Amsterdam is famous for its coffeeshops, but not all of them are created equal. Some have a dazzling interior while others are classy with a speakeasy vibe. Some are incredibly long-standing, such as the Bulldog, which opened in 1975 and is one of the oldest coffeeshops left (though Mellow Yellow has since closed). The Bulldog is now a museum and is well worth a visit for its historic significance alone. Some have a quirky set of rules that make them stand out from the crowd. For example, some of them display their menus in cases that are darkened until a customer presses and holds a button to illuminate it.

Other coffeeshops are known for their celebrity clientele. Grey Area is a regular cannabis-cup winner that’s visited by celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Kelis, Cypress Hill, and Woody Harrelson. Even if you’re not a fan of weed, it’s worth checking out their milkshake specials and fully covered walls that feature photos of world-famous musicians.

Another of our favourites is Dolphins, which has comfy wicker chairs and table football, plus a swanky underwater decor. They also serve up some of the best spacecakes in town, including lemon and chocolate varieties. Their menu is huge, with strain names such as Cheese, Sour OG, and AK-47 listed along with the taste, smell, and effect of each. It’s the kind of place that locals love, and it’s a fantastic alternative to the tourist-focused options on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canalside. coffeeshops in Amsterdam