The 14 best coffeeshops in Amsterdam

This is Amsterdam’s most iconic coffeeshop, largely owed to welcoming some seriously star-studded guests over the years (notorious cannabis lovers Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg, to name a few). Grey Area was founded by two guys from the US who are passionate about all things marijuana, and its selection is extensive. This is a small, intimate, and a must-try experience in Amsterdam.

One of the big trends in recent years in Amsterdam coffeeshops is the emergence of Cali weed. These strains, often imported from the US, are stronger and more expensive than traditional Dutch flowers. While there are a range of coffeeshops pushing things forward on this front, one the flavour-seeker’s favourites is The Plug. Based on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal in the centre of the city, The Plug is an ideal place for people looking to smoke the best weed available in the Netherlands.

Recently refurbished and housed in an old stable with ties to Amsterdam’s fire department, this down-to-earth coffeeshop could easily be mistaken for a neighbourhood café, given its welcoming ambience and unassuming location. Catering to stoners who prefer quality over quantity, Paradox usually stocks around seven strains of weed alongside six types of hashish. The coffeeshop is well-known for its space cakes, too: they’re laced with a full gram of weed.

Family First sits just off Rembrandtplein, meaning it attracts a fair number of tourists – but don’t let that dissuade you: this place sells some of the best weed in Amsterdam. The inside isn’t much to write home about – there are plenty of other, more vibe-y coffeeshops on this list you can hit up – but that isn’t really the point. Family First is all about flavours, and it has those in abundance. So, if you’re hunting for the strongest and most delicious strains in the city, you should spend a little bit of time at Family First.

Located in the heart of the city, but tucked away in a quiet street, Siberië is one of Amsterdam’s most relaxed coffeeshops. It’s unpretentious, featuring a mix of locals and tourists, and is a perfect place to kick back and take a breather from the hectic parts of the city. There’s a down-to-earth wholesomeness in spending time at Siberië, with the walls hung with the work of local artists and people eager to have a chat with you.

One of the most well-respected cannabis dispensaries in Amsterdam, this award-winning coffeeshop balances quirky aesthetics with first-rate weed and service. Set inside the ground floor of a 16th-century building, Barney’s Coffeeshop is a picture-perfect backdrop for smoking sessions. With Barney’s Uptown — a smoker-friendly bar — just across the street, this is an ideal location to visit if you’d like a beer with your joint.

This cosy family-run place has a New Age vibe thanks to a plethora of plants, an indoor waterfall and a ‘crystal garden’. Naturally, the buds are all bio, and they also have an assortment of bongs, vaporisers and water pipes. Sandwiches and toasties are on hand for anyone with the munchies, and the upstairs space – normally drenched in sunlight – is a beautiful spot for canalside people-watching. 

A mainstay of Amsterdam’s coffeeshop scene, Original Dampkring epitomises the friendlier side of cannabis culture. Famous for its sculpted wooden décor, knowledgeable staff and on-point cannabis selection, the venue has plenty to offer both seasoned and novice stoners. There’s enough space for groups of four or five in Original Dampkring’s smoking lounge, but given the spot’s enduring popularity, expect a short wait for seats during peak hours.