An Essential Guide to Coffee Houses in Amsterdam

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 while exploring Amsterdam through food.

Amsterdam Coffeeshop Rules and Etiquette

In a traditional Dutch coffee house, your drink will almost always be served with a single small biscuit on the side. We consider it a sign of hospitality, and it is meant to be enjoyed slowly alongside your beverage. If you order a “koffie verkeerd,” you will receive a Dutch-style latte which translates literally to “wrong coffee” because of the high milk ratio. It is a local favorite for a mid-morning break during a long day of exploring.

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.

Our Guides’ Favorite Historic Roasters

We have watched our coffee scene evolve from simple dark roasts to a sophisticated landscape of specialty beans. Our selected spots prioritize the craft of the roast while maintaining the cozy atmosphere we call gezellig. These are the places where we sit to watch the city wake up over a perfectly pulled shot.

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.

Go-To Neighborhood Cafes

Finding a quiet corner in a busy city is essential for any local, and these cafes are our personal sanctuaries. We value these establishments for their consistent quality and their role as community hubs for residents. Each location offers a unique perspective on how Amsterdammers integrate coffee into their daily rhythms.

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 finest 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.

Selected Contemporary Brew Bars

We appreciate the innovation that modern baristas bring to our traditional beverage scene through precise brewing methods. These venues focus on transparency and sourcing, ensuring that every cup tells a story of its origin. Exploring these bars allows you to experience the cutting edge of our local coffee movement.

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, I advise you 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.

The History of Coffee Shops in Amsterdam

The Dutch East India Company played a pivotal role in introducing coffee to Europe, making Amsterdam a global hub for the trade centuries ago. We still see remnants of this history in the grand architecture of old trading houses near the canals. Understanding this colonial past helps provide context for our enduring obsession with the bean. We believe that acknowledging this legacy adds depth to every cup served in the city.

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, 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, you’re better off purchasing 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/