Amsterdam Red-Light District & Coffee Shop

Amsterdam is famous worldwide for its Red-Light District, also known as “De Wallen.” This area is one of the most visited spots in the city by tourists. It’s highly recommended to explore it after dark, when the surroundings glow red from the neon lights in the windows. There’s also a myth about a Blue Light District, where many tourists mistakenly believe that transgender sex workers operate behind blue-lit windows. This misconception originated from uninformed tour guides and has since taken on a life of its own. In Amsterdam, around 750 sex workers operate daily, ranging from window prostitution to strip clubs and sex clubs. Despite these activities, this neighborhood is certainly no more dangerous than other areas in Amsterdam.

This charming little museum opened its doors in 1985 and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, showcasing the fascinating history of the cannabis plant. It features an exhibit of various plants along with informative displays about cultivation and hash production. Additionally, you’ll discover a delightful souvenir shop offering a variety of books in different languages, clothing, and an array of products made from cannabis, such as bags and wallets.

* Children up to the age of 13 enter for free, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

The Museum of Prostitution offers a glimpse into the world of sex work in Amsterdam, showcasing the daily lives of women working in the famous Red-Light District. Upon entering the museum, visitors receive a booklet detailing the history of this unique area in Amsterdam. Additionally, there is an audio tour featuring the story of Inga, a Russian sex worker who spent around 15 years in the profession, sharing her secrets and experiences that may surprise you along the way.

* Everyone (12+) is welcome

 

Boerejongens coffee shop brings quality right to the heart of the city, and you can expect high standards, as is typical of this renowned chain in Amsterdam. The shop is beautifully designed, and once you step inside, you can’t help but notice the exquisite attention to detail. With marble floors and counters adorned with golden fixtures, the ambiance is truly impressive. This coffee shop operates on a take-away basis, meaning there are no seating areas, and the line outside can sometimes be surprisingly long.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.

The Smoky is situated in Rembrandtplein, a vibrant area of the city known for its restaurants, bars, and lively nightlife. As soon as you step inside, you’ll quickly realize that this is not your typical Dutch coffee shop. The place is filled with bright lights and decorations, buzzing with the sounds of people, creating an atmosphere more akin to a bustling bar, complemented by contemporary classic rock music. It’s almost always packed with both tourists and locals alike.

You’ll find a wide selection of cannabis products here, but don’t expect the traditional paper menu; instead, there’s a glass display showcasing all the smoking items available. This coffee shop also offers a variety of food and drinks, making it more of a social spot where you can hang out with friends over some smoke, drinks, and snacks. They even have a few outdoor seating options if you want to enjoy the fresh air while you relax.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.

Abraxas is located in a quaint alley near Dam Square, and it’s a beautiful coffee shop with three hand-painted levels that creates a calm and relaxed atmosphere. This is one of the reasons why this coffee shop has been a favorite among tourists in Amsterdam for years. As soon as you step inside and hear the pleasant, soothing music, you immediately understand why Abraxas is so popular. The place exudes a positive and creative vibe, offering a wide variety of high-quality herbs and hashish. The staff is experienced and very friendly, as noted by nearly all visitors, and the coffee and brownies are exceptionally tasty. However, the downside is that the place can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, making it somewhat challenging to find a seat during peak hours.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.

The Green House is one of the most popular coffee shops in Amsterdam, situated along one of the city’s most famous canals, right next to the Red-Light District. It’s a hotspot for all the big stars who visit the city, as evidenced by the numerous photos of celebrities from around the globe adorning the walls of the coffee shop. They take pride in the quality of their cannabis and seeds, and their kitchen is ready to satisfy your munchies throughout the day. While it can get quite busy and touristy, it’s definitely a must-visit spot. The Green House coffee shop has five branches located in various areas throughout the city center.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.

In Amsterdam, there are two coffee shops sharing the name Dampkring. The original Dampkring coffee shop gained fame from the 2004 film “Ocean’s Twelve,” which was filmed in the city. Its interior is designed with influences from Arabic, Bohemian, and Buddhist styles, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Even seasoned smokers are often amazed by the extensive menu, which details the taste, aroma, and effects of each product, ensuring you know exactly what to expect. It’s advisable to arrive early, as the place tends to be crowded during most hours of the day. The second Dampkring is located on one of Amsterdam’s beautiful streets, Haarlemmerstraat, which not all tourists are familiar with, but it’s definitely worth a stroll regardless.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.

The seed for the first coffeeshop in the world was planted in 1970, at the Holland Pop Festival in the Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam, ‘the Woodstock of the Netherlands’. Henk brought something to smoke for his friends, but he soon noticed that they were selling his stuff.

Henk then realized just how easy it was to sell weed. He rushed back to Amsterdam to bring a lot more, stuffed in matchboxes. Back in the Kralingse Bos, Henk started selling his stuff to the festival goers, until two police officers came up to him, threatened to arrest him for illegally selling cannabis.

At that moment, festival organizer Koos Zwart stepped in. He told the police officers that Henk was allowed to sell his product on the festival grounds, and eventually the police gave up. Koos even started promoting Henk’s ‘shop’ with a public announcement.

This was essentially the first time that anyone had legally sold cannabis in the Netherlands, and at the same time it was the start of Henk’s pioneering work.

What makes The Bulldog unique isn’t its famous name, its iconic logo or its popular products; it’s the feeling you get when you step inside. The typical The Bulldog atmosphere can be experienced in all their locations, in Amsterdam and our many locations throughout the world.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.

If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, tranquil, and friendly spot to enjoy a good smoking or a delicious “space cake,” then the Dolphins coffeeshop is definitely worth your visit. With comfortable seating designed to resemble an underwater paradise and free Wi-Fi access, what more could you ask for? Conveniently located right next to the Leidseplein entertainment area, it’s easily reachable on foot or by tram. The ocean-themed decor features dolphins and goldfish lamps, spread across two levels; the upper floor boasts café-style tables and plenty of comfy bar stools, while the lower level offers cozy seating with benches along the walls and large, inviting sofas. The entire space is painted from floor to ceiling to create an immersive underwater experience. The music is always soothing and never too loud, and you can catch sports or other entertainment on the TV screens. The menu is known for its quality, especially the space cakes and freshly baked muffins that are simply delightful.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.

“Easy Times,” a coffee shop that opened in 1985, is located along one of Amsterdam’s stunning canals in the city center on Prinsengracht, nestled between the flower market and the vibrant Leidseplein area. You won’t want to overlook this place during your Amsterdam vacation. The shop boasts a modern and soothing design that combines the feel of an upscale café with that of a trendy urban nightclub. It is known as one of the leading coffee shops in the city, thanks to the high quality of its offerings. You can take advantage of their outdoor seating during the warm summer months.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.

The coffee shop is located on the bustling Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal street in the Dam Square area and was previously known as Utopia until it changed ownership in 2018. The new owners, who already had a well-regarded coffee shop in Barcelona with the same name, always dreamed of opening a similar establishment in Amsterdam. The interior is designed to resemble a chic pub or nightclub, despite its relatively small size, featuring leather sofas for seating and large front windows that let in plenty of daylight. At the back, there is a spacious bar area for ordering cannabis products and some basic refreshments. The cannabis menu is extensive and diverse, primarily showcasing American strains like Kush and Gorilla Glue sourced from California. While the selection of hash is smaller, the quality is excellent, and you can also find pre-rolled joints and a variety of baked goods like muffins and brownies available for purchase.

* Coffeeshops are not permitted to sell alcohol or hard drugs. People aged under 18 are not permitted to enter the premises. This rule must be strictly enforced.