshop you can always smoke… just not tobacco. Violators can be fined €100, but often will get a warning when it’s a first offense.    

Can you smoke in hotels? Is another big question that gets a very negative response whenever asked. Here is the real answer, no most of the time. Most hotels and rentals fall under the no smoking policy. However, many will have a garden or terrace where you can smoke and in these areas there are no different rules for cigarettes and joints. There are a few cannabis friendly rentals, Bed & Breakfast or other private accommodations that allow smoking. But as a general rule, you can not smoke in hotel rooms and will not smell it in your hotel, unless it’s coming in from an open window from outside. 

How Do Coffeeshops Stay Stocked?

Coffeeshops can have up to 500 grams of weed in their possession at a time. This leads to numerous deliveries a day depending on the location and popularity of the coffeeshop. This does lead to many delivery people coming by throughout the day that are transporting more than the limits of 5 grams or 5 plants for personal use. They are walking or biking around the streets of Amsterdam with nondescript backpacks, looking like any other European traveler. This is the decriminalized part of the business, that is now growing due to the introduction of California strains.  

Coffeeshop Etiquette

You don’t have to stay at the coffeeshop, many choose to “take away,” but when on vacation indulge in the relaxation, revel at the social aspect and enjoy the food! Enjoy the coffeeshop culture not found anywhere else. Green House is our first stop for breakfast and enjoying the European atmosphere when we arrive in Amsterdam. When entering a coffeeshop when it’s not busy, greet the bud tender or owner. If it is busy and you wait in line, be sure to greet them. Depending on the part of the world you live in, public greetings may not hold as much importance. Feel free to ask the bud tenders any questions or for their current recommendations. They know so much about the strains and can describe the flavors and effects to you ahead of time. 

Smoking vs. Edibles

Many people who have never smoked or don’t like the action of smoking will often settle for an edible, something like a space cake or muffin. Still get these at a reputable coffeeshop and not in the convenience or souvenir stores. Those edibles don’t have THC even when they claim too on the packaging. Spend a little more and have an experience in a coffeeshop with a better quality product. Pair it with a nice latte or a fresh mint tea and enjoy the coffeeshop culture. 

Outside of edibles, smoking really is the only other way to consume cannabis. There are no vapes and concentrates that are popular in America. Dutch culture is about being open-minded, they don’t judge someone smoking or consuming an edible, so they have no need to hide or chemicalize the process. Next decision is whether to buy pre-rolled and spend more money or roll your own, which has gotten much easier in recent years with the invention of cones. Now you don’t have to know how to roll the perfect joint or try to remember how you did it in college.    

How to Order in a Coffeeshop

Coffeeshop culture is similar to any other cafe interaction. First, there will be a menu displayed by the register and often around the front on a screen to see while in line. Make the decision if you want a sativa (energy, uplifting, creative feel) or an indica (relaxation sleep assistance, munchies feeling) strain. Ask the bud tender about the strains and if you’re a pro smoker, tell them the type of strains you normally enjoy. 

There has been a new addition of California weed to Dutch weed in recent years. Now that Mike Tyson and Snoop Dogg have Coffeeshops, many now carry both options. California weed is significantly more expensive than Dutch weed. In my humble opinion, I don’t feel it is worth the cost difference and I’m not interested in paying for the name. If you want to try both, to see the difference give it a go, especially in a place like SWED.

If you are planning to roll your own, many coffeeshops have papers and filters for free with purchase. However, lighters and grinders can be purchased or bought and used for your whole trip. The lighter can come home as a souvenir, but leave your grinder in Amsterdam when you leave. The most important rule of coffeeshop culture and traveling is to ensure you never bring any over the border with you regardless if it’s by plane, train, car or ferry. 

Pre-rolled joints

If you plan to buy a pre-rolled joint make sure to ask for a “pure joint” since the Dutch typically mix theirs with tobacco or herbs to cut it. This is not what Americans are expecting (especially when you see no cigarette smoking signs on the door), but many Europeans are used to this system. When you sit down at a table, you’ll see a shaker with these herbs that look like oregano (but doesn’t smell like it) that the coffeeshop supplies free of charge. 

Rolling Your Own

Rolling your own joints (and cigarettes) is much more popular in Europe in general. I remember living in Germany and watching people on the bus or subway rolling cigarettes for their stop. In Amsterdam, you see the same thing in the coffeeshop. 

• Step 1, grind up the weed you’ve just purchased. 
• Step 2, add the weed to the paper in the joint shape, with the glue side of the paper out.
• Step 3, Wet the glue strip and close the whole seam. 
• Step 4, Pinch the end or add a filter to the end of your joint.
• Step 5, If making a filter with the cardboard from the coffeeshop, fold it into a small “W” shape and then wrap the rest of the paper around tight enough to fit into the open end of the joint. It will expand to the perfect size once you have it inside the end. 
• Smoke and enjoy the Amsterdam Coffeeshop experience! 

Leave it to the great minds behind the Raw company to create premade cones, with filers already rolled into them. This now makes it that much easier to save by buying loose weed by the gram (much less expensive than prerolls). Break up the weed with your grinder, fill the cone and pinch or fold the front over. You are ready to smoke in half the time and it comes out perfectly every time! 

Drinks vs. Full Service Coffeeshops

There are some small coffeeshops that just have a few drinks to choose from and you pay for them with the budtender at the same time, then find a seat to relax. Others are a little bigger, but only have one server at a bar and you’ll order before finding a seat. Still others, like Green House, have lots of menus including breakfast, snacks, meals and desserts. You will still be expected to purchase your weed first, then sit for a server to come to you. 

There are some differences in culture in Europe, in general with wait staff and tipping and these hold true in coffeeshops too. You might need to wave, make eye contact or ask for a server. Pay by cash or card and tip at the time of the money exchange or leave in a tip cup at a register. Tipping should be minimal, they are paid a living wage in Europe and don’t see it as the customer’s job to offset their salary. It is also appreciated when people greet and say good-bye when entering and leaving a restaurant, store or coffeeshop.

Coffeeshop Tours

There are a few coffeeshop tours available that are hosted by residents that know all the ins and outs of coffeeshops. In addition to telling you the history and rules of coffeeshop culture, they’ll take you to a location or two and walk through the whole process. For those who are not as comfortable just walking into a coffeeshop, these tours would be a great way to ease in, then you can try some of the less touristy shops on your own. Some of these tours are combined with a Red Light District tour, to educate about two of Amsterdam’s most taboo topics in one educational tour. See some of my favorite coffeeshop tours here, with options for small group or private tours. 

Best Coffeeshops in the Jordaan Neighborhood

Green House is our #1 coffeeshop in all of Amsterdam because it has all three things a great coffeeshop needs: high quality products, great food & drinks and a relaxed vibe. The atmosphere changes throughout the day and goes through busy and relaxed times that change the ambiance. There are three rooms with different vibes to choose from, so check out upstairs and downstairs when looking for a table. When arriving by train, head west out of the station and start walking down Haarlemmerstraat. Green House will be on the right, with a big blue Cookies sign outside and Green House written on the window signage. Go on in, don’t be shy! There will be a greater/doorman and all the budtenders will help you out and answer any questions you might have between the strains. 

• Green House United- Haarlemmerstraat 64
• Green House Centrum- RLD
• Green House Namaste- Waterlooplein 
• Green House Pijp
• Strain Hunters- Jordaan 

After leaving Green House, continue down Haarlemmerstraat to Westerpark or south down Prinsengracht to stroll the most famous canal in Amsterdam. Green House might be the best, but far from the only coffeeshop in the Jordaan. Try some of these favorites too: 

Coffeeshop Amsterdam

This coffeeshop has always been my second favorite coffeeshop in the Jordaan and for a great reason, the upstairs lounge. This coffeeshop has three stories and if you are lucky enough, you may be able to snag the front seat by the windows and watch Amsterdam walk and bike by on Haarlemmerstraat. They have an extensive drink menu and also serve snacks. We love the toasties here, a small grilled cheese with optional toppings. The only downside of this coffeeshop is that since they have a lounge on Single, they are not always open in the coffeeshop. The coffeeshop is open for takeaway all the time, but the lounge isn’t always open. They have an additional lounge and cafe on Singel, with food and drinks and a great patio location to grab a spot on one of Amsterdam’s best corners for people to watch. 

Green Place

Green Place is the first coffeeshop we recommend on Haarlemmerstraat. It’s a tiny spot on the right with the bud tender and one window seating area. Up stairs is a lounge that has a middle eastern feeling with seating on the floor. Larger groups can fit, but also singles or couples can sit and pull up a small coffee table for drinks and ashtrays. This is the type of place that can be super crowded and simply not have space, especially on the weekends and holidays. But just walk by and check it out, they even have a camera downstairs to show you if there is available seating before going up. 

Popeyes

Midway down Haarlemmerstraat, there is a coffeeshop that first grabbed my attention by the sign. I saw the old cartoon characters Popeye and Olive Oil, but behind it is a bright coffeeshop with a great drink menu and snacks too. The owner is a nice guy who will welcome you in and likes to joke with the customers. There is an upstairs and downstairs lounge, upstairs being a great spot to look out the windows to the street traffic. Popeye’s is in the middle of the Coffeeshop Culture that is Haarlemmerstraat.  

Barney’s Coffeeshop

Barney’s is the last coffeeshop down the main Haarlemmerstraat, with 3 different locations to experience on the same corner. First, there is Barney’s coffeeshop with 5-6 tables to sit and relax after purchase. Since there is not a lot of space, you can also pop across the street to Barney’s Uptown. There is a lot more space and tables here, as well as one of the few places in the city where you can smoke cannabis and drink alcohol. Back in the day, this place also served food, but recent changes in laws eliminated the food menu. Barney’s Farm is on the corner, and has a great location to relax with a drink, but with smoking. We are still not quite sure about Barney’s Farm… why isn’t there smoking allowed at that location? 

African Blackstar Coffeeshop

We stumbled upon this great spot in the Jordaan when we found ourselves early to a reservation at Ted’s All Day Brunch. Just across the canal is a small coffeeshop called African Blackstar Coffeeshop that was the perfect place to pop into on the go. After ordering upstairs, there is a small lounge downstairs with 4-5 tables, including a game table. The reggae music  sets the scene of being very far away from the bougiest block in the Jordaan. Pop in and give it a try. 

Some other Coffeeshops to try in the Jordaan: 

• Coffeeshop Silberie 
• Coffeeshop 137
• Paradox Coffeeshop
• Grey Area Coffeeshop
• Coffeeshop La Tertulia 
• Strain Hunters 

Best Coffeeshops in Oud West

SWED

SWED is the newest coffeeshop in Amsterdam, Snoop Dog’s addition to Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture. SWED stands for Snoop Dogg’s famous phrase, Smoke Weed Everyday. The coffeeshop is located a bit farther out from most of the touristy locations in the center of Amsterdam. Close to the Foodhallen, in Oud West, on a quiet canal the store front is the famous bright blue color. Inside, the Snoop Dogg themed blue mixes well with the Dutch “Delft” look on the table tops and ashtrays.

The entrance floor has tables around a very large circular seating bench with a blue dog. Even the restroom carries the bold blue theme! There is a basement lounge area with a deck over the water for the warm summer days in Amsterdam. It is not a traditional “Dutch” coffeeshop, but SWED is a great fusion between California weed and Dutch strains. This is a great spot to try both and see what you prefer. 

Kashmir Coffeeshop & Lounge

Kashmir Coffeeshop and Lounge are across the street from each other, with a distinct vibe. The coffeeshop has a Middle Eastern feel to the decoration that is appropriate for this part of town, with many Middle Eastern restaurants and residents. Kashmir Lounge is located across the street and is a relaxed environment, great to watch soccer and other international sports. The small bar area serves drinks where smoking weed is also allowed, plus there are seats to focus on watching mostly soccer and cricket matches.  

Some other Coffeeshops to try in Oud West:

• Cheech & Chong’s 
• Coffeeshop de Supermarkt
• Coffeeshop Loft
• Coffeeshop Boerejongens West 

Best Coffeeshops Near Central Station 

Tyson 2.0

Tyson 2.0 is Mike Tyson’s business endeavor and a newer coffeeshop in Amsterdam. Hubby and I went in when they first opened a few years ago and it was just too crowded. Now that it’s been open for a bit, we’ve been back numerous times. They have lots of seating, a gold bathroom and outside seating area to enjoy during nice weather. The bright red colored space has tributes to Mike Tyson’s career and a merch shop with clothes and humorous ashtrays. 

Dampkring/Coffeeshop Amsterdam

Dampkring is the first coffeeshop in Amsterdam, so a lot of the foot traffic comes for that reason alone. The ambience is pretty grunge, a bit edgy and attracts a younger crowd. Go for the experience and to just have the experience. Try to snag a stool in the window, to watch the people of Amsterdam rush by, usually in the rain. Dampkring has another coffeeshop called Coffeeshop Amsterdam in the Jordaan section of town. I recommend that location over this one near Dam Square. 

Abraxas Coffeeshop

My favorite for ambience (not quality) is Abraxas, their vibe can’t be beat! It is located down a small alleyway in Dam Square and sometimes can have a line to get in because of its limited seating. Once you pick out your goodies at the front, grab a drink at the bar (the hot chocolate is the best!) and wander around to find a seat. Hopefully the music is as banging when you go as it has been in the past when hubby and I’ve been there. We even have a set they played one night because it was so good and reminds us of our fun Amsterdam evening.     

Prix d’Ami

Wiggle your way in the back streets of the tourist nucleus, to find Prix d’Ami (on Haringpakkerssteeg) for a very different experience in Coffeeshops. We walked past this place for years, having seen it on lots of lists of great coffeeshops. We were never attracted to it from the street. It gives off a nightclub vibe from outside, with security and a disco ball and to be honest, didn’t give off the feeling that we were in the right age range. We finally went in to check out all the great food, games and movie theater room with couches we kept hearing about. It was a great spot and the snacks were good too. I can see coming to this place if you’re on a tight layover (you can even check luggage with security) but it is aimed for the younger tourists. 

Some other Coffeeshops to try in Centrum:

• Resin
• Kadinsky
• Dolphins
• Boerejongens Center
• Smokey Palace
• Coffeeshop De Kroon 

Best Coffeeshops in the Red Light District

The Red Light District has lots of coffeeshops to try, but most attract young tourists and are often busy at all times of the day and night. There is a Green House Effect which is where we find ourselves on this side of town because of its quality. The Red Light District also has lots of bars lining the streets, remember you can’t smoke in bars (there are a few exceptions), so most of the time you will pick one or the other type of establishment. The RLD is also where smoking outside is prohibited, so make sure you light up in a coffeeshop or on a smoke boat. 

Bulldog Coffeeshop

The most popular coffeeshop that tourists want to visit is Bull Dog and its logo all over the canals of the RLD. This coffeeshop claims to be the first coffeeshop with five locations around Amsterdam. The Bulldog the first and Bulldog Energy are found in the Red Light District and most frequented. There is even a Bull Dog restaurant, a few merch shops, a hotel and a smoke boat cruise that is available in the Red Light District area. Out west, there is the Bulldog Rockshop on Singel canal, Bulldog Ex-Poliocestation in Leidseplein and Bulldog Port 26, outside of the city.

Bluebird Coffeeshop

Bluebird is near the recently renovated Rembrandt museum between the Red Light District and Oost Amsterdam. There is space for both weed smokers as well as an enclosed area for tobacco smokes with comfortable couches and a small terrace. The decor is a mix of hippy and psychedelic to attract a relaxed crowd to enjoy its ambience.

Some other Coffeeshops to try in the Red Light District:

• Green House Centrum
• Green Place Coffeeshop Kloveniersburgwal
• Coffeeshop the Jolly Joker 

Best Coffeeshops in de Pijp & Zuid

Amsterdam Zuid is located just south of the canal ring and De Pijp is the most popular area for tourists. Most visitors come down to this side of the canal for the Albert Cuylpmarkt, the largest in Europe. When you are south of the canal ring, try some of these great coffeeshops in de Pijp & Zuid:

• Katsu
• Green House Pijp
• Coffeeshop Ibiza
• Coffeeshop Club Media
• Coffeeshop Relax
• Coffeeshop DNA

Best Coffeeshops in Noord

Heading to Amsterdam Noord on the free ferry is a great way to get to a residential and budget area. Many decide to stay at hotels in Noord, rather than take long rides out of the city to save money. There are not as many coffeeshops here and many are take-away only. Try these Coffeeshops in Noord:

• Coffeeshop Noord
• Hunter’s Coffeeshop
• Funny People
• Hunter’s Coffeeshop Waterlandplein 

Smoking on a Canal Cruise

Hubby and I have tried the Buddha Boat (pick it up at Central Station) and Smoke Boat (meet it in the RLD or Central Station) and both are great experiences, personalized and a small group experience with great captains and crew. Bulldog also has a smoke boat cruise available, that is more of a party vibe. You do need to bring your own weed and supplies, they don’t sell it on board. There is never a bad time to get out on the canals in Amsterdam, but I like to get late afternoon tickets, during golden hour (the hour before sunset). It is also a great experience to take a canal cruise after sunset to see the canals and bridges all lit up after dark.

We’ve been on the Buddha boat many times, so it certainly met our expectations and was as relaxing as usual. We sailed around the canals near central station, the gentleman’s canal to see the most expensive canal homes and went out to the Amstel river. The homes were taxed on their width, windows and front steps and depending on the canal you are traveling you can see the difference in wealth. I highly recommend this activity if you are interested in coffeeshop culture, but in an outdoor environment. 

Top 10 Coffeeshops

After traveling far and wide across Amsterdam, testing strains and coffeeshop vibes all over the city we’ve created our top 10 list of best coffeeshops. Number one is Greenhouse, it has stood the test of time and has many locations. Their products are superior year after year. My top ten favorite coffee shops are rated on the vibes, not price or specific strains since this is all personal preference. Top 10 Coffeeshops: 

1. Greenhouse (Haarlemmerstraat location)
2. Coffeeshop Amsterdam
3. SWED
4. Abraxas
5. Green Place
6. Resin
7. Kadinsky
8. Dolphins
9. Strain Hunters
10. Popeyes

Best Snacks in Amsterdam for the Munchies

Amsterdam is not necessarily known world-wide for its cuisine, however it has some of the most popular snacks in travel!  Damrak has the 2 most popular fry shops, almost next to each other. Pick the shorter line at Manneken Pis or Vlaamse Frites for fries with amazing sauces like fry sauce or truffle mayo. Fries are often eaten on the street as a full meal, even the small size is big enough to share with a large group. 

Another great spot to grab a snack on Damrak is FEBO, a popular spot for vending machine fast food. These fast foods are fresh, warm and well prepared for cheap. Try the croquettes, hamburger, kaassouffles, bitterballen and a few broodje options (sandwiches). Sounds crazy, but it is the perfect spot for the munchies after all the restaurants and cafes are closed for the night. 

If you are looking for sweets after some time at a coffeeshop, try saving stroopwafels, pastries or chocolates from the bakery in your hotel room. Most of these places are open during business hours and only the tourist traps are open late at night. A good place to pop in late are cafes, especially for the famous Dutch Apple Pie. If you are looking for sweets after hours, Green House coffeeshop has a few cakes and cheesecakes that are available after the kitchen closes and can even be taken to-go. 

Restaurant/Bars Where Smoking Weed is Allowed

These places are few and far between nowadays in Amsterdam, but there are still a few! Typically drinking and smoking weed are kept separate in Amsterdam and both can not be enjoyed in the same establishment. But there are a few places that were grandfathered in and can still enjoy both. These locations are all over the city, so find one close to you: 

• Miss B’s at La Grotte- Jordaan
• Barney’s Uptown- Jordaan
• Kashmir Lounge- Oud West
• Hot Shots- Leidseplein
• Hill Street Blues- Central Station 
• Cafe the Tribe- Central Station 
• Stones- Central Station 
• Lost in Amsterdam- Central Station 

Coffeeshops in Haarlem

When traveling to Amsterdam’s sister city, Haarlem, there will also be coffeeshops available, but far fewer since the town is much smaller. Try these great spots: 

• Empire Strikes Back
• Coffeeshop Haarelm 
• Maximilian Coffeeshop
• Coffeeshop High Times 

Coffeeshop Culture, Next Up

Smoking weed is more popular with tourists than locals, especially in Amsterdam. Once you’re in the residential neighborhoods and other Dutch cities most of the coffeeshops are smaller, local establishments or just do take-away. As a visitor, know your limits and don’t go overboard at your first coffeeshop. Twelve years ago, on the first trip I took my husband on, we had a funny experience in our favorite coffeeshop. We watched a young man do a complete face-plant and be carried out to the bench out front by the staff. When they returned, our waitress said, “the young tourist smoke too much and need air,” just as simply as that!

If you are looking for a location not mentioned here or specific strain try the Greenmeister directory is linked here. Come back next week for a 1-week Amsterdam itinerary blog. One week is more of the amount of time you really need to see Amsterdam and also get outside the city to see the beautiful landscape of the Netherlands.

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Check out my website at LauraMarieMyers.com/wanderlust to read additional Amsterdam blogs, see all my best Amsterdam recommendations and download my free Amsterdam Bucket List. Newsletters are coming soon to get inspiration for your own travels and adventures. Join my email list so you never miss a blog. As an Amsterdam travel consultant, let me help you make the most of your time and budget in Amsterdam, no matter how much time you have to spend!