Top 15 Amsterdam Coffeeshops of 2018

GETTING STONED IN AMSTERDAM

If you’re a cannabis lover, nothing beats visiting beautiful Amsterdam. You can find dozens of coffeeshops all throughout the city. However, not all coffeeshops in Amsterdam are created equal when it comes to quality, selection, and ambience.

You, our trusted and valued visitors, have spent the last few months voting on your absolute favourite Amsterdam coffeeshops. We have tallied the votes and crunched the numbers, resulting in the list below. Read on to discover Amsterdam’s 15 Best Coffeeshops!

Video: Amsterdam Coffeeshop Visits

1. THE STUD

Coffeeshop The Stud: +31 (0) 20 694 0983, Molukkenstraat 581, 1095 BJ Amsterdam

The Stud killed the competition! Sitting comfortably at a split number one spot is what the internet calls 'the most friendly coffeeshop in Amsterdam'. This shop is located somewhat far out to the east, so it caters mainly to locals and regulars, which is always a good indication of quality and consistency. This, however, does not mean that visitors and tourists aren't welcome. On the contrary! The Stud's main appeal - besides their quality stash - is their extraordinary hospitality and customer service shown to everyone who steps through their door.

An upside of the off-centre location is that the prices at The Stud are more competitive than in some of Amsterdam’s centrally located coffeeshops. This makes a trip to The Stud worth it for the nice savings alone. Plus, the coffeeshop has a nice and relaxed ambience, with cosy smoking and reception areas. They also offer food and drinks, as well as cool merchandise in The Stud Store, next door.

They have a good selection of hash and weed, including some exclusive strains like Kosher Kush, Shoreline, and more. The Stud also has exceptional hash on their menu, some of the best in town. Ask about their Mexicana USA or Candy Cookie hash, and they will be happy to tell you all about it. The Mexicana USA delivers a pure and strong high, thanks to a whopping 63% of THC and 0% CBD. Candy cookies is slighty milder with 57% THC, and 6% CBD. Make sure to come early so you can get a spot since The Stud is known to draw a crowd.

1. BOEREJONGENS COFFEESHOPS

Boerejongens Coffeshop Centre: +31 (0) 20 447 3557, Utrechtsestraat 21, 1017 VH Amsterdam

A split first place goes to Boerejongens! Boerejongens is a well-known chain of professional and highly welcoming coffeeshops. Their city centre location on the Utrechtsestraat is styled as a modern dispensary, with luxurious marble floors and lavish decorations that give the place a high-end feel. Although Boerejongens Center is more of a take-and-go establishment, they also serve coffee and snacks. There is a smoking area on the upstairs floor. As a connoisseur establishment, they offer a robust selection with many local genetics, but also some imports. They are well-known for their “block hash”. You can also find edibles on their menu.

The Boerenjongens BIJ and West locations in Amsterdam West feature clean and crisp decors, combining the ambience of a modern-day dispensary with that of an old-style drugstore. The excellent quality of their products and their selection has made Boerejongens a favourite supplier for many.

2. BARNEY'S COFFEESHOPS

Barney's Coffeeshop: +31 (0) 20 625 9761, Haarlemmerstraat 102, 1013 EW Amsterdam

Barney’s Coffeeshops are the place to enjoy some of the best cannabis strains by legendary cannabis seeds supplier Barney's Farm. Their Haarlemmerstraat location has won multiple awards, and is one of Amsterdam’s most original and futuristic coffeeshops. The shop isn’t very big, but the modern decor - which is inspired by an old-fashioned apothecary with polished wood and ample mood-lighting - gives it an upscale feel.

Barney's Coffeeshop is regarded as a connoisseur establishment.. Together with their award-winning varieties, you can also purchase other popular strains and hash. Their staff is friendly and very in-the-know. It's worth mentioning that Barney's has three different residences in the same street: a bar, a coffeeshop, and a restaurant. You can smoke in all three. They have a second coffeeshop, Barney's Lounge, located on the Reguliersgracht.

3. 1E HULP

Coffeeshop 1e Hulp: +31 (0) 20 427 0712, Marnixstraat 194, 1016 TJ Amsterdam

The 1e Hulp doesn’t draw as many tourists as some other locations closer to the Centrum, but they still get their fair share of travellers who flock to the shop because of its reputation for quality cannabis and out-of-this-world moonrocks.

The coffeeshop has a nice atmosphere with an Arabian flair to it. Compared to some other coffeeshops, it is quite roomy. There are three floors, featuring a cannabis serving counter and beautifully designed lounge areas that offer soft, cosy and comfortable seating for single visitors, couples and larger groups. The 1e Hulp offers a great selection, with over two dozen strains, including some Amsterdam favourites and contemporary all-stars. They also have a rich selection of hash, edibles, and pre-rolled joints.

4. AMNESIA

Coffeeshop Amnesia: +31 (0) 20 427 7874, Herengracht 133I, 1015 BG Amsterdam

The Amnesia coffeeshop is a medium-sized coffeeshop that has a nightclub feel to it, with cool decor and a deep, dark colour scheme. There is seating inside and benches outside, so you can chill and watch the boats on the canal in the summer.

The owners of Amnesia have entered many Dutch cannabis competitions, and you can find these award-winning strains on their menu. You can also get many contemporary strains here, including imported strains from the US and some local varieties. If you like to vape, they have several Volcano Digit units ready. If you get the munchies, Amnesia also has cakes and pastries, and their milkshakes are legendary!

5. 420 CAFÉ

420 Café: +31 (0) 6 1894 9745, Oudebrugsteeg 27, 1012 JN Amsterdam

The 420 Café on Oudebrugsteeg is in a location that is very popular with tourists. Just like the boutique shops and bars in the area, it has an upscale flair to it. The opulent hardwood interior makes the place look more like a fancy café rather than your typical Dutch coffeeshop.

Although the menu at the 420 isn’t particularly large, they offer a good mix of weed and hash. Their balanced assortment includes varieties that are currently popular among the touristy crowds, as well as traditional local old-school strains. They also have a good selection of snacks, drinks, and coffees.

6. THE BULLDOG COFFEESHOPS

Bulldog The First: +31 (0) 20 625 9864, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 GJ Amsterdam

The Bulldog has 4 coffeeshops spread throughout Amsterdam's city centre: The First, Energy, Havri, Rockshop, and a fifth shop that is located in the Westpoort harbour called Bulldog Port 26. The First is one of Amsterdam’s oldest coffeeshops. Founded in 1974, it started in a cellar where some friends secretly shared joints. At one time, they operated illegally like a speakeasy during America’s prohibition. During that time, they had an "Orange Raid Alarm" where the bartender upstairs would drop an orange down a shaft in the event of a raid. This would warn everyone so they could stash their gear before the police arrived. The artsy interior of the shop is reminiscent of that turbulent time, featuring many photos and memoirs.

The Bulldog Palace Coffeeshop in the bustling Leidseplein area is actually three businesses, a coffeeshop, a nightclub, and a shop. The place is impossible to miss with its large neon signs and big outdoor seating area. The coffeeshop is actually the Havri below the Palace, but everyone refers to the coffeeshop as Bulldog Palace. Their decor is modern, very clean, and well-maintained. On many occasions, there are musical events going on, so the place is often packed.

7. GREEN HOUSE COFFEESHOPS

Green House Centrum: +31 (0) 20 627 1739, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 191, 1012 EW Amsterdam

Green House operates a number of coffeeshops throughout the city, four at the time of writing, but the Green House Centrum, just off Amsterdam’s famous Red Light district, is their most popular thanks to a location smack dab in the middle of a tourist area. Green house Centrum location has artsy modern decor, with their interior custom-made from carved wood, which gives the place a very upscale flair. The other locations De Pijp, Namaste, and United are well worth a visit as well!

Green House isn’t just renowned for their coffeeshop locations, but also for their cannabis breeding. They have already won multiple awards for their creations, boasting an extensive menu of various strains, from the most popular to the lesser-known varieties. They also have a good selection of hashish on their menu, with both imported and domestic offerings.

8. ABRAXAS

Coffeeshop Abraxas: +31 (0) 20 625 5763, Jonge Roelensteeg 12-14, 1012 PL Amsterdam

The Abraxas on Kalverstraat may appear unassuming, but it’s quite unique. The shop has a mystical style, with colourful tile mosaics and intricate wood that make the counter, stools, and tables appear as if they were grown out of trees. It has a magical ambience to it, as if right out of the Lord of the Rings.

On the ground floor where the counter is, they offer a fairly large menu with many classic old-school weed strains, as well as lesser-known imported varieties. Their assortment of hash is not as big, but they still have a nice selection from regions such as Morocco, Lebanon, and India, and some domestic ones.

9. HET BALLONNETJE

Coffeeshop Het Ballonnetje: +31 (0) 20 205 0414, Roetersstraat 12, 1018 WD Amsterdam

The Het Ballonnetje is a traditional Dutch coffeeshop and one of the oldest in the city. It may not look like much from the outside, but their decor is artsy, with many pictures and a large mural of a person in a red balloon. There are chairs and tables where you can relax, and a seating area outside. Fanciness isn’t what The Het Ballonnetje is known for, but its authentic ambience is why people love the place.

On their menu you can find many popular strains, as well as old-school and local varieties. They also have a good selection of hashish, pre-rolled joints, and special space cakes.

10. BLUEBIRD

Coffeeshop Bluebird: +31 (0) 20 622 5232, Sint Antoniesbreestraat 71, 1011 HB Amsterdam

The Bluebird is a typical Dutch coffeeshop, without the usual touristy fanciness you see elsewhere. But the shop sure isn’t plain; the architecture is modern and there’s cool artwork inside. Bluebird has two levels, with the main shop on the upper level. Comfy seating makes the Bluebird a great place to chill.

The Bluebird features an extensive menu with almost two dozen strains, from imports for beginners to very-potent strains for connoisseurs. Their hash assortment is also very good. They carry varieties from Morocco, India, Afghanistan, and Nepal, and the super-potent Dutch Ice-o-lator hash. They also have pre-rolled joints and edibles.

11. DNA COFFEESHOP

DNA Coffeeshop: +31 (0) 20 664 8279, Achillesstraat 104, 1076RH Amsterdam

Formerly named Jabba The Hut, the DNA Coffeeshop has been completely modernised and given a new name. Its style is modern, clean, and open. It is one of these take-and-go coffeeshops where there is not much space, aside from a smoking room and a spot to prep your smoke before you head out.

What made the DNA popular is that they work with quality suppliers, who are well-known amongst cannabis connoisseurs. As such, you can find a good selection of top-quality cannabis there, including the latest popular West Coast genetics. They also carry an impressive assortment of hash, with many imported and domestic varieties. Be sure to check out their pastry case as well!

12. DAMPKRING ORIGINAL

Original Dampkring Coffeeshop: +31 (0) 20 638 0705, Handboogstraat 29, 1012 XM Amsterdam

The Dampkring Original is arguably Amsterdam’s most famous coffeeshop. It has a beautiful, ornate façade with hand-carved panels and pillars alongside stained glass. The artsy decor, polished wood interior, and trippy textures give the place a mystical ambience. The Dampkring has been featured in a scene from Ocean's Twelve, so it attracts many tourists who want to see the place.

The Dampkring isn’t just an amazing location. Its cannabis menu is also one of the best in the city. They carry many popular varieties including their own “Oceans 12” strain. Why the name, you may ask? Well, actors from the Hollywood hit were known to visit this coffeeshop during filming in Amsterdam. Their selection of hashish is excellent as well. They also have snacks, teas, coffees, and juices.

13. BABYLON

Babylon Coffeeshop: Beursstraat 27, 1012 JV Amsterdam

Irie! The Babylon is a reggae-themed coffeeshop located right in Amsterdam’s city centre, on a small side street just behind the Beurs van Berlage, just a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. It’s a medium-sized shop with just one room. Contrasting its historic location, the interior of Babylon is very modern. There are comfy leather couches where you can chill to reggae music that’s playing at low volume in the background.

The menu of the Babylon doesn’t leave a wish unfulfilled. You can find a good selection of old-school strains together with popular modern cannabis varieties. Their hash assortment is also very good. Much of it is imported, but they also carry the very potent Dutch ice-o-lator hash.

14. GREY AREA

Coffeeshop Grey Area: +31 (0) 20 420 4301, Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam

The Grey Area coffeeshop is in a popular part of the city, surrounded by old residences and trendy boutiques. It’s probably the smallest coffeeshop in Amsterdam. The decor is not fancy but creative, made from stickers and rolling papers applied by their visitors. Despite its tiny size, the Grey Area has an excellent reputation among cannabis connoisseurs. They have won many cannabis competitions and are known for their high quality strains.

On their menu, you can find a good selection of cannabis from some of the most awarded breeders. If top quality weed is your concern, you can’t go wrong with checking out The Grey Area! Don’t be surprised if there is a long line, but then you may even meet the one or the other celebrity there.

15. BAGHEERA

Coffeeshop Bagheera: +31 (0) 20 627 0384, Kloveniersburgwal 60, 1012 CX Amsterdam

Closing our list at #15 is coffeeshop Bagheera. The shop got its name from Bagheera, the famous leopard from The Jungle Book, which you can also find on their logo. The clean and well-lit shop has a modern interior and looks like a small café or a juice bar. It’s not big, but it has a very relaxed flair to it. There are seats indoors near the windows and outdoors, which makes the place great for people watching.

The Bagheera has a quite large cannabis menu. They carry more than two dozens of strains, including oldschool varieties like White Widow and Amnesia but also contemporary strains. Most of their hash is imported, but they also carry potent Dutch ice hash if you’re more into that. They also have “Space Cakes”, marijuana tea and pre-rolled joints.

Video: Zamnesia Visits The Cannabis Liberation Day Festival

Zamnesia was present at this year's Cannabis Liberation Day Festival, where they awarded the coveted Zamnesia Amsterdam Coffeeshop Award to its winners. Watch the video to see the festival in action and find out what we got up to. The award ceremony can be seen at the 2-minute mark.

Steven Voser

Steven Voser is an independent cannabis journalist with over 6 years of experience writing about all things weed; how to grow it, how best to enjoy it, and the booming industry and murky legal landscape surrounding it.

Read full bio