Coffee Shops aka Hash Bars

Coffeeshops are easy to spot. They all display a green and white sign which says coffeeshop. Dutch coffee shop sells cannabis and are licensed to do so.

If you have come to Amsterdam for the hash and drugs, it is good to know that possession of soft drugs is decriminalised in the Netherlands and anyone over eighteen is allowed to have 30 grams. Advertising marihuana is not allowed therefore there are no coffeeshop websites. When in a coffeeshop, ask for the menu and choose your favourite or ask the dealer for advice.

Here is a mini list:

 1. SMOKEY
Rembrandtplein 24

  Huge place, good place to chill out, several pool tables. Quite touristy. Their weed is pre-packed. The outside looks more up-market than most other coffeeshops and prices are quite high. This is because Rembrandtplein is a posh centre with lots of bars restaurants and expensive hotels. So Smokey’s has adepted its prices. It is not a ‘typical’ coffeeshop, better head for the ones in the Red Light District.

2. BULLDOG MACK
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 132
Sun-Thu 10:00-01:00, Fri, Sat 10:00-02:00
Famous coffee shop chain with attached souvenir shops. The Leidseplein branch housed in a former police station has now been closed because it was to near to a school.. Always full and rather touristy, but very safe for beginners. It’s like going to Bangkok and drinking coffee at Starbucks.

3. GRASSHOPPER Two
Oude Brugsteeg 16
Sun-Thu 08:00-01:00, Fri & Sat 07:00-03:00

Bang in the middle of tourist Amsterdam and the first coffeeshop outside Centraal Station. More bar – cafe atmosphere than coffeeshop. Very much tourist-focused. Check out their display cabinet full of Grasshopper branded gifts before buying White Widow spliffs. Go upstairs to the Grasshopper Steak House for the best sirloin steak in Amsterdam.

4. ABRAXAS
Jonge Roelensteeg 12
Daily 10:00-01:00

Down a dinkey alley, but the neon sign make it easy to spot. Three floors of chill-out space. Choose Middle East or US decor. Get high to the beat of a DJ playing mellow tunes. Bench seating with lots of comfy cushions. Little stars for lighting and candles on each table. Big flat screen TV. Outdoor seating if you are lucky enough to grab a seat. Try Orange Bud and Jamaican/Thai. Delectable space Brownie and chocolate Brownie.

5. HAPPY FEELINGS
Daily 13:00-01:00
Kerkstraat 51

Used to be Global Chilling but the new owners have transformed it into a sleek, modern place, with a clean shiny look. Almost looks like an ordinary cafe. Good place for beginners and for those who want a ‘real’ cappucino.

6
KADINSKY
Sun-Thu 10:00-01:00, Sat & Sun 10:00-02:00
Rosmarijnsteeg 9

Popular place, friendly vibe, no reggae, but global music soft enough to hold a normal conversation. Good quality weed and space cakes. Try Nepal Special black as the night and a smell like ripe fruit. Multi-levelled interior. On sunny days the entire front window opens. The usual selection of drinks teas, coffee, soft drinks and energy drinks. Excellent prices, far lower than in the touristy coffeeshops like The Grasshopper or The Bulldog. It can get crowdy and there are not enough seats for everyone. But this is only a minor complaint.

There are many more coffeeshops. Just walk around, you will pass many coffee shops. Or just sniff and follow your nose.

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photo credit: personal collection