10 Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam

The Bulldog is one of the longstanding coffeeshops in Amsterdam that has gained a worldwide repute as a pioneer of the Dutch capital’s cannabis scene. It grew from a damp basement in an alley on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canalside in 1974, and through its promotion of freedom and creativity, it managed to touch accord with the youth back then.

The coffeeshop stands out with the bottom half of its facade and The Bulldog Brandstore next door colourfully painted. Inside, you’ll learn more about The Bulldog’s history through old photos and memorabilia, and smile after learning about the police raids it had in the past. Cosy cowhide sofas surround wooden tables in its main lounge. Windowside seating upstairs offers canal views. Beyond coffees, teas, waffles and smoothies, the menu has mildly infused chocolate and lemon space cakes, as well as pre-rolled reefer cones in various sizes.

Green House Centrum is one of the award-winning coffeeshops on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canalside in central Amsterdam. It has become a sort of go-to for those in the know, especially for its close association with Strain Hunters – a group of experts that source high-quality landrace strains around the globe. There are several Green House coffeeshops in Amsterdam, but the Centrum has been the main pilgrimage for many.

Nicknamed Green House United, Centrum’s classy lounge is cosy with a huge bar area and with samples of among the world’s best strains. Their top selections include the Super Silver Haze. Many also visit simply for a drink, the vibe and music. Check out their proud award trophies and photos of world celebrities, from Eminem to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Abraxas is a pretty Amsterdam coffeeshop that dates back to 1992. It has since gained a loyal following, becoming a favourable alternative to many visitors of the red-light district in central Amsterdam. As you enter this shop in Jonge Roelensteeg, you’ll admire the fantasy-themed decor created using wood, stone, glass, and hemp.

Pick a seat in the ground floor area or head upstairs to chill in the lounge. Highlights on the menu include world-class strains like White Widow. They also carry a good range of pre-rolled selections. You can check out the merch card decks for playing with friends as you enjoy your drinks, rolled selections, and space muffins.

Boerejongens is a popular Amsterdam coffeeshop that offers professional and high-class services. Established in 2007, you can find it on Utrechtsestraat, north of De Wallen in central Amsterdam. The coffeeshop has also gained a reputation for its attractively prepared and delicious space cakes. Selections include frosted brownies, tarts, and red velvet cake.

Its name means “farmer boys” in Dutch, which suits its reputation for offering naturally cultivated herbs. The shop is bright with staff clad in white lab-like attire who are ready to walk you through their best CBD oils, cigars and premium picks. Among the notable selections are the White Shoko and Super Silver Haze. There’s a second Boerejongens coffeeshop on Baarsjesweg 239 in West Amsterdam.

Barney's Coffeeshop Amsterdam is on the northern borders of De Wallen, the red-light district in central Amsterdam. This popular coffeeshop opened a couple of decades ago, occupying one of the 500-year-old landmark buildings on Haarlemmerstraat.

At Barney’s, you’re bound to have a fun time discovering some interesting strains – some of which come right from Barney's farm seed shop. The friendly and helpful staff are ready to show you their most popular samples, such as Laughing Buddha and Liberty Haze. You can find Barney’s within a 10-minute walk west of the Amsterdam Centraal railway station.

Coffeeshop The Stud in East Amsterdam may be small, but it has a loyal following with its bright setup and friendly atmosphere. Expect white walls all around instead of the dark ‘speakeasy’ tone that many Amsterdam’s coffeeshops adopt.

The Stud offers a warm welcome with cafe-like seating and service from attentive staff. Its well-varied menu includes top strains like Blue Cookie and Watermelon Zkittelz. They also offer a superb selection of hash such as Candy Cookie. Stop by their store for some great and reasonably priced merch, including a range of cool T-shirts.

420 Cafe is a small and casual coffeeshop in Damrak, Amsterdam, that’s more known for its delicious space cakes. The cafe has a warm vibe to enjoy your picks of grass, pre-rolled joints, hash, and edibles in favourite flavours such as lemon and chocolate.

The soothing wooden-clad decor of 420 Cafe is augmented by the chill music that alternates between Bob Marley and Frank Zappa – there are even posters honouring the American singer. The staff are friendly and can help you with the selections as well as on what’s the latest talk of the town in Amsterdam.

Easy Times Coffeeshop is an award-winning coffeeshop in Amsterdam known for its chilled vibes and friendly atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a relaxing lounge with sofas set against bright purple LED-backlit walls with Middle-Eastern motifs. It also has an impressive back area that’s dim-lit and featuring artwork all over.

Among the best strains offered at Easy Times are Mango Kush, Papaya Punch, and Gorilla Cookies. The menu’s top selections of edibles, including a red velvet cake, are also worth checking out for non-smokers wanting in on the cannabis culture experience. You can find this popular coffeeshop just a 10-minute walk southwest from Dam Square. Easy Times Coffeeshop can get quite busy at certain times of the day.

Original Dampkring Coffeeshop is a top pick for a coffeeshop experience in Amsterdam if cosy ambience and good music are what you’re after. Cinephiles visiting Amsterdam often check out this spot, as it was where Brad Pitt and George Clooney filmed a scene for the hit heist movie Ocean’s Twelve (2004).

Top picks at Dampkring include strains and hybrids such as Ceres Hilton and Mexican Haze. Non-smokers can enjoy everything from milkshake specials such as coffee dream espresso and caramel. The coffeeshop offers Wi-Fi, so you’ll see Amsterdam locals and students frequenting this spot with their laptops open while sipping a coffee or Dampkring’s homemade teas.

Grey Area Coffeeshop may be one of the smallest coffeeshops in Amsterdam’s buzzing hub, but it’s highly popular among the city’s cannabis connoisseurs. Among its famous patrons are rapper-producer Snoop Dogg and actor-musician Willie Nelson. You’ll also spot other celebs like Woody Harrelson among the photos stuck on their fully covered walls.

This American-owned and quirky-looking coffeeshop – its facade is drowned in stickers of all sorts – sits on Oude Leliestraat, just a short walk northwest across the Singel canal from Amsterdam’s Royal Palace. Inside, you’ll be greeted with personalised service from friendly staff. You can order custom servings of their best strains, the likes of Zombie Kush and Purple Punch.