Amsterdam’s famous coffeeshops are more than just cannabis joints, they’re social hubs and creative spaces too. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick smoke, a coffee or some delicious space cake, we’ve put together a list of the best places to go for a laidback break away from the crowds.
In the Netherlands, cannabis is legal for personal use but it must be consumed legally in a coffeeshop, which are regulated by the government to ensure that they comply with strict rules, including not serving alcohol and making sure there’s no sign of weapons or hard drugs. There are hundreds of these coffeeshops dotted around the city, and we’ve got a list of our favourites.
Het Ballonnetje (pronounced het bell-no-tje) is a laidback breakaway hidden away from the busy streets, open since 1978. It’s a relaxed, friendly spot where locals and tourists come to relax with friends, sip a coffee and smoke some weed. They have a great range of classics and modern strains on offer, as well as rolled selections and merch card decks to play with your friends.
Kadinsky is a popular coffeeshop on Rosmarijnsteeg because of its talkative social atmosphere, friendly staff and good range of world-class strains. The interior is on three small levels, and the front opens out to the street on nice days so you can sit outside with a drink and a joint while watching the world go by.
Another great option is Abraxas on Jonge Roelensteeg, which has a hippy-ish vibe with a strong focus on ethics and the environment. They have plenty of information about their sustainability initiatives and give back to the community, plus they’re wheelchair friendly so everyone can visit. coffeeshops in Amsterdam