Amsterdam
The Cannabis Capital
The cannabis capital of the world - places to go, things to do, and stuff to puff. Recommendations of how to get around, smoke, eat, go out and visit the Cannabis Cup! By High Times reporter.
Amsterdam is truly one of the greatest party cities in the world, especially if you’re a pothead. Not only is it home to arguably the best marijuana in the world, but it’s also the freest in its attitudes toward smoking pot. Personal amounts of marijuana can be purchased and imbibed in any of a hundred different coffeeshops. Keep in mind that outside of coffeeshops, smoking is still frowned upon, so it’s not a great idea to light up in the streets. Before lighting up in a bar, be sure to ask the bartender if they allow cannabis smoking—most of them don’t.
One of the best things about the city is that it’s small enough that you can get just about anywhere on foot, so just pick up a map (preferably one from High Times Cannabis Cup Guide, which has the better coffeeshops marked) and start wandering around. Sure, you could rent a bicycle, but navigating the city’s busy, unfamiliar streets while high (and possibly drunk) is not very stoner-smart.
Dam Square toward the north is basically the heart of the city, surrounded by concentric semi-circles of streets (straats) and canals (grachts) that spread out around it toward the south. Cutting almost straight down through the middle is the main shopping strip, Leidsestraat, which ends at the bustling Leidseplein Square, filled with some of the best bars, restaurants and stores. Along the way, you can veer off to visit some of the chillest coffeeshops in the city—among them, de Rokerij, de Dampkring and one of the several Green House locations. For some of the best hash in the city, in terms of both quality and variety, head southeast of the Dam to the Bluebird, which has two binders displaying tons of domestic and imported hashish. In addition, there are numerous shops around town that sell fresh mushrooms and peyote if you’re in a psychedelic mood.
When the munchies hit, the Leidseplein has some great Indian, Thai and Italian restaurants, Argentinian steakhouses, killer falafel spots, as well as fast-food favorites like Burger King and Mickey D’s for the less adventurous. If you’re feeling homesick, the Marriott and American hotels serve a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day (but make advance reservations!). Whatever you do, avoid the street-side food dispensaries like FEBO, as there is a high potential for “contamination,” if you take my meaning. And if you want ketchup with your fries, you’ll have to ask for it—the Dutch eat theirs with mayo.
For art lovers, there’s nothing more fun than chowing down on a space cake and hitting a museum, particularly the Van Gogh or the Rijksmuseum, where you can see the gigantic Dutch Masters paintings come to life before your eyes. In fact, this year is the 400th birthday of Rembrandt, so there are special exhibits on display in many of the city’s museums. There are also the less conventional museums devoted to hash, sex, erotica and torture, as well as the sobering Anne Frank House.
After a long, hard day of getting high, you’ll be ready for some nightlife, and Amsterdam has something for everyone. For those into hip-hop, house and trance, there are happening dance clubs like Sinners in Heaven and Odeon. Those who lean more towards hard rock can hit dive bars like The Cave, Korsakoff or The Black and White. For live music, the Melkweg and Paradiso book major international acts, or you can check out some cool blues or jazz at Bourbon Street. If you’re in it for the long haul, there’s always after-hours at the Dolphins café. And, of course, there’s always the infamous Red Light District, where the randy and curious stroll the streets ogling the semi-nude prostitutes standing in the windows.
Sure, the weather there may be a bit nicer in the summer, but there’s just no substitute for that last week in November when the Cannabis Cup rolls into town. Coffeeshops prepare all year to impress the thousands of stoners who descend upon the city, rolling out the special offers and free samples—and HIGH TIMES throws one hell of a party, featuring big-name musical performances and a gala awards show.
Bottom line: If you’re going to Amsterdam for the weed, you want to go to the Cannabis Cup. —BB
One of the best things about the city is that it’s small enough that you can get just about anywhere on foot, so just pick up a map (preferably one from High Times Cannabis Cup Guide, which has the better coffeeshops marked) and start wandering around. Sure, you could rent a bicycle, but navigating the city’s busy, unfamiliar streets while high (and possibly drunk) is not very stoner-smart.
Dam Square toward the north is basically the heart of the city, surrounded by concentric semi-circles of streets (straats) and canals (grachts) that spread out around it toward the south. Cutting almost straight down through the middle is the main shopping strip, Leidsestraat, which ends at the bustling Leidseplein Square, filled with some of the best bars, restaurants and stores. Along the way, you can veer off to visit some of the chillest coffeeshops in the city—among them, de Rokerij, de Dampkring and one of the several Green House locations. For some of the best hash in the city, in terms of both quality and variety, head southeast of the Dam to the Bluebird, which has two binders displaying tons of domestic and imported hashish. In addition, there are numerous shops around town that sell fresh mushrooms and peyote if you’re in a psychedelic mood.
When the munchies hit, the Leidseplein has some great Indian, Thai and Italian restaurants, Argentinian steakhouses, killer falafel spots, as well as fast-food favorites like Burger King and Mickey D’s for the less adventurous. If you’re feeling homesick, the Marriott and American hotels serve a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day (but make advance reservations!). Whatever you do, avoid the street-side food dispensaries like FEBO, as there is a high potential for “contamination,” if you take my meaning. And if you want ketchup with your fries, you’ll have to ask for it—the Dutch eat theirs with mayo.
For art lovers, there’s nothing more fun than chowing down on a space cake and hitting a museum, particularly the Van Gogh or the Rijksmuseum, where you can see the gigantic Dutch Masters paintings come to life before your eyes. In fact, this year is the 400th birthday of Rembrandt, so there are special exhibits on display in many of the city’s museums. There are also the less conventional museums devoted to hash, sex, erotica and torture, as well as the sobering Anne Frank House.
After a long, hard day of getting high, you’ll be ready for some nightlife, and Amsterdam has something for everyone. For those into hip-hop, house and trance, there are happening dance clubs like Sinners in Heaven and Odeon. Those who lean more towards hard rock can hit dive bars like The Cave, Korsakoff or The Black and White. For live music, the Melkweg and Paradiso book major international acts, or you can check out some cool blues or jazz at Bourbon Street. If you’re in it for the long haul, there’s always after-hours at the Dolphins café. And, of course, there’s always the infamous Red Light District, where the randy and curious stroll the streets ogling the semi-nude prostitutes standing in the windows.
Sure, the weather there may be a bit nicer in the summer, but there’s just no substitute for that last week in November when the Cannabis Cup rolls into town. Coffeeshops prepare all year to impress the thousands of stoners who descend upon the city, rolling out the special offers and free samples—and HIGH TIMES throws one hell of a party, featuring big-name musical performances and a gala awards show.
Bottom line: If you’re going to Amsterdam for the weed, you want to go to the Cannabis Cup. —BB
Link: High Times
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