19 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Working From a Coffeeshop: Manners and Sunny Terraces
Can you work from a coffeeshop? Sometimes, if you are considerate. Here are the manners and the practical points.
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Read before you goGuides &
Guides &
local knowledge.
Prices, culture, travel tips, Dutch law and events, written for people visiting Amsterdam coffeeshops.
Culture
25 guidesCulture
11 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
How to Judge Good Flower Before You Buy
Look, smell and feel: simple checks that help you tell fresh, well-kept cannabis from a poor buy.
Read guide26 Aug 2026 · 3 min read
Ordering in a Coffeeshop, Step by Step
A calm, practical walk through your first coffeeshop visit: what to bring, what happens at the door, how menus are laid...
Read guide23 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Smoking, Vaping or Edibles: How the Methods Differ
Each way of using cannabis works differently. Here is how they compare on speed, strength, taste and how long they last.
Read guide16 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
The Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam: Then and Now
The Cannabis Cup helped make Amsterdam the centre of cannabis breeding. Here is how it began and what such contests mean...
Read guide9 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Ten Classic Landrace Strains You Can Still Find
Ten well-known landrace and landrace-style strains, where they come from and why they still matter.
Read guide6 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Cannabis in Amsterdam and Germany Compared
A neutral comparison of how the Netherlands and Germany treat cannabis, and what it means for a visitor.
Read guide2 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Reading a Dutch Coffeeshop Menu: Key Words Explained
The Dutch words you may see on a coffeeshop menu, and what each product is.
Read guide30 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Coffeeshops With Terraces and Canalside Seats
Sitting outside is one of the best parts of a coffeeshop visit. Here is what to look for in a terrace and how to find on...
Read guide29 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Cannabis Words and Slang You Will Hear in Amsterdam
A short glossary of the words you will hear and see in Amsterdam coffeeshops, in English and Dutch.
Read guide16 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
How Amsterdam Came to Tolerate Cannabis
How a small country ended up with licensed coffeeshops: the key decisions and dates behind Dutch cannabis tolerance.
Read guide14 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
THC and CBD Explained in Plain Language
The two best-known compounds in cannabis do different things. Here is what each one is and why the balance matters when...
Read guide12 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Using a Volcano Vaporizer in a Coffeeshop
Many coffeeshops offer a desktop vaporizer so you can use flower without burning it. Here is how it works and how to get...
Read guide29 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Straight Answers to Common Coffeeshop Questions
Short, honest answers to the questions visitors ask most about coffeeshops, the law and staying safe.
Read guide24 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Coffeeshop, Café or Smartshop? Knowing the Difference
Three very different kinds of place share similar signs in Amsterdam. Here is how to tell them apart before you walk in.
Read guide22 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Smart Habits for Getting the Most From a Coffeeshop Visit
Simple habits that make a coffeeshop visit smoother, cheaper and more enjoyable.
Read guide19 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Gentle Strains for New Smokers and Where to Look
How to pick something gentle if you are new to cannabis, and how to make a first experience pleasant.
Read guide13 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Staying Comfortable: Water, Food and Rest
Simple habits that make a coffeeshop visit more pleasant and help you avoid feeling unwell.
Read guide9 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
How Amsterdam Compares With Cannabis Culture Elsewhere
A short, neutral look at how different places treat cannabis, and where the Dutch coffeeshop model fits in.
Read guide7 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
How to Roll a Joint, Step by Step
A clear, beginner-friendly guide to rolling a joint without tobacco, with tips for a neat, even result.
Read guide28 May 2026 · 2 min read
Smartshops and Magic Truffles: What to Know
Smartshops sell legal herbal products and magic truffles. Here is what they are, how truffles differ from mushrooms, and...
Read guide20 May 2026 · 2 min read
Storing Cannabis Safely While You Travel
How to keep what you buy fresh, private and out of the wrong hands for the time you are in the city.
Read guide16 May 2026 · 2 min read
Terpenes: Why Aroma Matters More Than THC Numbers
THC percentage tells only part of the story. Terpenes shape aroma, flavour and, some people think, how a strain feels.
Read guide7 May 2026 · 2 min read
Why Dessert-Style Strains Took Over the Menus
Why so many menu names sound like desserts, what they usually mean and how to look past the marketing.
Read guide3 May 2026 · 2 min read
How Strong Is Strong? Understanding Potency
What potency numbers mean, why the same amount can feel very different from person to person, and how to pick an amount...
Read guideUsa
15 guidesUsa
17 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
What Americans Should Pack for the Netherlands
What to pack for the Netherlands, from the right plug to a rain jacket, with a few tips that are specific to visitors fr...
Read guide14 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
A Three-Day Amsterdam Plan for American Travellers
A relaxed three-day plan for a first visit, mixing canals, museums, neighbourhoods and free time, with optional coffeesh...
Read guide5 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
First Time in Amsterdam? Advice for American Visitors
Practical advice for American visitors on a first trip: what to expect, what is different and how to plan your days.
Read guide31 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Eleven Common Slip-Ups for American Visitors
Eleven easy-to-make mistakes for American visitors, from bike lanes to cards and coffeeshop rules, and how to avoid each...
Read guide19 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Travelling Alone in Amsterdam: Advice for Americans
Amsterdam is easy to enjoy on your own. Here is how to feel safe, meet people and make the most of a solo trip.
Read guide17 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
The Amsterdam Tourist Tax Explained for Americans
What the Amsterdam tourist tax is, how it is charged and how to allow for it when you book.
Read guide9 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Planning an Amsterdam Trip From the United States
A step-by-step checklist for planning a trip to Amsterdam from the United States.
Read guide7 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
A Five-Day Amsterdam Plan With Museums and Day Trips
A five-day plan that adds day trips to the city highlights, with room to rest.
Read guide6 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Entry Rules for US Citizens Visiting the Netherlands
A plain overview of how entry to the Netherlands works for US citizens, and how to check the current rules before you tr...
Read guide2 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Working Out What an Amsterdam Trip Will Cost
How to work out a realistic budget for an Amsterdam trip by listing the main costs and where they can vary.
Read guide15 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Paying in Amsterdam: Cards, Cash and What Works
Why your card may be declined in Amsterdam, which cards tend to work and how much cash to bring.
Read guide4 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Amsterdam on a Budget for American Visitors
How to see Amsterdam without overspending: where the money goes and where you can save.
Read guide23 May 2026 · 2 min read
When to Fly From the US to Amsterdam for Lower Fares
When flights are usually cheaper, how to shop for fares and what to expect from the journey.
Read guide5 May 2026 · 2 min read
Arriving at Schiphol From the US: What to Do First
What happens when you land at Schiphol, and how to get from the airport to your accommodation.
Read guide2 May 2026 · 2 min read
Amsterdam Museums and Booking Ahead: Advice for Americans
How to book Amsterdam museums so you spend more time inside and less in queues.
Read guideTravel
13 guidesTravel
16 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Smoker-Friendly Hotels and Hostels in Amsterdam
What "smoker-friendly" really means at a hotel or hostel, and how to pick a place that suits you.
Read guide6 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Where to Stay: Amsterdam, Zaandam or Haarlem
Compare staying in Amsterdam itself with nearby Zaandam and Haarlem, and choose what suits your budget and style.
Read guide3 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Staying Safe in Amsterdam: Common Scams and Tips
Amsterdam is generally safe for visitors, but a few common problems are easy to avoid once you know about them.
Read guide27 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Seven Things to Pack for an Amsterdam Trip
A short, practical list of what to bring for an Amsterdam trip, plus what to leave at home.
Read guide8 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
A Rainy Day in Amsterdam: Indoor Ideas
Amsterdam weather changes fast. Here is how to make a wet day comfortable, from cafés and museums to a cosy coffeeshop s...
Read guide1 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Building a Coffeeshop Route: Walking or Cycling
How to plan a sensible day of coffeeshop visits, in the right order, with time for food, rest and getting home.
Read guide23 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Hotels With Balconies and Terraces Where You Can Smoke
Most hotels ban smoking inside. A balcony or terrace gives you somewhere to relax. Here is how to find one and what to c...
Read guide10 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Which Amsterdam Neighbourhood Suits You?
Amsterdam is small but each area has its own feel. Here is how the main neighbourhoods differ, so you can pick the one t...
Read guide3 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Where to Eat When You Have the Munchies
Hungry after a coffeeshop? Here are easy, typical Dutch snacks and where the choices are.
Read guide30 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Getting Around Amsterdam by Tram, Metro, Bike and Foot
How to get from the airport into the city and move around Amsterdam by train, tram, metro, ferry, bike or on foot.
Read guide5 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Renting a Bike in Amsterdam, and Other Ways to Get Around
How to rent a bike in Amsterdam, what to check before you ride and what to do instead if cycling is not for you.
Read guide1 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Day Trips From Amsterdam: Haarlem, Utrecht and Rotterdam
The Netherlands is small and well connected by train. Here is how to plan a day trip from Amsterdam, and what to know ab...
Read guide22 May 2026 · 2 min read
Coffeeshops That Stay Open Late
Looking for a coffeeshop in the evening or after midnight? Here is how opening hours work and how to plan a late visit.
Read guidePrices
7 guidesPrices
13 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Hash and Extracts: From Traditional Imports to Rosin
From traditional imported hash to solventless extracts such as rosin, here is how the different concentrates are made an...
Read guide24 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Large Menu or Small Menu: What the Size Tells You
Some coffeeshops list dozens of products and some only a handful. Neither is automatically better. Here is what menu siz...
Read guide19 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Imported "Cali" Packs: How to Spot the Real Thing
Cali packs are imported, branded cannabis with a premium price. Here is how to tell a genuine product from a fake and wh...
Read guide5 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Finding Good Value on a Coffeeshop Menu
How to spot a good-value option on a coffeeshop menu without relying on a list that would soon be out of date.
Read guide2 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Buying Hash in Amsterdam: Types and How to Choose
Hash is a coffeeshop staple. Learn the main types, how it is made and how to choose one, without getting lost in the men...
Read guide31 May 2026 · 2 min read
Space Cake Safety: Starting Low and Going Slow
Edibles act slowly and can be much stronger than they look. Here is how to start low, wait long enough and avoid an unpl...
Read guide18 May 2026 · 2 min read
Spending Less on Cannabis in Amsterdam
Practical ways to keep costs down when buying cannabis in Amsterdam, without buying something you will regret.
Read guideHistory
5 guidesHistory
12 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
The 2000s: Polyhybrids and Big Commercial Names
In the 2000s breeders mixed many lines together, and commercial growers scaled up. Here is how strains changed.
Read guide11 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
The First Crosses: Landrace Hybrids of the 1980s
In the 1980s breeders began crossing landrace strains to combine their best traits. These early hybrids shaped what came...
Read guide25 May 2026 · 2 min read
The 1990s: Stronger Hybrids Change the Menu
In the 1990s Dutch breeders produced some of the most famous strains ever, and potency climbed. Here is what changed.
Read guide21 May 2026 · 2 min read
The Dessert-Strain Era: 2010s to Today
Since the 2010s, sweet, fruity and dessert-like strains have taken over menus. Here is where the trend came from and wha...
Read guide1 May 2026 · 2 min read
Landrace Strains: Where Modern Cannabis Began
Landrace strains grew for generations in one region before breeders crossed them. They are the roots of much of the cann...
Read guideExperiences
4 guidesExperiences
2 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Coffeeshops With Games: Pool, Arcades and Board Games
Some coffeeshops have pool tables, board games or arcade machines. Here is how to find them and what to keep in mind.
Read guide29 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Ten Relaxed Things to Do in Amsterdam After a Coffeeshop
Calm, low-effort ways to spend the hours after a coffeeshop visit, chosen for being easy, pleasant and safe.
Read guide26 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Cannabis Museums and Learning Spots in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has places dedicated to the history and culture of cannabis and hemp, as well as major art museums. Here is ho...
Read guide25 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Canal Cruises: What to Know About Smoking on Board
A canal cruise is a classic Amsterdam experience. Here is what to know about the rules on board and how to choose one.
Read guideLaw
7 guidesLaw
21 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
The Weed Pass: Why It Never Reached Amsterdam Tourists
The "weed pass" was a plan to limit coffeeshops to registered members. Here is what it was, where it applied and why it...
Read guide7 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Is Cannabis Legal in Amsterdam? A Visitor's Guide to the Rules
A plain summary of what is and is not allowed for visitors: buying, carrying, smoking and travelling with cannabis in Am...
Read guide27 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Smoking Cannabis in Public in Amsterdam: Rules and Fines
Where you can and cannot smoke cannabis in Amsterdam, why outdoor smoking is restricted in some areas, and how to avoid...
Read guide20 Jul 2026 · 2 min read
Do Coffeeshops Open on Public Holidays?
Do coffeeshops close on public holidays? Usually not, but hours can change. Here is how to check.
Read guide26 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
The Dutch Tolerance Policy (Gedoogbeleid) Explained
Cannabis is still illegal under Dutch law, yet coffeeshops sell it openly. This guide explains the tolerance policy that...
Read guide14 May 2026 · 2 min read
Cannabis and Driving in the Netherlands
Why you must not drive, cycle or ride after using cannabis in the Netherlands, and what can happen if you do.
Read guide11 May 2026 · 2 min read
Coffeeshop Manners and House Rules
The unwritten and written rules that keep coffeeshops pleasant for everyone: at the door, at the counter, at your table...
Read guideEvents
3 guidesEvents
13 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
April 20 in Amsterdam: Planning Your Day
April 20 is a global day of cannabis culture. Here is how to enjoy it in Amsterdam without getting caught out by crowds...
Read guide23 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
King's Day in Amsterdam: A Practical Guide for Cannabis Visitors
King's Day turns Amsterdam into a huge street party. Here is how to plan around the crowds, the closures and busy coffee...
Read guide12 Jun 2026 · 4 min read
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam: Coffeeshop Tips
New Year's Eve in Amsterdam works differently for coffeeshop visitors: early closing times, a transport pause in the eve...
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