Coffee Shops, Amsterdam

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I love this place for its ease and its openness---you can sit at a table right on the edge of the famous Leidseplein and watch all the artists, cyclists, musicians, and much more for the price of a very nice Jenever (Dutch gin--MMMM!) or a local beer with your favorite smoke. The Leidseplein itself is an amazing sight, sort of like a small-size Time Square, but much older and more confident. You can sit in one of the "patio" seats inside and heated, or outside if it's nice---the shop is down some steep steps so watch your head (in more ways than one!). The bar staff is pleasant most days and the Earl Grey is served hot! Gift shop located next door along with the main bar....

Updated 9/2010---the Bulldog still rules for being able to have a Jenever and a beer and a smoke all together watching the square!

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Nearby to where I was staying, the Grey Area was a good choice for me----the American guy hosting the herb booth was a pleasure---knowing where I was from saying he trained at a base (soldiering) nearby to where I live--- he told me a story of a green beret coming in not too long ago for some herbs----wow, a stoner green beret---not something I would have figured in a million....anyways he was a very nice guy and rolled some rightious joints for an american couple in front of me----therefore the pix---with his compliments
try the grey haze

Since It's not a big deal in Amsterdam we wanted to go to a Coffeeshop and smoke some marihuana. We were closed to red light district in the afternoon around 5 pm tired from walking a lot. We set in one called "BaBa". It was recommended by a friend but we found it very touristy. I asked very mild type "roled" one and it was a good chill for us. (cost 3,50€)

This tiny shop is around the corner from the Spui, and a delight. The front window looks directly out onto the Singel canal, the staff is friendly, and the goods are fairly priced. There is also a really nice bakery across the street for when you get the munchies! I very much enjoyed this place.

Smartshops in Amsterdam sell herbal drugs that "open the mind" such as Skullcap, Valerian, Puama, and magic mushrooms among others. I personally have not tried these since the 70's but I have spoken to folks who have and they say it is safe and fun, so long as you are knowing what you are doing. Be careful what you put in your mouth---it may come back to bite you!

I don't say which brand is better, because I really don't have the knowledge needed to define differences in smoke---suffice to say, this is a nice shop with friendly folk behind the counters...If they have Earl Grey, I am happy, and they did.
Nice little table setup out front, too.

I ventured inside this cozy coffee shop and was amazed at what I saw. I bellied up to the bar and ordered some coffee, next to me was a guy from Florida taking a hit from a bong. The barrista after bringing my coffee to me lit up a joint and stating crocheting a necklace. It felt like this was perfectly normal activity. The barrista and guy from Florida were great people to talk too.

3 top coffee shops that are a must while visiting Amsterdam.

1)The Greenhouse (Very friendly, great weed, place to camp outside & smoke)

2)The Dolphins(Very friendly, cool decore, great weed, upstairs is pure only, but downstairs is a lounge are where you can also smoke cigs)

3)Barney's Lounge(Very friendly, great weed(I suggest the Blue Cheese strain) a tad bit small, but never really over packed/crowded)