Amsterdam

De Rokerij II - Singel 8 (map ref:D1) - phone: 020 422-6643

3 shops. This one is 5 minutes walk from Central Station - Usually the first coffeeshop I hit upon arrival at Central Station. Always a good selection; I'm partial to their Jack Herer. A cool covered porch type area in front. They serve beer. Note: on a recent visit to A'dam (early June 2000) they jammed nothing but Hendrix for the hour or so I spent here, including Electric Ladyland, and Band of Gypsies!

September 2000 - Rokerij II continues to impress me with their music selection... On a recent visit, in addition to more Hendrix, they also jammed King Crimson for a while.

Quite a few local Dutchies hang here. Friendly staff, and good smoke. The room is bright and well lit, and there is also an art gallery there, with exhibits changing on a monthly basis... I’ve heard some good jazz on the stereo here on more than one occasion. Definitely worth a visit.

My favorite coffeeshop in A'dam... The bomb, and very cool staff. Everything on the menu is of the highest quality. My personal favorite is probably the Double Bubble and the Skuff, but its all excellent. They also have a big selection of nice Jerome Baker glass bongs to use (nice clean glass bongs are rare in Amsterdam). Only coffeeshop I've come across that plays music by the likes of Grateful Dead, MMW, Phish, Sublime, etc. 13 Cannabis Cup awards. Closing time is 8:00PM :-( Closed on Mondays.

Very nice selection of buds and hash. My personal favorite of theirs is the Super Shiva, but the Silver Pearl is right up there too... Then again that could change, as the menu changes regularly. They serve beer. Sunny room on a very picturesque corner. 5 Cannabis Cup awards.

A small coffeeshop that’s more like a brown bar; a dark room, velvet interior. The guy working there was friendly and knowledgeable about their smoke, and I was blown away by their excellent hash menu for such a small shop. I later found out that it’s a sister shop to Dampkring. Try out the Moonshine A+

HINT: The above 5 establishments are all excellent coffeeshops, close to each other, and easily accessible from Central Station. Come out of the station, go straight across the main immediate canal, and take a right. Walk 3 or 4 minutes and you'll cross the Singel Canal. From there you'll see De Rokerij (you take a left on Singel, and its there on your immediate right hand side)... After a spliff, walk out the door, take a right on Singel and cross over the bridge. Then take a right onto Brouwersgracht and Siberië is a few doors down of your left... After a puff or two there, take a right out the door and then a right back onto Singel. Walk 10 minutes or so until you come across a tiny street called Oude Leliestraat, Hang a right a right and Grey Area is a door or two down on your right... After a BH or three, exit, left then right on Singel. Walk maybe 8 minutes and you'll see Dutch Flowers on your left. After a puff or a beer (or both), exit and take a right onto Heisteeg and De Tweed Kamer will be right there on your left.

I haven't ever tried their smoke, but they play good music, have a full stocked bar, and the staff is friendly... Most importantly though, they serve Absolut Vodka, which is hard to find in Amsterdam. Its not at the same level as the 5 mentioned above, but its conveniently located next door to De Rokerij and a good stop for a drink on the Coffeeshop Crawl noted above.

Since then they have changed owners. I went back a couple times and wasn’t as impressed. They were sold out of about half their gear, and the place seemed to be lacking compared to the first time I was there; and they no longer carry the cool hologram t-shirts. However, I went back a few times in winter 2000 and my faith was restored. The smoke was high quality and the people working there were friendly. Global Chillage has very wicked artwork on the walls (a strange alternate hobbit stoner world or something) and its worth checking out during the day when they’re not so busy.

A nice 2 story shop that specializes in Hashish. They have a good menu to choose from. Also, they serve great food, but the rumour is that the food is coming to a stop :-(

Some of my friends rave about Abraxas... I have only been in here a couple times, and I will admit the smoke was high quality. The ambience didn't blow me away, but then again I hear I need to check out the little garden they have on the 3rd floor. My one minor complaint is that their drinks (at least their Louza's), compared to other coffeeshops, are expensive. 3 floors (clear see-through floors), and windows with a view of the highly esteemed "Supper Club" entrance.

Surrounded by shitty coffeeshops, and near the red light district. The Coffeeshop is the door on the left, a long narrow room. Try the Special; Good stuff. They used to carry a killer strain called "Slide" but its no longer available. They serve up a wicked good space shake. They have a full stocked bar - the door on the right, and that’s normally where I hang... Cool staff- Also a seed shop and hotel.

In my opinion, the best hashish in town... Try the Temple Balls, the Moonshine A+, and the Menali Cream. Excellent nederweed as well, such as the AK47, and the White Wizard. Cool decor, including a psychedelic tree in the middle of the room. This place gets busy but the quality is worth queing up for. Dampkring has won 11 Cannabis Cup awards. They have a full stocked bar, and they serve grilled sandwiches and also fresh fruit shakes, brownies, muffins, and American brand candy bars. Open until 3:00AM on weekends.

HINT: Dampkring and Rokerij are close enough to each other, and both being the excellent coffeeshops that they are - if you visit one, you should make sure to visit the other.

The Noon is a recent discovery for me, and it was definitely worth seeking out. Its kind of behind Paradiso sitting on a tiny canal. Their "Blueberry" strain is the bomb! I've only been here one time; the staff seemed pretty friendly and I plan to return.

Very good smoke, friendly staff; and this black light in the bathroom that makes taking a leak very trippy... Also a seed shop. Cannabis Cup award.

Greenhouse has 3 shops. I normally hit this one though, on the outskirts of the Red Light district. Great smoke; Lately I’ve been going for the 'Godzilla' and 'El Nino'. Cool staff working there, and full stocked bar. Cool decor; The bar iself is made of some sort of emerald marble material and is lit up from the inside. Also the bathroom walls are lined with sea shells and pieces of broken mirror. Open until 3:00AM on weekends. Cannabis Cup Award.

I found this place when I stayed at a hotel nearby, and no, its not free... However, they do carry some pretty good hash, and its a nice sunny tropical style room with a jungle hut; like buying a bag on Gilligan’s Island. Good place to stop in during the day.

This is a neigborhood shop, near the Albert Cuyp Market. Just like a local pub, only they have many different hazes available; Yes, they are a Nedergrass specialist. Although the locals hanging out aren't too friendly, they aren't rude either. The coffeeshop is pleasant enough and I would recommend you check it out.

I like this place better than The Wall (the other Floyd themed Coffeeshop). Cool artwork all over the walls, ceilings, etc. Nice smoke, try the Snowflake 2000. They serve food, and the people working there are friendly. Good music, a Floyd video on half the time (usually Live at Pompei, or the Wall). The one bummer is the fact that they close at 8:00PM.

I like this place. Its more like a café then a coffeeshop. Good food and fruit shakes. Friendly owner and staff. Good music. A nice, mellow room to hang out in during the day. Try the Bio Ace. Its located in the Jordaan, a very hip non-touristy district.

December 2000: I am sorry to report that 'T Kruydenhuys appears to have closed

Average as far as the herb goes, but the first coffeeshop I ever patronized (Global Chillage is directly across the street, and they were closed), and they turned me onto Duvel beer there. Cool owner and staff, and they serve beer and liquor. Plus, a pool table or two downstairs.

I haven't been in here yet, but my Den Haag correspondent tells me its the Hash Mecca of Amsterdam. This coffeeshop has the highly potent ice-o-lator hash - 11 different varieties ranging from 35 to 55 guilders a gram, and well worth it... A fine sprinkle on a spliff and you're wasted!

A small shop that specializes in spacecakes and bon bons! Be careful...

A new coffeeshop, and possibly the final one to open in the city center. Very cool owner and staff (and knowledgeable about whats on their menu); A few nice clean glass bongs (and a vaporizer!), and usually some reggae on the stereo. Although the room is tiny, at some point they hope to get the upstairs opened as well. The smoke is high quality here, and Anytime is worth checking out. Although its not on the map its easy to find: on same street/same side of street as Chocolata (Spuistraat), only a few blocks towards Central Station.

Located just off Damrak. I like this place because of the music they play - and their product is good too. I have heard Allman Brothers in here, along with Zeppelin, and much Frank Zappa. They have a full stocked bar - Friendly staff.

This place wins the award for the best Coffeeshop that opens at 7:00AM. The smoke is high quality. Literally minutes from Central Station - Come out of the main station entrance and go straight; when you get to the light, cross the street and hang a left onto Prins Hendrikade. Walk 5 minutes or so and Coffeeshop Central will be on your right, just a couple doors past Smokey's.

Not exactly a coffeeshop, but the best place in Amsterdam to smoke a nice spliff after a hearty breakfast. Sitting on each the tables along with the salt and pepper, etc is a bong. Breakfast is served all day, and they do have some vegetarian food along with the burnt animal flesh. I’ve never sampled their smoke, but their hash placed 2nd in the 1999 Cannabis Cup, and I also saw White Widow on their menu. Not too far from Central Station.

This Coffeeshop is not in the centre, but rather by Schipol airport. Its been there since 1982. Very nice smoke. This place is not at all trendy and is really just a local neighborhood bar (more or less). It is convenient though if you have only a short layover in A'dam, or if you get stuck staying in a hotel near the airport; about a 10 minute taxi ride. Friendly owner and staff.

This is where I usually check my email. I haven’t tried their smoke, but the menu prices look reasonable. They serve beer (and alcohol I’m pretty sure), and the staff there seem pretty friendly. Open late. For more info, email info@cafe.euronet.nl

See my collection of Amsterdam related links at www.angelfire.com/scifi2/jon/links.htm

Money:
£1 (1 England pound) equals approximately 3.5 guilders.
$1 (1 USA dollar) equals approximately 2.5 guilders.
Smoke is normally sold in 15 guilder and 25 guilder amounts, but some places do grams as well. A gram of bud will cost between 10 and 20 guilders usually (in my opinion, bud more than 15 guilders a gram is expensive - but it can be worth it), while a gram of hash could be more - I normally spend 25 guilders or so for the good pollens and Dutch hashish'es, but I have seen some priced as high as 60 guilders a gram (moonshine and ice-o-lator -- both are worth it).

AVOID and NEVER buy anything from drug dealers off the street. They're shady cats, and anything organic can be bought legally in shops. Contrary to what you might think, hard drugs are heavily frowned upon by the police and you don't want to get caught with any... FYI - Weed and hashish is not "legal" there, its just not enforced by the man, because he has made the distinction between hard and soft drugs and chosen to look the other way and tolerate recreational marijuana use. There was an ordinance passed (in 1998 I think) that limits the amount of weed a shop can sell you in one day to 5 grams. Also, in case you're a tripper: Shrooms are also available over the counter at smart shops - not just Mexican either; also Liberty Caps, Hawaiian, and other types I have never heard of. They are sold wet though; and you don't want to get caught with them dried, as that is considered a hard drug. Peyote buttons are also available, as well as cactus.

Be alert when in the vicinity of Central station, watch out for pick-pockets, hustlers, and junky scum. Be especially careful late night.

As far as traveling to other countries from the Netherlands, BE VERY CAREFUL. I know that occasionally they will bring dogs onto the the train from Amsterdam to Belgium; and Dutch coppers along the border have been known to pull over a car simply because they have Belgian license plates. It doesn't happen often, but it can occur. Also, do NOT try to mail any smoke or seeds from the Netherlands back to the states. If you do, you're stupid; but if you must try, be advised that ALL packages are checked (due to the size) and you'll have better odds for success if you send whatever it is in a regular letter sized envelope.

Warning: If you haven't been smoking top of the line USA and/or BC bud (or Swiss, Nimbin, or any good indoor bud), then be careful... Amsterdam is a killer city with lots to offer besides coffeeshops, and you don't want to be too wasted the whole time to take advantage of it. BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL WITH THE SPACE CAKES. If you eat one, give it an hour or two to kick in before you eat another; unless you want to be down for the count for 12 hours... Furthermore: know your limits... Don't add fuel to the fire that Americans can't handle the smoke, and that Brits always drink to the point they get shit-faced and become beligerent wanker assholes - Please note: I am NOT saying all Yanks are lightweights and all Brits are lager swilling football hooligans, but unfortunately that is what the general Dutch population believes - which is why we need to set a good example.

The telephone - To make a call to the USA from anywhere in the Netherlands, you dial 00 1 (access code and country code) then the area code and number... For example: If you wanted to call 415-555-1234, then you would dial 00-1-415-555-1234.
To make calls to the Netherlands from the USA, first you dial 011-31 (access code and country code) then the city code (2 digits) and the 7 digit number. Please note though that phone books, ads, this website, etc show the city code as 3 digits - you just delete the first 0. For example:
Amsterdam number 020 555-1234, you would dial 011-3120-555-1234.
Rotterdam number 010 555-1234, you would dial 011-3110-555-1234.

The 14th Annual Cannabis Cup was held during the 3rd November 23rd, 2001. The winners were:

CANNABIS CUP:
Sweet Tooth — Barney’s Breakfast Bar
Blueberry — The Noon
Big Bang — The Greenhouse

BEST SATIVA:
(Seed companies only)
Blue Haze — Homegrown Fantaseeds
Leda Uno — K.C. Brains
NYC Diesel — Soma Seeds

BEST INDICA: (Seed companies only)
Yumboldt — Sagarmatha Seeds
Shiskaberry — Amsterdam Seed Co.
Blueberry — Dutch Passion

PRESS CUP:
Sweet Tooth — Barney’s Breakfast Bar
Super Sage — Katsu
Stardust — de Rokerij

BEST COFFEESHOP:
The Greenhouse
Barney’s
de Rokerij

BEST HASH: Crystal Clear — Katsu
(second-place tie)
Grey Mist Crystal — Grey Area
Crystal Hash — El Guapo
Helter Skelter — Barney’s Breakfast Bar

BEST NON-HEMP PRODUCT:
The Metal Grinder — Sweetleaf Grinders
Vaporizer — Vaportech
Glass Hot Knives — Ugly Rumors

BEST GLASS:
The Flying Dutchman — The Flying Dutchman
The Spaced Odyssey 2001 — Cascade Glass Designs/Funtazia
2001 Piece — Magma Glass

BEST HEMP PRODUCT:

Hemp Chocolate — Hemperium Make Hemp Not War T-shirt — Hempworks
The Pakalolo Aloha Shirt — Island Hempwear

BEST HEMP EXPO BOOTH:
Sensi Seeds
The Greenhouse Seed Co.
Vaportech

INDUCTED INTO COUNTERCULTURE HALL OF FAME:
Paul Krassner

A few comments regarding the Cup: The Cannabis Cup takes place every year, for a week in late November, and (in my humble opinion) is a scam... Its a corporate affair, and the results are politically motivated. Plus, some of the shops tend to raise their prices (by selling a bit less for a 25 guilder bag, etc) for that week. If you get the judges pass, your votes don't actually count for much - In other words, you pay $200.00 for the laminated card, and the 'passport book' which you get stamped by all the coffeeshops you visit. You do get better seats, and also tickets to certain events though; so its not a total waste of money. Also, A'dam is so crowded during the Cup that its virtually impossible to get a seat at some of the smaller shops. Also, its mainly Americans that attend... I'm not anti-American (hell, I am a Yank myself, obviously), but the whole Europe thing is about meeting and hanging out with people from other cultures. You will have a much better time in A'dam if you go there at a time other than the Cannabis Cup week. Sorry if this sounds negative, but the truth must be told!

On the other side of the coin though, if you are American or Canadian, then perhaps you might enjoy the comraderie, and you might also get some new contacts for back home in North America.

If you are interested in attending the Cannabis Cup 2000, There are some travel packages available - check out USA based 420 Tours (who has packages available with and without judges pass), also UK based Dam Express (they offer packages year round, not just during the cup).

The hotel situation - Amsterdam is a VERY hard place to find accommodation. Many hotels (especially the best deals) book their rooms months in advance. The Cannabis Cup (late November), NYE, Queens Day (late April), and pretty much all of spring and summer are quite busy; and if you arrive in town without a room booked somewhere, you could be in trouble. Expect to spend at least $100.00 a night for a decent room with a private bathroom and toilet; or a bit less if you are there during the off-season. Book your room as far in advance as possible! Otherwise you'll have a choice of spending a ridiculous amount of money (like $250.00 a night or more) for a 4 or 5 star hotel, or spending $100.00 or so for a very scummy room in a shit area. As for the smoking in hotel thing - Yeah, I have toked up in every hotel I have stayed at in A'dam. I don't want to mention the straight hotels, as they wouldn't appreciate my endorsement, but we are talking about 20 plus different places. If no smoking is allowed, they are usually very clear about that when you initially try to book the room. If you are worried, you can always stuff a towel under your door when you choose to indulge... There are also plenty of weed-friendly hostels, and many of them have movie rooms, bars, coffeeshops, etc. There are also a few coffeeshops that have hotel rooms. I have listed a few options below:

Greenhouse Effect, phone: 020 624-4974 - I've stayed here before; the first time, they booked me in one room and then tried to stick me in a different not-as-good room upon my arrival, I checked out after one day. The second time was OK, they remembered me and had a spliff sitting on my pillow for me when I checked in. The third time, they didn't clean my room for the 4 days I stayed there. I won't be staying in their hotel again. I do like their coffeeshop though, and they do a good space-shake. Their bar is OK, but the last few times I was there it was overrun by hordes of shit-faced drunk Brits.
The Rookies, phone: 020 639-0978 - I've never stayed there. Also a coffeeshop (which I have heard good things about), and a bar.
La Canna, phone: 020 428 4482 - I've never stayed there. Also a coffeeshop, smartshop, headshop, and billiards room.
Bulldog, phone: 020 620-3822 - I've never stayed there, but I know they have a 'budget hotel' on the outskirts of the red light district.
Flying Pig - I've never stayed there, but I know they have three locations (including one by the beach). I hear the kitchens are adequate and the co-ed dorm rooms can make for some freaky times. Phone: Downtown Hostel - 020 420-6822, Palace Hostel - 020 400-4187, and Beach Hostel - 071 362-2533.
Bob's Youth Hostel, phone: 020 623-0063 - I've never stayed there; I hear the rooms are dirty, but its a good place to party and meet other travelers.
Durty Nellys Irish Pub/Budget Hotel, phone: 020 638-0125 - I've never stayed there; but its first come first served (no reservations) and check out time is 10:00AM; they advertise 16 beers, 2 bars, restaurant, pool table, dart boards, and regular live bands.
The Last Waterhole, phone: 020 624-4814 - I've never stayed there. Dormitory style rooms for people 30 years of age or younger. Also a bar/live music venue, and coffeeshop.

However, my main endorsement has to be the Hemp Hotel... Family owned and operated, and they are really cool people... I totally feet at home when I stay here. The rooms are very reasonably priced, and the bar is open until 4:00AM during the week. Not all the rooms have showers, but the communal showers in the hallway are very clean. Also, no phone or TV in the rooms, in case thats a requirement (there is a phone in the bar you can use if necessary). If you are lucky, you might get to sample "Mom's Best Hashish". The bar is fully stocked, and they even serve hemp beers! -- DIRECTIONS: To get to Hemp Hotel from Central Station, take tram number 4 and get off at 'Frederiksplein' - From there you should be able to spot it. The address is Frederiksplein 15, and their phone number is 020 625-4425. Close to the Heineken Brewery, and the closest good coffeeshop is Katsu.

If you have no luck getting a room in A'dam, try Haarlem - Its a 30 minute ride by train, and a cool place in its own right (not to mention rooms are a bit cheaper there)

Where can I watch NFL, NBA, the World Series, Premiere League, etc? Try The Globe - Sportsbar/Hotel, located in the Red Light District. Not only can you see the game, they also serve over 20 different brands of Whiskey and over 20 different brands of (imported) Beer and are open 24 hours! Also live music on the weekends. I have never stayed at the hotel so I can't comment on that. Staff speaks English. -- ADDRESS: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 3, phone: 020 421-7424, email: info@hotel-theglobe.nl

Check out the Cannabis College. No shit, there really is such a place. Its a non-profit organization, free admission, whose main purpose is to educate the public on the non-recreational uses of hemp... Of course, they are are definitely pro-recreational use too, and they have a super sweet basement garden - It costs a 5 guilder donation to see (to cover the garden maintenance costs) and its well worth it. Aside from getting the tour (1.3 meg mp3 video clip), and seeing and smelling (and sampling, if its harvest time) some killer plants, you can also take pictures, shoot video, get growing tips from whoever is giving the tour, etc. I highly recommend it :-)

If you dig Tapas Bars, I suggest you check out 'Granada' - I've been there twice and its good stuff. Apparently, (per the business card) there are 2 locations. Both times I was at the one near Ledsplein. The addresses are:
1> Bar Tapas - Lange Leidsedwarsstraat 69
2> Restaurant - Leidse Kruisstraat 13 (I think I was at this one)
Phone number for both is 020 625-1073.

In restaurants, you are not expected to leave large American style tips (although you still can if the service is good)... 5% to 10% is normal. Usually, I just round off the bill to the nearest 5 guilders and thats the tip. Be warned- you get charged for everything, even water. Also, waiters/waitresses do not automatically bring you the bill when you finish eating. It is NOT rude to ask for your bill when you're ready to leave.

Haarlem

Haarlem is a 30 minute train ride west of Amsterdam... For an absolutely awesome breakfast, try Grand Café Doria in the main town centre square - apple raisin pancakes to die for. There are several coffeeshops located in Haarlem; I've been to 3.

The first shop I found when I exited the train station. Friendly staff, and good smoke. I went for the 'Brainstorm'. They advertise net access, but its actually at a different location and I haven't been there yet.

A cool shop. Huge with plenty of seats. Net access, a pool table, a foosball table (table soccer), video games, and pinball... Not to mention a good selection of smoke. I recommend the Afgan Skunk, and the 'Brute'.

Den Haag (The Hague) / Scheveningen

Den Haag is 30 minutes south of Amsterdam / 30 minutes north of Rotterdam. Scheveningen is a small beach town very close to Den Haag... General notes on Den Haag:
-most shops do not serve alcohol of any kind (those that do are noted)
-bags are usually pre-weighed (my experience in Amsterdam is that your bag is packaged and weighed for you on the spot)
-if you're staying to smoke you will always have to buy at least a drink
-papers and filters are usually provided free at the bar or just ask.
-most, if not all, shops have a cigarette vending machine.
-shops listed here in order closest to Den Haag Centraal Station (how convenient!) and easily accessible on foot or by tram

UPDATE -- November 7th, 2001:

Rezoning has gone into effect in Den Haag, and it is impacting several Coffeeshops. Several have closed (noted on the list below), and there are a couple new "rules":
-All bags have to be labeled as to strain and quantity with name and address where purchased.
-No alcohol is served in coffeeshops, period.

It appears a combination of weed-friendly bars and shops (take-out only) is the future for Den Haag.

That being said, the Den Haag section might not be as accurate as it was in the past... Enjoy the Shops! Groetjes!

Sky High (map: 1)

This is a chain that operates at least two shops in Den Haag under the Sky High name.

The straight dope:
Prices are on the "high" end for Den Haag when it comes to the primo stuff (the "dank" sensimilla aka Nederwiet vs. "grass": outdoor varities from Colombia, Jamaica, etc.); NLG 25,- 2.0g is typical, and while prices are stable, they were recently raised (or, more exactly, quantity reduced).

White Widow is not to be missed, and the Super Polm (hash) is also quite good. Pre-rolled joints (w/tobacco) come in cool packaging (from Mountain High) so you can even take a 6-pack on the road.

The premises: Features a tri-level upstairs area with seating (5 small tables), pool table and pinball and a downstairs with TV (usually music videos) and some gambling machines. projection TV for big sporting events (e.g. Euro 2000)

drinks/eats: serves beer (most shops do not), assorted soft drinks and coffee/teas, candy bars and other small snack items are available at the bar.

music: usually popular techno (loud), live DJs perform regularly.

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Greenhouse II - Koediefstraat 14 (map: 2)

As of February 2001, this place is take-out only.

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Coffeeshop 8 tot 4 - Herenstraat 23 (map: 3)

A rather spacious shop, but with a fairly standard menu and (to me) a buzzkill atmosphere. According to its name it's open from 8a to 4a; I believe the main shop closes at 1 or 2a, but there is a small window on the street that sells later.

...and right across the street:

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Coffeeshop Demo - Herenstraat 8c (map: 3)
Update November 2001: closed

A small, dark shop although it appears to have been recently remodeled somewhat. I usually get my stuff and go.

The straight dope:
some of the best stuff in Den Haag: the R.I.P -- this stuff is potent! You will definitely be "resting in peace" with this.
Update November 2001: closed

...and a few doors down:

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De Hut - Herenstraat 7 (map: 3)

Part of the same chain as The Game. I haven't actually been inside for a smoke, but would assume the selection is the same. This is literally a hut, very small.

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Ganja - Maliestraat 5 (map: 4)

I have only been once and thought it was really dirty. The crowd seems to be mainly locals which generally indicates a good thing. I probably need to give it a second chance and explore the selection. Ganja does serve alcohol.

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The Crow - Hooikade 7 (map: 5)

I have only been once or twice and had pre-rolled joints each time. It is kind of dark and dingy, but rather spacious. There is a pool table and a foosball table. Never very crowded and the bartenders are friendly.

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Jukebox - Spekstraat 6a (map: 6)

The Jukebox has by far some of the nicest looking and best stuff in Den Haag -- there is always a good, broad selection of weed and hash and it's all on display for you to see. The bartender is usually a very friendly (and attractive) woman who is happy to tell you about the menu selections and make recommendations.

Check out the plants in front of the shop, too. I don't mind hanging out here, but it may be a little bright for some -- never a problem to get it and go.

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Sky High II - Gortstraat 6 (map: 7)

This one is a little more cramped than the one near Centraal Station, but has the same offerings. There is a pool table in the small upstairs. Live DJs play fairly regularly and beer is served.

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Tea Time (map: 7)

A very spacious shop, with a very small selection. The one time I went almost nothing on the menu was available, but the proprietor was cutting hash from a monstrous block and it was quite good.

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Sahara (map: 7)

Right next to Tea Time. I have not been in this shop (yet).

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The Game II - Nieuwstraat 4 (map: 8)

A cozy little shop, recently renovated. The selection is good and so are the prices. Pre-rolled weed and hash joints are available; I like the Polm (hash) joints.

There is a jukebox and a table with a built-in backgammon board on the ground floor. A pool table and foosball table are upstairs with a small alcove adjacent.

The Game serves beer along with soft drinks, coffee/teas.

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Grand Cafe Cremers - Prinsestraat 84 (map: 9)
Update November 2001: alcohol only
Probably best overall shop in Den Haag when it comes to atmosphere. A proper pub-like setting with a really good bar and ample seating. Cremers seems to attract a very international crowd (I'm curious to know if it's featured in a tourist guide because many people seem to be visitors who are speaking English, not Dutch). It's the place that I most frequently bring first-timers.

The straight dope:
Price/quantity ratio is a little on the steep side here, but the selection of weed and hash is pretty broad. K2 is good and so is the Organic. The dealers are friendly and always willing to give you their opinion. Pre-rolled weed and hash joints are available. Also there is a small selection of pipes and waterpipes displayed for sale.

The premises:
A large floor space with raised and sunken seating areas and tables of varying size; you can fit 12 or so at the biggest table, provided you can find chairs. A pool table and a wide variety of table and board games (chess, backgammon, Connect 4, Jenga, etc.) are available. Big windows allow a lot of light making Cremers a nice place to hang out with a book and a smoke on a weekend afternoon.

drinks/eats:
a huge liquor selection (even absinthe!) and beer, soft drinks and coffee/teas. On Friday and Saturday evenings the staff will sometimes circulate through the crowd with small hors d'ouevres. Small snacks, like toasted cheese sandwiches, are available and there is a vending machine with chips and candy bars.

music: live DJs on occassion, a wide range of music (mostly rock, not much techno).
Update November 2001: alcohol only

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Coffeeshop London - Torenstraat 81 (map: 10)

This is a pretty spacious shop, but I've never really seen it that full. There is a very small selection of weed and hash, but prices are reasonable. Usually a very chill atmosphere with reggae music playing.

There is a TV, foosball table and pool table.

There have been some mixed experiences here: I've found the proprietors to be friendly -- they even played a live Bob Marley CD that I had with me. However, I've had friends kicked out because they were smoking their own stuff even though they had bought drinks.

...and around the corner is:

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Meneer Jansen - Bilderdijkstraat 8a (map: 10)

This is a nice little cozy neighborhood shop. We just had some nice pre-rolled here on our first and only visit (so far).

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Waterworld - Gedempte Burgwal (map: 11)

A very small shop, and the music (popular hip-hop/R&B) was waaay too loud. But they had some really good weed called Victory -- try this!

...not to be confused with:

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The Blue Waterman - Wagenstraat (map: 11)

A little bit out of the way, but offers some of the best stuff in Den Haag. The one time I was there the atmosphere was not so good as the proprietors were hell-bent on kicking some loiterers out and there was a modest altercation -- not good for that particular buzz, but if you don't cause trouble, it's no problem. At least stop in and get something to go.

...also in the area:

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Cafe Noorderlight (map: 11)

I have not been in this shop (yet).

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De Mazelaar - Zoutmanstraat 29 (map: 12)

This shop always has a good selection, good prices. There's a different special offer each day or when a new kind of weed comes in. The staff is friendly and this place has a lot of natural light (not too many do). There is a pool table, foosball and a variety of board games. As of April 2001, De Mazelaar is quickly becoming the best shop in Den Haag -- they've totally redone the interior (still work-in-progress) in an Eastern/buddha motif with really cool tile work and murals. Not to mention a changing high-quality selection at consistently outstanding value!

music: various kinds of techno, generally tasteful

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Sympathy - Piet Heinstraat (map: 12)

I have only been to this shop once. Selection was very standard and ambience was not very good. There is a pool table, but I didn't find this a fun place to hang out for any length of time.

...and a few doors down:

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Coffeshop Maxim - Piet Heinstraat (map: 12)

A very new Coffeeshop -- nice with a standard but quality selection.

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Greenhouse - Elandstraat 18 (map: 13)

This shop was just opened in August of 2000. It has replaced the Greenhouse that was on Prins Hendrikstraat. I have not been but would assume that is much like Greenhouse II (Koediefstraat)

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The Game - Prins Hendrikstraat 105 (map: 14)

The original (I think) Game is perhaps the nicest interior of any shop in Den Haag -- hardwood floors, wide-open space, skylights, magazine rack. Outdoor seating area for when the weather is nice. Pool table and darts are in the nicely decorated back room. Selection is same as The Game II, except this branch does not serve beer. Update from March 2001: The Game on Prins Hendrikstraat 105 no longer sells soft drugs, seems like there were some new zoning restrictions passed since other shops in the area have been converted and moved their soft drugs selling to nearby areas. That said, one can now buy soft drugs at:

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De Hut - Van Gallenstraat 40 (map: 14)

Just 2.5 blocks from The Game -- a strange little pick-up place: the guy behind the counter has to buzz you in the door.

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Midnight Express - Konigin Emmakade (map: 14)

A nice little shop with a fairly standard selection. I get the White Widow, but then again, I get that most places I go.

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Lijn 10 - Konigin Emmakade (map: 14)

Very similar to Midnight Express, but one of few places that will weigh your selection in front of you. The one time I was there I saw a pretty intense altercation between the proprietor and a bothersome customer and that was quite the buzzkill. I haven't been back, but some friends swear by it.

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Panda - Valkenboslaan (map: 15)

The Panda has one of the biggest selections of weed and hash I've seen in Den Haag. But there doesn't seem to be much traffic, or it's all walk-up. Sometimes the goods don't always seem fresh and this could have to do with ratio of selection to customers. Juicy Fruit and Early Girl are nice.

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Ceylon - Edisonstraat 98 (map: 15)

I haven't hung out in the Ceylon, but it has probably the best Polm, Super Polm in Den Haag, good prices and good selection. There is a pool table and the waitresses have been drop-dead gorgeous every time I've been. Small snack items, like toasted sandwiches, are available.

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Scheveningen

Falkie (map: 16)

A small, quiet shop not too far from the harbor. I have only been once but it was a nice spot to read a book and get high. Has a few pinball games.

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Franse Bulldog
(Dr. Lelykade, at the Scheveningen Harbor) (map: 16)

The Franse Bulldog is not a coffeeshop, but a friendly bar (i.e. you can smoke your stuff and they don't mind). You can play on 3 American-sized pool tables just NLG. 1,- a game (The only bar I've seen big pool tables OR games this cheap). Often has live rock music and even a open mic night once a week. At all other times hard rock/heavy metal is playing.

As the name indicates, there are bulldogs about -- a family of 4 or 5 that belong to the owner and they're usually frolicking around and playing with one another. It's never very crowded, and always fun if you like pool.

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The Box
(near the intersection of Badhuiskade and Gevers Deynootweg) (map: 17)

A very nice little shop with friendly staff. Small, but quality selection and good prices -- a 6 pack of pre-rolled joints for NLG 25,- (try the weed-hash mix joints!) It's just a few minutes walking distance from the beach, so it's a good spot to pick up something if you want to relax and sit in the sun (when it's out :)

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JaJa (map: 18)

JaJa isn't a coffeeshop, it's actually a small head shop near the beach. It does sell good weed and pre-rolleds (not always available). There is a decent selection of small hand pipes and water pipes, other paraphenalia (posters, test kits, t-shirts, etc.)

Rotterdam

There are lots of coffeeshops in Rotterdam. I've been to six; Theres a road called Niewe Binnenweg that has many; You can get there in roughly 10 minutes if you take the number 4 tram from Central Station- I think the first one you come across is 'Sky High' on your right.... The last is called 'Out of Time' also on the right, and there are many others in between the two.

Anyway, I have been to these 6 establishments in Rotterdam:

Coffeeshop Man Camarade - 1e Middellandstraat 10A

I've spent a bit of time in this place and have always enjoyed it. Good reggae music and friendly staff. Their selection is never big, but its always high quality; and they always have at least one bomb skunk variety. They have a pool table, a pinball machine, and foosball (table soccer). This place is the closest one I've found to Central Station- please enlighten me if you know different. To get there, walk out the main entrance of Central Station and go forward (follow the Holiday Inn signs); In about 5 minutes you'll come to a major intersection (look for a Chinese restaurant and a night shop), take a right there; Walk maybe 10 minutes and its on your left, a few blocks past the KFC... The neighborhood looks a little rough, but its safe, and the coffeeshop is worth the journey.

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Sky High - Nieuwe Binnenweg 59

The first of many coffeeshops along this road . It was nothing special, but the pre-rolled spliffs weren't bad. Although the jukebox had a good selection of music, I got a little burned out on all the gangsta rap.

I have heard though, that I should go back and check it out again (I was only there once) because its better than my review indicated. So I will next time I am in town. Take the number 4 tram to find this place.

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Desire - Nieuwe Binnenweg 148

Looks a little rough on the outside but it seemed like an OK place... They were playing some dancehall reggae, and I saw a pool table and some pinball machines and videogames. A big place, plenty of seats. I sampled the orange bud (a lot for 15 guilders) and the super pollen hashish (very nice). Take the number 4 tram.

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Greenhouse - Nieuwe Binnenweg 154

No relation to the Greenhouse's in Amsterdam, but an OK shop none the less. I was only in there for a few minutes but the staff seemed friendly, and they had a good selection of smoke. I tried the K2, and it was good. Take the number 4 tram.

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Sensi Cafe - Nieuwe Binnenweg 181

This one is towards the end of the big Coffeeshop strip. My favorite place to hang in Rotterdam. Its owned by the same folks that run the Marijuana Hashish Hemp Museum in Amsterdam. A very nice place; on a corner with lots of windows- a bright sunny room. Friendly staff, Good music, and board games. They have a good selection of high quality smoke there, but it is a bit expensive; The White Widow is very nice. They also sell lots of merchandise (books, shirts, hats, paraphanalia, etc). If you ever get to Rotterdam, make sure to check this place out. Take the number 4 tram. They also have another shop roughly 10 minutes walk from here, called Sensi Smile, and they also sell smoke, but its more of a grow room store. Sensi Café is a lot cooler place to hang out.

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Out of Time - Nieuwe Binnenweg 363 - phone: 030 478-0859

A nice little shop, with probably the most strains to choose from of the shops I have been to in Rotterdam so far... Seemed to be a local hang out; Jukebox had good music on it- The day I was in there I heard Jimi Hendrix, the Chili Peppers, and Pearl Jam among other things. In addition to the regular munchies, they also have instant cup-of-soups available.

Roosendaal

I know absolutely nothing about Roosendaal, except that its roughly an hour north of Antwerp, and its the first stop on the Amsterdam train (from Belgium) once you cross the border - around 2 hours south of Amsterdam. I have a couple Holland/Netherlands travel guide books, and neither make any mention of Roosendaal. I managed to find 4 coffeeshops there, all within minutes from each other, and not far from the train station. Just so you'll know, they do also accept Belgian currency at these shops. Also, they have counters in separate rooms towards the back, and thats where the smoke is purchased. All Coffeeshops in Roosendaal have to close at 20:00, by law.

Update: In January 2001, Belgium changed their stance regarding marijuana use - According to the new regulations, citizens will now be allowed to cultivate and smoke marijuana for personal use, but will not be allowed to sell it or buy it in the country. Citizens who flagrantly smoke marijuana in public will be open to possible prosecution under Belgian "social nuisance" laws. It will still be a while before the law goes into effect though...

Azul - Molenstraat 156

My favorite of the 4 places I know of. Their selection isn't great, but they have a few nice strains and its a nice price. The staff is friendly and I have no problems communicating with them. Nice room well lit, with lots of windows.

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The Yellow Moon - Stationsplein 6

Definitely worth a visit, and literally about 3 minutes from the train station (come out of the station and go straight, away from the station; you'll see Yellow Moon on your right). Nice smoke and no communication problems. There seems to be a lot of regulars (they even have their own football team), and I have heard English spoken in here.

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Koffieshop Christiana - Hoogstraat 13

A dark little bar sitting on a corner. The staff here was quite friendly, and seemed genuinely surprised to meet a Yank in there. I liked the giant waterfall painted onto one of the walls; They also had several paintings/murals of Bob Marley (some looked like him and some didn't). The smoke was OK, I've had better, but the price was right.

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Coffeeshop Liberty - Hoogstraat 15

The guy selling the smoke spoke no English. He did understand "5 grams" though; and when he showed me the green I nodded yes, and was in business. Again they were surprised to have a Yank in their shop. Again, the smoke was OK but nothing special. The rest of the staff spoke English and all were friendly.

hits since July 2nd, 1999
Many thanks to Web Counter, and to nedstat for the .

See my collection of Amsterdam related links at www.angelfire.com/scifi2/jon/links.htm

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