Amsterdam is a city so convenient to get to from London that it's rather embarrassing that my only previous visit was at the end of the last century. 2018 was the year I finally managed to right that wrong and top of my list of things to do was visiting some of the excellent specialty & best coffee shops in amsterdam and roasteries that the city now boasts.

Of course, when friends and family ask why you're going to Amsterdam and you say, "for the coffee shops," a little clarification is required as to which type of coffee shop you mean. And of course, I meant the ones where I could drink a cup of freshly roasted, well brewed specialty-grade coffee.

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.

It is sometimes spelled as 'coffee shop', but it is usually without a space.

At this point, you might be thinking, "Why is it called a coffeeshop when they don't sell coffee?"

Well actually, they do - mainly cappuccinos or espressos and they might even serve teas, juices, soda, or no-drug snacks. But for the most part, they are called 'coffeeshops' because back when the policy of decriminalizing cannabis wasn't so clear yet, this was the 'cover name' that was used by the shops who were selling hash and weed.

But when it was officially decriminalized in 1976, the name just stuck.

The Difference Between Coffeeshops and Coffee Shops

First things first. Why are coffeeshops called coffeeshops? Well, the reason it's important to differentiate between coffeeshops and coffee shops is because one sells cannabis products and one does not.

Both will indeed serve coffee, but it's also fair to say that one will serve potentially much better coffee and have more steamed/foamed/hot/non-dairy milk options than others.

So let's break it down:

Coffeeshops are where you can buy cannabis products (and coffee, yes). And coffee shops are where you cannot buy cannabis products but you will get more choice for caffeine-based drinks.

When researching coffeeshops in Amsterdam, you will find most (but definitely not all!) places will differentiate between cannabis coffeeshops and caffeine coffee shops by the spelling of the word (coffeeshops being all one word).

But this is not a catch all, and indeed many shop fronts and signs for cannabis-related coffeeshops will say Coffee Shop, and very, very few will have the words "weed", "cannabis", or "marijuana" in their signage.

However, once you've been walking around Amsterdam for a few days or even hours, you'll start to see the subtle differences between coffeeshops and coffee shops.

"Then what if I want to go to a coffee shop that actually sells coffee or snacks and none of these soft drugs?"

You can then go to either a café or a coffee house (koffiehuis); but still, be mindful that these two have different meanings as well:

• Café - usually a casual restaurant or bar

• Coffee House (Koffiehuis) - place that sells coffee, pastries, or light meals

So, simply put, if you ever want to go to a legit café then don't go around asking for directions to the nearest 'coffeeshop'.

Where to Find Coffeeshops in Amsterdam

EVERYWHERE. There are a LOT of them and it's easy to identify one because they have the word 'coffeeshop' on their sign.

They also usually have Rasta colors and designs, or if they don't have those elements, they should have a green and white flag/sticker on their window that says 'Coffee Shop' (thereby licensing them as one).

Tell-tale signs that you're standing outside a coffeeshop:

Most Amsterdam coffeeshops don't have windows you can look in. They often have blacked out windows or storefronts, and most don't have any noticeable reference to coffee or being a cafe.

Tell-tale signs will include neon signs, quirky names hinting at cannabis culture or getting high, and yes, the smell.

On the other hand coffee shops should appear to be more welcoming, have open seating areas inside and out, and will smell more like coffee than anything, you hope!

Google Maps has become better at showing you where coffeeshops are versus coffee shops, but I still find it fluffs up now and again when I'm in an unfamiliar neighbourhood.

TRIVIA: It is only in Amsterdam where they allow tourists to go inside coffeeshops. Apparently, the rest of the Netherlands' coffeeshops require their customers to have Dutch residency - this was done in an aim of minimizing or stopping the 'drug tourism' throughout the country.

Is Cannabis Legal in the Netherlands?

This is actually a complicated subject that if I try to explain to you in detail, my post here will get veeeery lengthy. But to sum it up: NO.

It's technically still considered as an illegal thing, but not entirely punishable as long as you get it from licensed coffeeshop establishments (that are still under constant watch by the law).

What does it take for these Amsterdam coffeeshops to NOT be on the wrong side of the law?

• They should only sell it in small quantities: not greater than 5 grams per person (so don't buy more than this!)

• They should never advertise

• They should not sell hard drugs

• They should not sell to any minor (those under the age of 18)

• They should not be a disturbance to the public and should never be positioned near a school or playground

Why did the Dutch government decriminalize cannabis?

It's because they believe that total prohibition of marijuana will cause more problems than it solves, and somehow, they are correct in this belief.

Apparently, their drug policy did result in lesser pot-smoking problems in their population especially since they can control and regulate it.

According to statistics, they have had fewer drug problems over the years and as compared to other countries in the world.

The Netherlands applies a tolerance policy ('gedoogbeleid') towards soft drugs like cannabis, allowing the sale and possession of up to five grams per person for personal use.

To enter a coffeeshop, you must be at least 18 years old and present valid identification.

However, it's important to note that as of May 25, 2023, using soft drugs in public areas of Amsterdam's old city center, including the Red Light District, Nieuwmarkt, and Dam Square, is prohibited with violations resulting in fines of up to €100.

Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam

Grey Area

Best For: Iconic cannabis experience with celebrities

This is Amsterdam's most iconic coffeeshop, largely owed to welcoming some seriously star-studded guests over the years (notorious cannabis lovers Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg, to name a few).

Grey Area was founded by two guys from the US who are passionate about all things marijuana, and its selection is extensive.

This is a small, intimate, and a must-try experience in Amsterdam.

One of the few names that kept coming up again and again when researching best Amsterdam coffeeshops was Grey Area, which also gets consistently good reviews online too.

Located on a street not all tourists would stumble upon, Grey Area aims to cater to locals as much as it does visitors, and all in quite a small space.

From the outside it looks more like a record shop or skateboarder hang out as its front is covered in stickers, and inside is more of the same with messages and autographs scrawled on rolling papers adding to the mix.

As mentioned above, Grey Area is a small but popular spot so you may have to queue, then not be able to get a seat or get comfy for long, but maybe that doesn't matter so much if you just want to tick this one off your list of cool Amsterdam spots.

Address: Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily from 12pm-8pm

Atmosphere: Small, intimate space with sticker-covered walls and autographed rolling papers creating authentic cannabis culture vibe.

Menu Highlights:

• Extensive marijuana selection

• Quality strains from passionate US founders

• Pre-rolled joints available

• Cannabis products favored by celebrity visitors

Abraxas

Best For: Hippie vibes and eco-conscious smoking

Open since 1992, Abraxas is one of the more hippy-ish coffeeshops in Amsterdam, and they're open about their focus on the environment and ethics.

They have lots of information about their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and to also give back to their local community.

They also score extra points for having wheelchair friendly access.

Definitely one to go check out if you also have a hippy soul, and they sell lots of merchandise and paraphenalia both in their stores and online too if that's of interest.

I LOVED the atmosphere of Abraxas. I'm not really into the whole 'hippie' thing but the 'hippie' vibe in this place drew me in - it was just so laid-back and relaxed.

It had a lot of couches and big tables, and they even have board games too! And what I especially loved the most: they have great mellow music playing.

Unlike the majority of the Amsterdam coffeeshops, they do NOT play ear-splitting techno music or chart hits.

To go to this branch, you have to walk into a small alley which looked kind of creepy at first (especially since it was already nightfall when we decided to drop by) but once we stepped inside, we realized that there wasn't really anything to be creeped out about.

After all, when we got a good look at the alley, there were ample surrounding shops manned by smiling people who were just minding their own business.

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

Opening hours: Daily 9.30am-1am

Atmosphere: Spacious hippie-style lounge with carved wooden furniture, mystical motifs, mellow music, and eco-friendly community focus.

Menu Highlights:

• Space cakes and brownies (€5.40 each)

• Variety of cannabis strains

• Pre-rolled joints available

• Merchandise and paraphernalia for purchase

Paradox

Best For: Strong space cakes and neighborhood charm

Recently refurbished and housed in an old stable with ties to Amsterdam's fire department, this down-to-earth coffeeshop could easily be mistaken for a neighbourhood café, given its welcoming ambience and unassuming location.

Catering to stoners who prefer quality over quantity, Paradox usually stocks around seven strains of weed alongside six types of hashish.

The coffeeshop is well-known for its space cakes, too: they're laced with a full gram of weed.

This is a lovely, very relaxed, cosy coffeeshop that is very much the pride and joy of the locals just as much as the tourists who wander around in search of this small side street in the Jordaan neighbourhood.

It has long been associated with painters and artists in Amsterdam, which you'll pick up on as soon as you step inside.

We were recommended their spacecakes and while pretty plain in terms of flavour (both choice and quality), they certainly did the job and we felt in good hands getting advice. (Again, they were strong so we took it slow and listened to the guidelines and warnings we were given!)

The second time we stayed a while and inside (I had a tea while my partner and a friend smoked) other customers were mostly middle-aged or older men sitting reading newspapers or books, drinking coffee and having a long, slow smoke.

It felt very far from the busy, noisy coffeeshops of the Red Light District, which for some is a win.

Address: Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat 2R, 1016 KS Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily 11am-8pm

Atmosphere: Down-to-earth neighborhood café vibe in refurbished old stable with artistic heritage and relaxed local crowd.

Menu Highlights:

• Space cakes with full gram of weed

• Seven strains of weed

• Six types of hashish

• Quality over quantity selection

• Coffee and tea service

Barney's Coffeeshop

Best For: Award-winning weed and historic setting

One of the most well-respected cannabis dispensaries in Amsterdam, this award-winning coffeeshop balances quirky aesthetics with first-rate weed and service.

Set inside the ground floor of a 16th-century building, Barney's Coffeeshop is a picture-perfect backdrop for smoking sessions.

With Barney's Uptown (a smoker-friendly bar) just across the street, this is an ideal location to visit if you'd like a beer with your joint.

While not as old as some of the coffeeshops on this list, the Barneys brand is one of the better known thanks to there being almost a mini-empire of Barneys coffeeshops, each one offering a slightly different experience.

Three of the Barneys coffeeshops in Amsterdam are found practically next to each other in Haarlemmerstraat to the west of Amsterdam Centraal Station and the Jordaan neighbourhood.

There is Barneys Lounge on Reguliersgracht over to the east of the city centre.

For some people, hanging out at Barneys is a rite of passage when you visit Amsterdam and indeed, you can eat all your three meals a day at a Barneys hang out.

Classic bar food options at Barneys Uptown, or find a healthier menu at Barneys Farm. You can make a night of it at Barneys Lounge, Uptown or the original Barneys Coffeeshop, all of which are open until 1 or 3am depending on the night.

Address: Haarlemmerstraat 102, 1013 EW Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily 7am-1am

Atmosphere: Picture-perfect 16th-century building with quirky aesthetics, award-winning reputation, and multiple locations for varied experiences.

Menu Highlights:

• Award-winning cannabis strains

• First-rate weed selection

• Bar food at Uptown location

• Healthy menu at Farm location

• Full meal service throughout day

Dampkring

Best For: Ocean's Twelve movie location fans

There aren't that many places in Amsterdam that are visited just because they're in a movie, but Dampkring coffeeshop is one of them.

The location for a scene in Ocean's Twelve featuring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Scottish actor, Robbie Coltrane, Dampkring now has a strain of cannabis named after the film.

Indeed a flock of smokers and non-smokers wanting to have their photo taken at the table where the actors sat.

But the Dampkring is more than a tourist attraction, it's a very relaxed, brown-bar-esque Amsterdam coffeeshop that is well worth popping into during your visit.

The staff is friendly and helpful, the crowd a mix of tourists and regulars, and you can act super nonchalant and cool that you had no idea it's also a famous movie location!

Address: Handboogstraat 29, 1012 XE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Opening hours: Daily 10am-1am

Atmosphere: Relaxed brown-bar-style coffeeshop with Ocean's Twelve movie fame, friendly staff, and mix of tourists and regulars.

Menu Highlights:

• Ocean's Twelve strain (named after the movie)

• Variety of cannabis products

• Pre-rolled joints

• Friendly staff recommendations

• Photo opportunity at famous table

The Bulldog

Best For: Longest-running coffeeshop in Amsterdam

Another big Amsterdam coffeeshop brand and one of the oldest names in the game, the Bulldog is another mini-empire built around one first successful coffeshop, located in the heart of Amsterdam's Red Light District.

The first Bulldog coffeeshop opened in 1974 and now there are 11 Bulldog-branded establishments scattered around the RLD.

This includes a coffeeshop in an old police station (which let's be honest, you couldn't make up).

There are five Bulldog coffeeshops, a hotel, a bar, a cafe and no fewer than three brand stores where you can get your Bulldog merchandise.

The Bulldog brand has now travelled to other cities in Canada, Europe and even the Caribbean.

It's for this reason that some people (especially Amsterdam locals) don't exactly flock to Bulldog for their cannabis needs.

But as the longest-running coffeeshop in Amsterdam (at the conveniently named Bulldog The First location on Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90) this could be something you want to tick off.

And you may then get sucked into the brand!

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 TX Amsterdam, Netherlands (The First location)

Opening hours: Daily, hours vary by location

Atmosphere: Iconic brand with 11 locations including old police station, offering tourist-friendly experience with global recognition since 1974.

Menu Highlights:

• Standard cannabis menu across locations

• Bulldog-branded merchandise available

• Hotel accommodation with coffeeshop access

• Bar and cafe options nearby

• Pre-rolled joints and edibles

Boerenjongens

Best For: Sophisticated upscale cannabis experience

One of the relatively newer kids on the block, it's fair to say that Boerenjongens has capitalised on a corner of the cannabis market in Amsterdam and has done very well out of it, opening up four coffeeshops in 13 years.

I first came across their second and more central stop located on Utrechtsetraat, which has an interior, exterior, and staff, that look nothing like your typical Amsterdam coffeeshop.

At first sight, I thought it was a novelty chemist or bar with its waistcoat-wearing servers and tall open windows revealing marble floors and an apothecary style display behind a counter. But no, this is a coffeeshop done Boerenjongens style.

The name is also confusing as it literally translates as Farmer Boys, but it does the brand and their reputation no harm.

The Boerenjongens wanted to add a bit of sophistication and class to the coffeeshop and cannabis experience.

When you're greeted at the door of the Utrechtsestraat location by a man wearing a bowler hat, holding the door open for you, the tone is set.

As it is when you also see the edibles they are serving and the fact they call their staff sommeliers.

The bowler hat wearing gents aren't just there for show either, they're there to ensure the coffeeshop's customers and the local community all co-exist well together.

Their other locations are further out in Amsterdam neighbourhoods and some are dispensaries only, but check out their webpage for their exact locations in case one is near you.

They also have one of the best blogs for a coffeeshop in Amsterdam with lots of interesting details and facts about cannabis and Amsterdam alike.

Address: Utrechtsestraat 39, 1017 VH Amsterdam, Netherlands (and 3 other locations)

Opening hours: Vary by location, check website

Atmosphere: Sophisticated apothecary-style interior with marble floors, bowler-hat doormen, and waistcoat-wearing cannabis sommeliers creating upscale experience.

Menu Highlights:

• Curated cannabis selection

• Premium edibles

• Staff called "sommeliers"

• Four locations across Amsterdam

• Cannabis blog with educational content