{"id":51879,"date":"2026-05-29T10:41:04","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T10:41:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/?p=51879"},"modified":"2026-05-29T10:41:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T10:41:06","slug":"best-coffee-shops-amsterdam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/en\/best-coffee-shops-amsterdam\/","title":{"rendered":"Best coffee shops in Amsterdam"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Amsterdam<\/a><\/strong>‘s coffee shops are one of the city’s most talked-about attractions. Whether you’re curious about the culture, want to know what to expect before you visit, or are simply trying to understand what makes them so uniquely Dutch, this guide covers everything you need to know. From how they work and what’s on the menu to the best spots to check out and what’s changed for travelers in recent years, we’ve got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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From first visit to finding the best local spots, we’ve got you covered<\/sub><\/p>\ud83c\udf3f \u2615 \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>What is a coffee shop in Amsterdam?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Amsterdam, a “coffee shop” is not just a place to grab a flat white. It’s a licensed establishment where adults can legally purchase and consume cannabis alongside soft drinks, coffee, and light snacks. The Netherlands operates under a policy of tolerance (gedoogbeleid<\/a><\/strong>) that allows these venues to function openly, making Amsterdam one of the few places in the world where this kind of experience is both legal and regulated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is what separates them from regular caf\u00e9s (koffiezaken<\/a><\/strong>), which are simply places for coffee and pastries. The two are entirely different things, and knowing the difference will save you some confusion when you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A classic Amsterdam street scene: cobblestones, neon signs, and a coffeeshop around every corner<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Can tourists still visit coffee shops?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, for now. However, rules across the country have been tightening. Some Dutch cities have already restricted coffee shop access to Dutch residents only, and Amsterdam has been in ongoing discussions about its own policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before your visit, it’s always worth checking the latest local regulations, as things can change. But as it stands, Amsterdam remains open to international visitors in its coffee shops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you’ll need to get in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n