The most famous and loved among the tourist destinations for cannabis enthusiasts will always remain Amsterdam. The famous coffee shops, where you can buy and consume cannabis and hallucinogenic mushrooms, have always been a meeting place for tourists from all over the world. The point is that, as in any popular destination, there are "authentic" places and “tourist catching” activities that sell medium-low quality products at increased prices. If we think about it, it's the same thing that happens in Italy in the cities of art: we all know how difficult it is to eat well in the center of Rome, Florence or Venice. The same goes for "cannabis bars" and that's why today we recommend the where the best coffee shops are located to avoid making mistakes.
Coffee shop Amsterdam how it works
Before revealing to you what they are the best coffee shops in amsterdam Let's first clarify what these places are. Coffee shops in the Netherlands originate from “tolerance” policy promoted by the local government in the 1970s and 1980s. This policy is based on the distinction between "soft" drugs (such as cannabis) and "hard" drugs (such as heroin), focusing on harm reduction rather than criminalising users.
In 1976, the Dutch government introduced a policy that allowed the sale and consumption of small quantities of cannabis in regulated places, the so-called "coffee shops", while keeping the production and wholesale sale of cannabis illegal. This policy has created a legal market and regulated cannabis, separating it from the illegal drug market and allowing the government to exercise some control over its distribution and consumption.
So coffee shops are shops, often with an adjoining bar room, where it is possible buy cannabis and mushrooms for personal use only: these are “controlled” environments where locals and tourists can enjoy marijuana, hashish and magic truffles in a safe and legal way. These establishments have become an icon of Dutch culture and have been replicated in other parts of the world where similar cannabis regulation policies have been adopted.
Where to find the best coffee shops in Amsterdam!
Here is our ranking of the 5 Best Coffee Shops in Amsterdam non-tourist, equally divided between high and low price ranges, to meet all needs and budgets.
- Amsterdam Coffee Shop Bulldog
The Bulldog is a coffee shop chain which has several outlets in Amsterdam, both inside and outside the historic center. It stands out for its attention to making comfortable the environment, with seating comfortable, well-kept and relaxed locations and open to everyone, including non-smokers. The staff will welcome you kindly and will be able to inform you about all the products available. The Bulldogs can easily be classified as cheap coffee shops, with controlled prices.
- Amsterdam Coffee Shop Smokey
The “Smokey” coffee shop is an iconic place marked with great reviews by Tripadvisor users. The place is very large and separates a part of the actual coffee shop from a part of "hookah bar”. The atmosphere is vibrant and psychedelic and the products are of quality even if for the average they are quite cheap and within everyone's reach.
- Amsterdam coffee shop Boerejongens
This place is considered not without reason among the best coffee shops in Amsterdam and has won numerous awards positioning itself among the best places of this type in the world. It is not cheap at all, on the contrary, but it is worth a visit since the grass is of superfine quality, the atmosphere is perfect and the staff, wearing flashy three-piece suits with bowler hats, are kind and friendly.
- Amsterdam coffee shop Dampkring
Dampkring is another high-end coffee shop, expensive but well worth the wait. It is definitely out of the ordinary. Amsterdam coffee shop tourists! The location is quite central, as it is a twenty minute walk from the main station, and it is really different and special. Usually, one imagines coffee shops as dark and crowded places located in a red light district, while in this case the place is airy, bright, slightly chic. For some, as the owners know, consuming weed or mushrooms in a narrow, dark place can ruin the experience: here, however, you can relax in a place with evocative, Zen and Buddhist settings. It is worth visiting to experience a 'different experience and try their Cannabis selections indica and sativa.
- Amsterdam coffee shop Siberia
For lovers of CBD, Dutch coffee shops are always open! During our visits to the city we came across one of the best places for CBD cannabis, namely the Siberia. The place offers, in addition to the many classic varieties with THC, also a full CBD genetics “Mango” which we found delicious. In general, only high-quality cannabis is served here. The place is close to the central station, it is neat and clean and has a competent staff.
Other places
Perhaps the most famous coffeeshop in Amsterdam is De Dampkring, also famous because a scene from Ocean's Twelve was filmed there. Among the coffeeshops in Amsterdam that are worth visiting, we also mention Het Ballonnetje, Amnesia which won the high times award in 2018 cannabis cup for edibles, Barney's which is one of the most famous stores and has won numerous awards itself.
Coffee shop Amsterdam rules
The coffee shops in this city don't have many rules, but it's still worth knowing about them. The most important of the limitations is on the amount of grass that can be purchased: maximum 5 grams per day. Entry is prohibited to persons under 18 years of age, to those who do not have with them an identity document and in many places it is forbidden to smoke regular cigarettes. Most Dutch coffee shops serve hot and cold but non-alcoholic drinks and prohibit bringing alcohol from outside.
