Coffeeshops in Amsterdam

Many establishments that call themselves koffieshop (as opposed to koffiehuis, espresso bar or sandwich shop) are in the cannibis business, though they do serve coffee. There are also a few hashcafes serving alcohol that are barely distingushable from pubs.
You'll have no trouble finding a coffeeshop; they're all over town, seemingly on every corner. It's a safe bet that an establishment showing palm leaves and perhaps Rastafarian colours (red, gold and green) will have something to do with cannabis - take a look at the clientele and ask at the bar for the list of goods on offer, usually packaged in small bags (the better the quality, the less the bag will contain). You can also buy ready-made joints in nifty reusable packaging (a good idea because the stuff can be potent).
'Space' cakes and cookies are sold in a rather low-key fashion, mainly because tourists have problems with them. If you're unused to their effects, or the time they can take to kick in and run their course, you could be in for a rather involved experience. Ask the staff how much you should take and heed their advice, even if nothing happens after an hour. Some coffeeshops sell magic mushrooms - quite legal because they are an untreated, natural product. If you're after mushies and other mind-altering products, see the Smart-Drug Shops section under Shopping.

Most cannabis products used to be imported but these days the country has top-notch home produce, so-called nederweit (NAY-der-weet) developed by horticulturists and grown in greenhouses with up to five harvests a year. Even the police admit it is a superior product, especially the potent 'superskunk' with up to 13% of THC, the active substance (Nigerian grass has 5% and Colombian 7%). According to a government sponsored poll of coffeeshop owners, nederweit has captured over half the market and hash is in decline even among tourists.
Price and quality are OK - you won't get ripped off in a coffeeshop like you would on the street. Most shops are open 10am to 1am, Sunday to Thursday, and to 3am on Friday and Saturday.

Abraxas
(tel 625 57 63, Jonge Roelensteeg 12).
Hands down the most beautiful coffeeshop in town, this has three floors of modern, Middle-Eastern-style decorations with live DJs, a games room and extra-friendly staff.

Barney's
(tel 625 97 61, Haarlemmerstraat 102).
Ever-popular Barney's is more famous for its enormous all-day breakfasts (the traditional Irish is the most popular) than its quality weed and hash. Go figure.

The Bulldog
(tel 627 19 08, Leidseplein 13-17).
Amsterdam's most famous coffeeshop chain has five branches around town; this is the largest, with Internet facilities, two bars, pool tables and fabulous fluorescent decorations.

Global Chillage
(tel 777 97 77, Kerkstraat 51).
Toke on some 'Super Skaff' hash as you inhale the ambience. It's like a little forest with trippy murals, chilled-out music (African and jazzy beats) and happy smokers relaxing on comfortable couches.

Greenhouse
(tel 627 17 39, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 191).
One of the most popular coffeeshops in town - smokers love the funky music, multicoloured mosaics, psychedelic stained-glass windows and the high-quality weed and hash. The alcohol licence doesn't hurt either.

Grey Area
(tel 420 43 01, Oude Leliestraat 2).
Owned by a couple of laid-back American guys, this tiny shop introduced the extra-sticky, flavoursome 'Double Bubble Gum' weed to the city's smokers.

Homegrown Fantasy
(tel 627 56 83, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 87A).
Quality Dutch-grown product, pleasant staff and good tunes make this popular with backpackers from nearby hostels. Patrons make use of the 3-foot glass bongs to smoke hydroponic weed like 'Blue Haze' (which gives an 'inspiring' buzz).

Kadinsky
(tel 624 70 23, Rosmarijnsteeg 9).
Hidden away near Spui Square, this attractive, little coffeeshop has a good selection of hash and grass and moreish, flying-saucer-sized, choc-chip cookies.

Rokerij
(Singel 8).
African and South American vibes predominate at this relaxed coffeeshop close to Centraal Station. The painted mural/collage on the wall is sure to trip you out after a smoke of the sweet, crispy 'Star Dust' grass.

La Tertulia
(Prinsengracht 312).
This mother-and-daughter-run coffeeshop is a backpackers' favourite. Sit outside by the Van Gogh-inspired murals or relax by the mini-fish pond inside, play some board games and take in those Jurassic-sized crystals by the counter.