With over 250 coffeeshops to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming to find the right place in Amsterdam to buy some bud and light up.
Luckily, you won’t need to deal with the horror of indecision, as we’ve narrowed down your search to 30 prime locations where you can enjoy marijuana with ease.
After extensive research and testing, we were able to uncover the best coffeeshops in the Netherlands, from wholesome feels to raging bar scenes, so there’s something for every cannabis connoisseur.
But before we dive into any recommendations, there are a few things you need to know about this marijuana culture before setting foot in any of these establishments.
What you should know about Amsterdam Coffeeshops
If you’re looking for marijuana, you need to go to a “coffeeshop” – not a “coffee shop,” “café,” or “coffee house.” Coffee shops not selling marijuana are called koffiehuis (which translates to coffee house in English).
Bring your ID as most places will card. The legal age for cannabis consumption is 18 years old, but some places require you to be at least 21 in order to enter their shop.
Coffeeshops can only sell a maximum of 5 grams per person per day, with a stockpile maximum of 500 grams. You are also only allowed to come to the same coffeeshop twice a day, max.
Alcohol and cigarettes are forbidden in coffeeshops and the use of hard drugs is a hard NO.
Coffeeshops will give you a few papers if you want to roll your own joints, as well as strips of paper for your filters. Many also provide free organic tobacco if you’re looking to mix it into your spliff.
Abraxas Coffeeshop Menu
You’ll notice coffeeshop websites don’t list their cannabis collection. This is because it’s illegal to advertise for marijuana (See “What You Should Know about Amsterdam Drug Laws”). If you want to check out a coffeeshop menu online, visit http://coffeeshopmenus.org/ – a website for stoners, by stoners where you can peruse the menus of over 170 Amsterdam coffeeshops as well as other places around the world.
Make sure to bring cash with you as a lot of coffeeshops don’t accept cards. The ones that do will only accept a chip and PIN card.
Most coffeeshops won’t simply let you hang out and will insist you buy something. Typically, you need to buy at least one gram of weed (edibles won’t cut it). Luckily, there are tons of smoke-friendly lounges that will allow you to smoke your outside product (Check out Hill Street Blues and Lost in Amsterdam).
No outside food or drink are allowed inside coffeeshops.
When you buy your weed, always make sure to ask where and if you’re allowed to smoke or vape inside. Sometimes the whole shop is a smoke lounge, others have designated smoking areas and some are set up more as marijuana to-go shops.
What you should know about Amsterdam drug laws
The Netherlands have a special tolerance policy on soft drugs, which has changed over and over again for the last couple of decades. While most officials are quite lenient about marijuana laws, it’s important to know what you’re up against.
As of 2024, here’s where it stands:
Possession of drugs is punishable. If you have more soft drugs (i.e. marijuana) than the quantity for personal use (5 grams) you will be fined and risk a prison sentence. Minors are not allowed to have any drugs and the tolerance policy does not apply to them.
Advertising marijuana is illegal, so you will not see any “Cannabis Sold Here” signs. Technically, suppliers aren’t supposed to be growing or selling marijuana, so coffeeshops operate in a bit of a legal grey area. But once marijuana is in the coffeeshop, it’s pretty much fair game.
Generally, you can smoke weed in public, coffeeshops and lounges, but rules differ from place to place. Some restaurant patios are also OK to smoke in, but always be sure to ask first.
It’s illegal for coffeeshops to sell alcohol. While once legal, owners eventually needed to make a choice: You can sell weed or booze, but you can’t sell both. However, there are plenty of bars where you can get high on your own supply.
Driving under the influence of soft drugs is equal to driving under the influence of alcohol. Don’t do it.
Growing weed at home is illegal, however if you possess 5 plants or less you can usually give them up without being prosecuted.
Tourist Tip: Do not buy hard drugs from a dealer on the street
Amsterdam has had a lot of trouble with dealers giving tourists heroin when they think they’re buying cocaine. Snorting heroin can cause serious health issues and there have even been cases where tourists have died from this swap. If you want a more intense high, add psychedelics to the mix by legally purchasing them from smart shops. This includes magic mushrooms, salvia, peyote, DMT and more – there really is no need to buy hard drugs in the Netherlands with pickings like these.
What you should know about Marijuana Edibles
Even if you’ve been an avid smoker for years, you need to pay attention!
Many people have freaked out when they experience the edible high for the first time, immediately assuming their product is laced with other drugs if they’ve taken too much.
Cannabis in Holland is potent stuff! But no matter where you are, you need to remember that the high you get from marijuana varies depending on how you introduce it to your body.
The Science behind THC
When THC enters your body, your body produces certain metabolites to help break it down – one in particular being the 11 hydroxy metabolite (11-OH-THC). The amount of 11-OH-THC formed in your body can vary depending on whether you ingest cannabis via edibles (high levels) or by inhaling it via smoke or vapour (low levels).
To get high, THC needs to pass through your bloodstream. When you smoke or vape marijuana, you are immediately delivering THC into the bloodstream via the lungs, and the effects are almost instant. But with edibles, THC needs to pass through your stomach, intestine and liver before entering the bloodstream, which means it could take 1 to 2 hours before you really start to feel the effects.
Because more metabolism takes place in the liver versus the lungs, more 11-OH-THC is produced when you eat edibles. The levels of 11-OH-THC in your blood after smoking cannabis are only about 5%, but when taking cannabis orally (i.e. with edibles), the average levels of 11-OH-THC can vary from 25% to more than 300%. As a result, the high you experience with edibles is more powerful and lasts longer than when you smoke marijuana as it takes more time for your body to absorb these levels of THC.
What’s the best and safest way to consume edibles?
Don’t eat edibles in their entirety. Cut the edible (brownie, cake, etc.) into quarters and wait until you start to feel the effects before trying more. If you’re eating gummies or candies, take one and wait.
Wait 1 to 2 hours for the effects to kick in. How quickly your body metabolizes THC will depend on many factors, including your tolerance levels, metabolic rate and whether you’re eating on a full stomach (longer) or an empty one (shorter).
Know how much THC is in each edible. THC levels are reported as a percentage of the dry weight of the marijuana flower, indicating how powerful these effects will be. For marijuana strains, 2.5%-10% is considered a low level of THC, while anything over 16% is considered a high level. For edibles, these levels are sometimes reported in milligrams, with 1-5 mg being low and 10 mg or more being high. If you’re not sure how much is too much, consult the local budtender of the coffeeshop.
What happens if I overdose?
If you’ve eaten too many edibles, it’s likely you’ll experience an overdose, which simply means you’ve had more marijuana than your body can handle. The effects of having too much generally means getting really high, really fast.
The important thing to remember: You cannot die.
An overdose in THC can lead to several uncomfortable side effects, including paranoia, cold sweats, low blood sugar, panic, paleness, dizziness, vomiting and sudden drowsiness – some users may even pass out.
But none of these symptoms are fatal.
The fact of the matter is THC is psychoactive, which means what you think is what you feel. So if you think you are dying, your symptoms will reflect this and create a vicious cycle of unpleasant feelings.
So relax, take a deep breath and remember: You are fine – you cannot die.
During an overdose, many people will contact emergency care. While it is absolutely within your right to do so, there isn’t much a medical professional can do to help you out. The best advice is to simply wait it out and let the high take its course. Depending on how much THC you’ve ingested, this intense high can last anywhere between 6 and 12 hours.
In this time, there are a few things you can do to bring yourself down and ensure you don’t get the worst of an unfortunate situation. While these tips won’t instantly make the high disappear, it will certainly help speed up the process.
Eat, drink and be merry. We already know your body metabolizes THC a lot slower when your stomach is full. But the symptoms of eating too many edibles can subside much quicker when you eat and drink after the fact as well. Foods with high fat and fibre content are helpful for slowing down the process: Fats trap the THC, while fibre slows digestion.
Drink juice and eat sweets. You’ll notice a lot of coffeeshops sell juice. That’s because most of the negative symptoms of eating too many edibles come from low blood sugar. Adding more sugar into your body is the best way to counteract these effects, so down some juice, grab a candy bar and eat all of those delicious pastries (a box of stroopwaffles goes a long way!).
Dr. Pepper. Black pepper can combat both paranoia and anxiety. Chewing on a few peppercorns can therefore provide almost instant relief to anyone struggling to calm down.
Get some sleep. Find a calm, soothing environment where you can rest up. By turning your mind off for a while, you’re stopping the worst psychoactive effects of the high. Not to mention, as you sleep, your body defaults to recovery mode, helping to combat these symptoms more effectively.
Remember: Everything will return to normal.
After an extreme high, however, don’t be surprised if you experience a “marijuana hangover.”
Just like after a few too many drinks, eating too many edibles can lead to fatigue, lasting anxiety, sluggishness and sometimes a feeling like the high is still there. While these effects are not nearly as brutal as the overdosed high, you’ll likely experience a lingering high the next day.
The best Amsterdam Coffeeshops
Because getting high is all about good vibes, we believe the best coffeeshops need to be open, friendly and knowledgeable in order to give you the best experience possible. Our lists are therefore organized so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting with each shop.
Sorted into four categories, Top 5, Wholesome Vibes, Bar Scene Vibes, and Popular Demand, these rankings are based on popularity, authenticity, atmosphere and good-quality products.
While these rankings may be a bit subjective, remember that extensive research was done on each location. We poured over reviews, talked to customers, visited locations and tried these products for ourselves to bring you the best, most extensive Amsterdam coffeeshop guide on the Internet.
And while there are literally hundreds of great coffeeshops in the Netherlands, these are the ones that you truly should not miss.
Cannabis and cannabis-infused recommendation keys
(W) = Weed (H) = Hash (E) = Edibles
Top 5: Best of the best Amsterdam Coffeeshops
The Holy Grail of coffeeshops, if you only have a short time in Holland, make sure you set foot into at least one of these establishments:
- Culture Boat
Culture BoatWhile not technically in Amsterdam, this coffeeshop is so amazing, it’s the only one we were willing to break our own rules for! The Culture Boat is truly unique as it floats in a canal in Utrecht, which is about a twenty-minute train ride from the city centre, and is it ever worth the journey! The vibe here is incomparable, stepping away from the smoky-bar scene into a more natural setting with plant life and natural lighting creating an inviting atmosphere for smoking up. Here you can buy bud, edibles and equipment, talk to very-knowledgable staff and you can even see the town and sail the waters as you light up on this mystical vessel.
Recommendations: Space Gummies (E) and CBD Oil.
Facebook Rating: 4.8 Stars
Website: https://cultureboat.nl/en
- Abraxas Amsterdam
One of the best tourist-friendly coffeeshops in Amsterdam, this maze of a place is inspired by other-worldly and Middle Eastern flavors. Named by the classic children’s story, The Little Witch by Otfried Preußler (1961), when the coffeeshop first opened, the vision was to create a peaceful and beautiful place where people could come together and feel safe, just like the little witch and Abraxas did in the story. Never too packed, you’re free to hang out and enjoy a J as you play one of their many board games or peruse their authentic souvenirs in the Abraxas gift shop.
Recommendations: Sweet Sin Brownie, Hawaiian Haze (W), O.G. Master Kush (W) and Afghan Cream (H).
Facebook Rating: 4.8 Stars
Website: http://www.abraxas.tv/
- Original Dampkring Coffeeshop
The ideal place for first-timers, the Dampkring is among the more popular coffeeshops in Amsterdam with its friendly staff and reasonable prices. Dampkring offers a menu perfect for newbies as each strain clearly states how you should expect to feel after smoking, ranging from “long song stoned” to “energetic high.” With funky decorations and lots of quiet corners to smoke what you buy in peace, you’re sure to recognize this interior from Ocean’s 12 and Trailer Park Boys: Out of the Park: Europe. In fact, George Clooney is even known to stop in whenever he’s in the Dam.
Recommendations: Good Karma Drinks (drinks where the manufacturer donates a percentage of their turnover to a good cause), Ceres Hilton (W) and Devils Brew (W).
Facebook Rating: 4.7 Stars
Website: http://www.dampkring.amsterdam/
- Boerejongens
If you’re looking to add some class to your high, head to one of the three Boerejongens locations. While each coffeeshop is unique, they all offer the highest-quality products, good service and a lot of expertise. The coffeeshop in Utrechtsestraat, for example, is completely remodelled in an olden-days apothecary style, with lab-like interiors staffed by white-coated dealers and doormen, creating a more wellness-centred setting.
Recommendations: Tangerine G13 Block (H) and Golden Berry Block (H)
Facebook Rating: 4.9 Stars
Website: https://www.boerejongens.com/
Youtube: 
- Katsu
Meaning “real winner” in Japanese, Katsu certainly lives up to its name, having won many awards in recent years. Located in the De Pijp neighbourhood, you can try some of the best strains amongst locals with Katsu’s friendly staff and relaxed vibe. In the summer, you can also enjoy outside seating as you blaze up on the little terrace or nearby Sarphati park.
Recommendations: Lemon Haze (W) and White Satin (W).
Facebook Rating: 4.8 Stars
Website: https://www.katsu.nl/
Wholesome vibes
If you’re looking for a good space during the day to enjoy a spliff, check out any of these top destinations and get back to the “cafe” ideal of an Amsterdam “coffee shop.”
La Tertulia
La Tertulia is run by a mother-daughter team in a bright, plant-filled shop. Located on the same canal as the Anne Frank House, this venue attracts a more mature clientele and is perfect for a low-key smoke session.Barney’s Uptown
Amsterdam’s most original and futuristic coffeeshop, Barneys is located in the same 500-year-old building that the shop started in when it opened 23 years ago. Barney’s coffeeshop chain consists of three locations: Barney’s Uptown (for food), Barney’s Farm (for drinks) and Barney’s Lounge (for seeds and paraphernalia).Bluebird
Bluebird is loved for its friendly, multilingual staff and solid selection of weed and hash. Founded in 1982, it’s one of the few coffeeshops in the old center that doesn’t sell inferior product at inflated prices, and also serves food for when the munchies hit.DNA
Known for the best edibles in the Dam, these products are quite a step above the traditional space cake with favourite selections including the Brownie Oreo, White Chocolate Cake and Brownie KitKat.The Dolphin
The Dolphin’s eco-friendly, underwater decor sets the scene, lined with repurposed paper and disposable cups. Downstairs, you’ll find a foosball and pool table to help pass the time and their delicious Blue Dolphin Cupcakes (E) give you good bang for your buck.
Bar scene vibes
If you’re looking to get lit, these coffeeshops are the places to be, tailoring more to the stoner’s ideal of a night on the town.
Amnesia
Amnesia is an upscale coffeeshop which more closely resembles a craft beer bar with its high stools and purple lighting. Along with popular strains (such as Red Cherry Berry (W) and Pineapple Chunk (W)), Amnesia also has several culinary options to choose from including ice cream, toasties and homemade smoothies.Green House
The Green House has a mission to cultivate the most unique strains of weed known to man, winning 35 High times Cannabis Cups and 17 Highlife Cups. It’s also the place where celebrities like to get high including Pierce Brosnan, Rihanna, David Hasselhof, Snoop Dogg and Mike Tyson.Easy Times
Delicious in both appearance and taste, the interior of Easy Times is seductively titillating with its dark and mysterious design. Their edibles certainly bring it all back feeling more as if they’d be more suited on the shelf of a gourmet bakery.Resin
The layout and decor give Resin a fairyland forest feel where you’ll find stunning hand-painted artwork with prominent figures of the cannabis world, including Bob Marley and Snoop Dogg.Lost in Amsterdam
While this establishment no longer sells marijuana, it’s a great place to sit back and hang out while you mix your liquor with weed. Enjoy cool cocktails, a moroccan-style lounge and high times with hookahs!
Popular demand
This list is for the people, by the people! While our recommendations consider popularity as a factor, others (including authenticity, atmosphere and good-quality products) may have knocked out some well-known contenders.
But because we like to give the people what they want, we’ve included a list of the most popular Amsterdam Coffeeshops as ranked by tourists:
Dampkring
Bulldog
Prix d’Ami
Greenhouse Effect
Cafe De Kashmir Lounge
Baba
Quartien Putain
Paradox
420 Café
The Rookies
Bagheera
Hill Street Blues
Grey Area
Kadinsky
1e Hulp
Best Friends
A map to Amsterdam’s Coffeeshops
Make your next trip to Amsterdam a productive one and hit each of these 30 locations with our Google Map.