Cafes and coffee shops are both integral parts of Amsterdam’s culture, but they serve different purposes. Cafes mainly focus on serving coffee, tea, light meals and pastries in a relaxed environment for socializing or working. Coffee shops primarily serve cannabis products in a social setting.
What is a cafe?
A cafe (also spelled “caffè” or “koffiehuis” in Dutch) is an establishment that serves coffee, tea, light meals and snacks in a casual and inviting atmosphere. Customers can sit down to chat, read, work on laptops or simply watch the world go by through the windows.
Cafes in Amsterdam trace their origin back to the 1600s when the Dutch East India Company first brought coffee to the Netherlands. The first coffeehouses opened in the 1660s and quickly became hubs for socializing, business dealings, political discussions and more.
Today, Amsterdam has a thriving cafe culture with cozy local neighborhood spots, trendy specialty coffee shops and grand old cafes housed in historic buildings. Here are some key features of Amsterdam cafes:
- Serve hot and cold coffee drinks like espresso, cappuccino, latte, iced coffee, etc.
- Offer tea, hot chocolate, fresh juices, smoothies, milkshakes
- Have a food menu with baked goods, sandwiches, salads, soups and more
- Provide a casual and comfortable environment for conversation, reading, working or relaxing
- Have indoor and/or outdoor seating areas
- Offer free WiFi for customers in most cases
- Some provide newspapers, books and boardgames for customers to enjoy
- Many display local artwork on the walls
- Music is played at low volumes or not at all
- Open from early morning to evening, some late at night
So in summary, Amsterdam cafes cater to all kinds of patrons looking for quality coffee and tea, light bites and a welcoming spot to unwind and socialize over the course of the day.
What is a coffee shop?
Coffee shops in Amsterdam refer to establishments where adults can purchase and consume soft drugs like cannabis and hashish legally. This concept of allowing regulated venues for recreational marijuana use originated in the Netherlands in the 1970s.
While called coffee shops, these establishments are not focused on serving coffee. Here are some key aspects of Amsterdam coffee shops:
- Primary purpose is to sell cannabis products like marijuana, hash, space cakes, etc.
- Also serve non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices
- Food selection is very limited – snacks like chips, cookies, sandwiches
- Smoking cannabis is permitted inside the shops
- Most shops have a lounge-like, friendly atmosphere for socializing
- Cannot sell alcohol or hard drugs
- Not allowed to advertise openly outside their premises
- Only admit patrons aged 18 and above
- Customers can purchase up to 5 grams of cannabis per day
- Shops operate from morning through late evening
So in essence, Amsterdam coffee shops function as legal dispensaries for recreational marijuana use in a social setting. They don’t focus on serving high quality coffee like typical cafes.
Differences between cafes and coffee shops
While the names are similar, there are significant differences between cafes and coffee shops in Amsterdam:
Cafes | Coffee Shops |
---|---|
Main focus is on serving coffee, tea and light meals | Main focus is selling soft drugs like cannabis |
Broad food and drink menu including coffee, tea, cakes, sandwiches etc. | Very limited snack-like food, basic drinks |
Alcoholic drinks may be served | Alcohol prohibited |
All ages welcomed | Only 18+ allowed inside |
Places for socializing, working, reading, relaxing | Mainly for socializing and cannabis use |
No drug use on premises | Cannabis smoking permitted inside |
Can be open early morning to late night | Open morning through evening |
Not limited in location or number | Restricted where they can operate and how many |
While it’s easy to mistake the names, Dutch cafes and coffee shops cater to quite different patrons and purposes.
Popular cafes in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a thriving cafe culture with charming spots in every neighborhood. Here are some of the most popular, iconic and historic cafes in the city:
Café de Dokter
– Historic brown cafe located on a beautiful corner canal
– Outdoor seating right on the water
– Cosy old world interior with fireplace
– Live music on weekends
Café de Prins
– Traditional Dutch brown cafe since 1910
– Extensive beer selection
– Draws locals with its old school vibe
– Cash only payments
Café ‘t Smalle
– Charming canal-side cafe since 1786
– Serving Dutch specialties like apple pie and poffertjes
– Limited indoor seating, popular terrace on nice days
– Historic interior with antique décor
Café de Jaren
– Huge cafe located inside a former bank building
– Sprawling indoor space and large terrace
– Brunch is very popular
– Part of restaurant/event space De Jaren
De Laatste Kruimel
– Tiny café with seating for about 20 people
– Specializes in fresh sandwiches and pastries
– Quaint interior with mismatched vintage furniture
– No wifi to encourage conversation
Popular coffee shops in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has well over 160 coffee shops catering to its large tourist population and local demand. Some of the most well-known and highly rated options include:
The Bulldog
– The first coffee shop in Amsterdam back in 1975
– Now a well-known chain with locations across the city
– Caters heavily to tourists but solid reputation
– Great spot to start for first-timers
Boerejongens
– Multiple locations, very popular with locals
– Known for carrying high quality strains
– Helpful and patient staff
– Menu offers smoking accessories etc.
Katsu Coffeeshop
– Small, friendly neighborhood shop away from city center
– Quirky interior décor and tropical fish tanks
– Menu posted on Instagram
– Very welcoming vibe for women
The Stud
– Relaxed, youthful hangout since 2007
– Funky psychedelic interior design
– Great spot to chill with background music
– Outdoor seating available
De Dampkring
– Featured in Ocean’s 12 movie
– Multi-level shop with unique décor every floor
– Huge range of cannabis strains
– Gets very crowded, especially on weekends
Coffee shop etiquette and tips
If you plan to visit one of Amsterdam’s famous coffee shops, keep these tips in mind:
- Bring ID to prove you are 18+
- Don’t photograph or film inside the shop
- Don’t drink alcohol before or during your visit
- Check the menu and prices before ordering
- Don’t smoke tobacco inside, only permitted outside
- Order small quantities first if it’s your first time
- Don’t litter or make noise outside the shop
- Don’t resell any cannabis you purchase
- Be polite and respectful to staff and other patrons
- Have cash on hand since most don’t accept credit cards
- Be prepared to show ID again when making purchases
- Don’t break the 5 gram purchase limit per day
As long as you follow the rules and etiquette, you can enjoy your coffee shop experience responsibly.
Cafes vs. coffee shops: A summary
Cafes and coffee shops both play important cultural roles in Amsterdam’s history. While their names can cause confusion, they cater to very different crowds and purposes:
Cafes are welcoming, daytime hangouts focused on serving coffee, tea, light meals and baked goods in a relaxed setting for socializing or solitary relaxation.
Coffee shops primarily function as licensed venues for adults to legally purchase and consume soft drugs like cannabis in a social atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to work, a lively debate, quality coffee or recreational marijuana, Amsterdam has iconic cafes and world-famous coffee shops to suit your needs.