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Amsterdam's Coffee ShopsWhile it true, than many world travelers enjoy a delightfully “European Twist” to many of the treats brewing in “Old World” coffee shops throughout the continent, there is something quite unusually special about the delights found in the finer coffee shops of Amsterdam. You see, throughout the Netherlands, the word “Coffeeshop” has evolved to denote an establishment where, besides a great cup of coffee or tea, one can enjoy various edible, drinkable and smoke-able versions of cannabis. Whether your preference is marijuana or hashish, if you are looking to get a little high after touching down, you’ve come to the right place! A word to the wise, in Amsterdam, the term “Coffeeshop” spelled as a single word, does not mean “coffee house, café, or even coffee shop!” It’s a term that means an establishment where you can legally partake of various cannabis concoctions, from simple pot and hash brownies to some extremely sophisticated epicurean wonders. Or, if you prefer, you can simply toke “old school” from a hookah, pipe, bong or joint, it’s completely up to you! One interesting surprise you may encounter is that, due to recent changes in the Amsterdam laws, most “coffeeshops” are unable to serve alcohol along with marijuana and hashish, and the same is true when it comes to the smoking of tobacco, but this little inconvenience is easily rectified, as most coffeeshops have an alcohol serving bar, café or club next door or just across the street from the premises where smoking is also allowed. Warning: The cannabis sold in Amsterdam’s “Coffeeshops” can often be 3 to 5 times more potent and powerful when it comes to THC content and therefore, be smart and ask your “Bud-tender” to talk you through a little “tour” of all that’s available, so that you can more easily maintain a comfortable level of consciousness during your visit. Those meticulously careful visitors who are concerned about quality or licensed legality of an establishment can simply look for the official “White & Green” sticker proudly placed in the window of the establishment, before entering. According to our very happily thrilled clients, here are some of the very best “Coffeeshops” that you simply have to check out while visiting Amsterdam: Cafe Welling: One of Amsterdam’s famous, “artsy,” "brown cafés" known for the smoke stained walls and the very “kick-back,” comfortable and intimately relaxed atmosphere, Café Welling is the favored hang-out of the philosophically inclined intellectuals, as well as local concert, art gallery and museum visitors. The Greenhouse: One of the most popular “coffeeshops” in the Netherlands, now with 3 locations, the “Mother Ship” is located in the “Red Light District” and has a “Walls of Fame” with photos of a ton of celebrities who have enjoyed the palatable pleasures of this establishment. Did I mention that The Greenhouse consistently wins the annually held “Cannabis Cup” sponsored and held by your good friends over at “High Times” magazine? Trinity: Out of range from the city center tourist zone, this is more of a local establishment where things are a lot less expensive and you can really get a authentic taste of the “Netherland Experience.” Come party with the locals and enjoy playing pool, listening to tunes and having “real” conversations. You will be thoroughly welcomed by a staff that is absolutely helpful and friendly and the local patrons who will be honored to have you as a visitor. Café 't Arendsnest: One of the rare “coffeeshops” that serves beer along with their cannabis treats. By the way, that’s not just ANY beer, that’s premium quality, Dutch micro-brews from the throughout the countries mot famous, small production specialty breweries. Be aware of the fact that some of these brews contain up to 10.5% alcohol content, so mix your “mind medicinals” carefully my friend! Wynand Fockink: This ‘coffeeshop” not only sells booze along with its hash and pot treats, it’s offering something well beyond beer. Check out “Jenever,” which is the official Dutch version of something very similar to “Schnapps.” Lookout, this stuff has a kick to it. The place is decorated with authentic 17th century décor, so it looks more like a museum than a smoke shop. De Rokerij: Located near Leidsplein, this is an extremely spacey place, with an “out of this world” aura and tribal feel to it. It’s a single, long room with dark lighting and even darker walls that have all sorts of odd designs to space out on while visiting. Brouwerij 't IJ: This is absolutely a beer drinker’s paradise, as this “coffeeshop” is actually run in close conjunction with Amsterdam’s most highly celebrated microbrewery. Come enjoy 5 award winning beers available on tap to go along with your cannabis and coffee collation. The Grasshopper: Situated conveniently between the Red Light District and Damrak. The place is a combination bar, restaurant, and coffee shop. They’ve thoughtfully created a separate smoking area where you are free to light up anything smoke-able. A nice intimate establishment where the tables provide optimum ease for meeting and conversing with people, the staff here is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable and friendly and the cannabis is quite reasonably priced. Arc: Once considered the official “counter culture” coffeeshop of Amsterdam, this place is so cool that it is quickly becoming almost mainstream in it popularity. This place is definitely a very hip, artsy and trendy place, and though situated in the middle of a primarily gay part of town, “the straights” can’t get enough of the red lighting, black mahogany furnishings and sassy atmosphere! Hunter’s Café: Somewhat ‘touristy,” as it is located smack dab in the Red Light District, this is a very cozy and comfortable “coffeehouse” where you can relax, chill and have great conversations or just sit and space out for a while. The prices are cheaper than most of the places in the tourist sections of Amsterdam and the people are amazing fun, friendly and cool! |
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