The Bulldog has been around since 1976, and the location at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90 is the considered to be the first cannabis coffeeshop in Amsterdam. The beautiful psychedelic paintings on the outside were painted over six years by an Australian artist, Harold Thorton. Now they have five coffeeshops in town, including one on the Leidseplein that was once a police station and still has some of the original jail cells where you can toke up, legally!

The Bulldog has become very commercialized as it’s grown with souvenier shops, bike rentals and a low budget hotel. No longer does it offer the homey feel of other coffeeshops, with one exception.

The newest one, now called “The Lounge”, on Spuistraat 7, is the class act of coffeeshops in Amsterdam, in a league of its own. Mahogany, brass, and leather dominate, lending an elegance and comfort never before seen in a coffeeshop. Add to this the mellow “lounge” music, a nice change from the pounding house music that most coffeeshops favor. The Lounge offers free internet access (with required drink purchase) on two machines and doesn’t start charging for it when it gets busy as other cafes do. A most inviting space to surf the net.

Located on the banks of a quiet canal, shaded by big leafy trees in summer, the Siberie is a great place to visit during your exploration of the Jordaan. Attractively decorated with comfy chairs and delightful artworks on the wall, the Siberie exudes a little class, unlike most coffeeshops in Amsterdam.

We enjoyed our visit there, to get out of a downpour one afternoon while poking around town. I was pleasantly surprised by the service, selection and coziness of the place. With huge double doors opening onto the sidewalk, the air inside is fresh and the music relaxing.

The dealer recommended some Siberian Tiger grass, which turned out to be a great suggestion. The grass was very aromatic, and dry enough to roll a pure joint, American style. I proceeded to get wasted and enjoyed the wait until the rain stopped, and then I was back on my way around town. In a very pleasant mood indeed.

I recommend the Siberie as a wonderful place for a quick visit – grab a drink and a smoke, relax to some nice music, perhaps make a new friend or two and have fun.

Info:
Address:
Brouwersgracht 11
Amsterdam

When I visited The Top Coffeeshop, I was the only one there besides the bartender/dealer. The sunlight streaming in made the place seem cheerful and inviting, just like someone’s living room. I immediately took to the place because of the cozy seating and the colorful, funky vibe eminating from within. The beautiful murals were done by a couple of artists yet they meshed well.

I ordered a delicious, vitamin fortified, fruit-berry drink from Germany in a half-liter plastic bottle. I wasn’t in too much of a hurry because I’d walked all the way through the Rembrandt park, and needed a good rest. I listened to some nice dance music and chatted a bit with the bartender.

As I was getting ready to leave I decided to check out their cannabinoid selection, and I’m so glad I did! I noticed they had something on their hash menu called “Warme Oren”. I asked him what it was, and he said it was a tasty Moroccan hash that was good to smoke on cold days because it “warms your ears”, thus the name. He produced a nice chunk of very light, blonde hash. I put it up to my nose and could scarcely believe what I was smelling! It was a wonderful, fresh, pungent odor, like something I hadn’t smelled in years. I immediately got some and gave it a try. It was so damn lekker!

Since that bit was so impressive, I decided to see what else he had and asked to see the Manali Cream. Unfortunately there were only tiny bits left as it was almost gone! I suppose that’s a good sign, and he confirmed that it was very popular, even though it was 25 guilders a gram. I looked at it and smelled it and it certainly looked and smelled good. It was soft and sticky, unlike so much “manali” I’d tried in other coffeeshops.

I decided to wait until I got home to try it as I was already beginning to get a very nice buzz from the “warme oren” that I figured I should try it another time. I was not to be disappointed. The Manali Cream is a very smooth smoke and surprisingly, you really don’t feel the toke until almost a minute after you’ve inhaled!

So now I’m in hash heaven with two of my favorites right here, calling my name right now… Which one shall I choose next??? Yummy!

This place should be named Happy Daze, as the people here are out of it. The Red Bud and White Widow they offer are almost identical. Worth a quick stop on a trip down the Amsteldijk out of town if you need something to smoke. Get off the #12 tram at the corner, or ride your bike. Across the Amstel from the Rembrandt Tower.

This gezellig little coffeeshop in the Jordaan along the Princengracht, is easy to find. Just look for the Van Gogh wall mural with sunflowers on the outside wall. They serve snacks and there’s a few outside tables. Inside there’s a crystal garden with a large assortment of crystals and jewelry.

Coffeeshop for locals located across the harbor from Central Station, take the AMsterdam Ferry and follow the map below.

One of the many “neighborhood” shops for the locals. This one better than the rest with great grass and inexpensive drinks. The friendly counter staff remembers almost everyone and their desires, making suggestions as well. Not far from the intersection of Woustraat and the Victorieplein. Nice cool place to hang, park your bike right in front to keep an eye on it and the groceries…

The Bluebird is a very popular coffeeshop that offers up an excellent array of hashish and marijuana, with samples displayed in two large books by the dealers corner (don’t lean on them while you’re standing in line!).

The two-story place can get very crowded at times, and waiting in the narrow space by dealer’s counter for service is no fun. There is a cozy area with sofa and chairs, but those are usually taken, leaving mostly tall stools at small counters. Your best bet is the two outside tables in the summer.

The music is usually good, but it’s not such a cozy place to hang out. However, if you’re looking for a great selection of imported hashish, especially the black kind, like Afghani, Nepali, or Malana this is THE place! I recommend the Mazar-I-Sharif. They also sell some tasty cannabis bon-bons here.

THE Gay coffeeshop on THE Gay street. Small coffeeshop, lots of men, and great Space Cake to be found here! Very small place, often crowded.

Nice outside seating opposite from the entrance to the Oude Kerk. A great place to hang in the shade and watch the tourists and “johns” on their way to the red-lit cabins in the narrow alleys that surround the old church. Keep your eye out for the especially gorgeous babes on their way to “work” in the afternoons and evenings.

If you’re lucky you’ll get serenaded by the Church bells during your visit!