Amsterdam Coffee Shops: Your Guide to the Best Spots and Rules

Amsterdam’s coffee shops are iconic destinations, offering a unique blend of Dutch culture, cozy atmospheres, and local vibes. Whether you’re a curious visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you understand how to incorporate cannabis coffee shops and traditional café experiences into your Amsterdam food tour.

 

Amsterdam Coffeeshop Rules and Etiquette

Amsterdam’s coffee shop culture focuses more on the legal use of cannabis than caffeinated drinks. So you need to understand the difference between cannabis coffee shops and traditional cafés.

In Amsterdam, coffee shops refer to establishments that legally sell cannabis, while traditional cafés serve coffee, pastries, and meals without cannabis. To enter a cannabis coffee shop, visitors must be 18+ and show a valid ID, with some locations requiring proof of residency.

Under Dutch law, personal cannabis use is tolerated but not fully legal, and selling alcohol in coffee shops is prohibited. As of 2023, smoking cannabis in public areas of Amsterdam’s city center, including the Red Light District, is banned. This means you can only legally use cannabis in these areas inside designated coffee shops or on private property with the owner’s permission.

Exploring Coffee Shop Atmosphere and Design

Amsterdam’s coffee shops range from cozy, living-room-style spaces with soft lighting and plush seating to sleek, modern lounges with an industrial aesthetic. Most have a laid-back, social atmosphere, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy music, conversation, and a relaxed vibe.

Each coffee shop has its own unique aesthetic, from grungy, underground-inspired interiors to bohemian spaces filled with eclectic décor and vibrantly colorful murals. A few Amsterdam coffee shops embrace psychedelic themes with neon lighting. Then there are those with a minimalist, upscale feel that appeals to more mature cannabis users.

The History of Coffee Shops in Amsterdam

Contemporary coffee shop culture in Amsterdam emerged in the late 1970s after the Dutch government adopted a “Gedoogbeleid” tolerance policy that separated soft drugs like cannabis from harder substances. This quickly transformed coffee shops into safe spaces for cannabis consumption.

In the decades since, Amsterdam’s coffee shop culture has evolved into a cultural institution. They attract both locals and tourists with their relaxed atmosphere and embrace of cannabis use.

Yet there are still ongoing legal debates and restrictions. Including a recent ban on non-residents in certain cities and stricter regulations. However, Amsterdam’s coffee shops still allow non-residents who are 18+ to purchase and use cannabis products.

Best Coffee Shop Locations in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to a thriving coffee shop culture, with notable locations concentrated in neighborhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp, and Central Amsterdam. Each area offers a distinct vibe that influences many of that area’s coffee shops.

Jordaan has a more laid-back vibe, with artsy streets that attract creative types. You see this reflected in coffee shops with artistic, or even bohemian vibes.

De Pijp has a lively and diverse atmosphere and coffee shops with the energy to match. There’s a full spectrum here just waiting to be explored.

Central Amsterdam, in the heart of the city, boasts some of the most famous and historic coffee shops, making it a prime spot for both tourists and locals.

Photo credit: The Bulldog

The Bulldog stands out as one of the pioneers, with multiple locations, including the original in the Red Light District.

Photo credit: Dampkring

Dampkring is another legendary spot, which gained fame for its appearance in the movie Ocean’s Twelve, and is known for its cozy ambiance and high-quality selection.

Boerejongens is a top choice for those seeking a more upscale cannabis coffee shop experience. They sport a sleek, modern interior and a reputation for some of the best cannabis products in the city.

Photo credit: The Stud

The Stud is a lesser known coffee shop, just outside Amsterdam’s city center. It’s known for its welcoming environment and top-notch cannabis experience. With a strong local following, this shop is praised for its fair pricing, potent selections, and friendly service.

Photo credit: Paradox

Paradox is a laid-back and artsy coffee shop in Jordaan. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a chilled-out atmosphere. It’s particularly famous for its potent space cakes, making it a go-to spot for those who enjoy edibles.

Grey Area is a small but legendary spot popular with cannabis connoisseurs. They’re known for high-quality strains and friendly, knowledgeable staff. While it might be small, Gray Area has attracted celebrity visitors and remains a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier cannabis experience. 

Understanding Coffeeshop Menus

Amsterdam’s coffee shop menus typically feature a variety of cannabis products. There are usually different strains of marijuana on sale such as indica, sativa, and hybrid versions. Most menus list the strengths and effects of each strain. This will help you choose between relaxing, uplifting, or a more balanced experience.

Most offer an assortment of pre-rolled joints, hash, and edibles like space cakes. Some coffee shops even offer CBD products for those seeking the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive high.

If you’re a first-time user, it’s best to start slow and ask the staff for recommendations based on experience level and desired effects. Terms like “Haze” often indicate a strong sativa, while “Kush” tends to be a more relaxing indica.

In the case of cannabis edibles, be mindful of delayed effects and wait at least an hour before consuming more.

Ordering Weed in Amsterdam Coffee Shops

Ordering weed in an Amsterdam coffee shop is a relatively straightforward experience, but not one you have every day. If it’s your first time, it’s best to head straight to the counter to read the menu. If unsure, consult a staff member who can recommend options based on your experience and preferences.

Most shops have a separate area for purchasing cannabis and another for using it. So, be mindful of where you are when making your order.

If it’s your first time, it’s best to purchase a milder strain or a low-potency edible to gauge how it will affect you. Amsterdam’s coffee shops promote responsible consumption, so pace yourself, especially with edibles, which can take an hour or so to kick in. Especially if you’ve eaten recently.  

Smoking marijuana inside is usually allowed in designated areas, yet smoking tobacco is often restricted. Be respectful of other patrons and remember that while cannabis is tolerated in Amsterdam, excessive use in public spaces is discouraged.

Sources

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Amsterdam. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/amsterdam/

The Bulldog. (n.d.). The Bulldog The First. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://thebulldog.com/locations/coffeeshops/the-bulldog-the-first/

Dampkring. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from http://www.dampkring.amsterdam/

The Stud. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://thestud.nl/

Boerejongens. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://www.boerejongens.com/en/

Paradox Coffeeshop. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://paradoxcoffeeshop.com/

Grey Area. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from http://www.greyarea.nl/