Weed Smokers Visiting Amsterdam: 5 Must-Do Things

Smoking Weed in Amsterdam

The first thing on most weed smokers list of things-to-do in Amsterdam is to find a coffee shop (aka legal marijuana dispensary) and indulge in some of the best quality ganja in the world. But being able to get legally high in a cannabis-friendly coffeeshop is only the beginning of what Amsterdam has to offer.

There are some seriously amazing attractions to see and awesome activities to get involved in all around the city. Check out our list below of the best things for weed smokers to do when visiting Amsterdam.

1. Visit One of the Better/Greater Coffee Shops

As you probably already know, cannabis-friendly coffeeshops where you can legally buy weed are plentiful here in Amsterdam. There are two prominent areas where you can find what you need without having to trek all over the city. These two main areas are Haarlemmerstraat and the Red Light District. 

Some coffeeshops are set up as chillout spots. You can hangout, smoke weed and relax for a while. Others are more like quick-stop-shops where you can walk in, buy your marijuana and be on your way without even taking a seat. When searching for these Ganja-selling-coffeeshops, don’t expect to see any large signs or advertising in the storefronts which say BUY YOUR MARIJUANA HERE! However, these ‘specialty coffeeshops’ are fairly easy to spot when walking down the street. It will become evident you are in the right place as soon as you walk inside the venue. Some of our favourite coffeeshops are Greenhouse, Hill Street Blues Cafe and Boerejongens.

2. Chillout and Wander At Vondelpark

The beautiful grounds of Vondelpark welcomes about 10 million visitors every single year. It’s the largest city park in Amsterdam. Often compared to New York’s famous Central Park because of its open grass areas, forested treeline, tranquil lakes and bicycle pathways. Smoking marijuana in Vondelpark isn’t recommended. Especially during the day there are lots of families and children around. But it’s still a great place to chillout, explore and go for a wander after you’ve visited one of the many coffeeshops in town.

During the summer months at Vondelpark (June, July, August) there is an Open Air Theater. It has free concerts and events happening 5 days per week. From Wednesday through to Sunday, you can experience everything from live music to cabaret dance shows. All at the main stage near the northeastern entrance of the park.

3. Visit the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum

Amsterdam’s social acceptance for the everyday use of marijuana is one of the primary reasons weed smokers are drawn to visit the area. So it’s no surprise Amsterdam is also home to a large museum that is completely dedicated to the marijuana plant. The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum has a wealth of interesting information available inside. It also has more than 12,000 objects on display related to all types of cannabis use throughout history.

A visit here is a great way to better understand the many different benefits of marijuana and how it can be used. You’ll surely be amazed at the fascinating exhibits and creative artwork displayed throughout the entire museum. Find out how marijuana was once used as an ancient shamanistic ritual. Learn the details of why cannabis hemp is one of the most versatile materials the world has ever seen. A great place to spend a few hours. You’ll definitely leave Amsterdam a more educated smoker after your visit to The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum.

4. Eat at Foodhallen

If you’re a weed smoker visiting Amsterdam, it’s inevitable at some point during your trip you are going to get extremely hungry! So to cure your case of the marijuana munchies, make your way over to one of the best food spots in the city. Foodhallen is a huge indoor food market located in the De Hallen cultural complex. It has over 20 different food stalls. All serving a wide variety of high-end street food and alcoholic beverages.

Indulge in a mouth-watering wood-fired pizza with a glass of wine. Or snack on some delicious authentic Cantonese style dim sum while sipping on some of Amsterdam’s finest beer. There is also plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on offer. You’re guaranteed to find something suitable to satisfy any craving. As there’s lots of seating available inside the food hall you can chillout, relax and enjoy the ambience with your delicious meal.

5. Take A Smokeboat Tour Along The Canal

For a weed smoker visiting Amsterdam a leisurely boat cruise down the canal near the Red Light District a great way to explore the local area. Combine your boat cruise with a weed-friendly captain. Bring a few joints and enjoy some relaxing reggae music. Now you have the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the magnificent sights around the city.

Smokeboat Amsterdam allows all passengers to smoke marijuana freely on board the vessel. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the views. The boat’s captain takes you on a leisurely tour along the waters of the scenic canal. This is a truly unique experience and is guaranteed to be one of the highlights from your trip to Amsterdam. A definite must-do for all weed smokers visiting the city.

Cannabis Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam

Cannabis Friendly Hotels in Amsterdam

Best Cannabis Friendly Hotels and Hostels in Amsterdam

If you plan on buying marijuana from a coffeeshop in Amsterdam, there’s a good chance you might want to grab some takeaway weed to enjoy back at your hotel. But due to the city’s strict regulations that prevent people from smoking in public places, this also means the vast majority of Amsterdam hotels and hostels are non-smoking too. All of these Hotels and Hostels are also nearby our own Smokeboat, which of course makes them even better!

However, there are a few exceptions. These cannabis friendly hotels and hostels know exactly why many travelers choose to visit Amsterdam, so they are more than happy to provide you with a dedicated area to smoke your weed freely without any drama. Check out our list below of the best cannabis friendly hotels and hostels in Amsterdam where you are allowed to smoke cannabis.

Bob’s Youth Hostel in Amsterdam

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 92, 1012 SG Amsterdam 

Bob’s Youth Hostel can be found just behind the Royal Palace on Dam Square on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal street, within close proximity to a nice selection of marijuana coffee shops. This fairly inexpensive hostel provides an ideal place for travelers and tourists to indulge in Amsterdam’s diverse cannabis culture, without having to spend a lot of money on suitable accommodation. The communal smoking area at this hostel can be found in the lobby at the entrance of the hostel, where there is a bar that stays open until 3am, some board games and a television.

Hotel Uptown Rookies Amsterdam

Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 147, 1017 PZ Amsterdam

Hotel Uptown Rookies is one of the cannabis friendly hotels, situated just a short walk from Leidseplein square where you can find an assortment of different bars and nightclubs. At this weed friendly hotel the smoking room is actually a ‘coffeeshop’ with the same name right next door. It sells a wide selection of Amsterdam’s finest cannabis strains and marijuana edibles. The Rookies Hotel and coffeeshop is a great place for expats, tourists and locals alike to chillout in a relaxed environment before hitting the nearby pubs and clubs for a crazy night out on the town.

The Flying Pig Uptown Hostel in Amsterdam

Vossiusstraat 46, 1071 AJ Amsterdam 

Flying Pig Hostels are well known in the backpackers circle. They’re a great place to meet fellow weed smokers in Amsterdam. The Uptown hostel is located in a quiet street right next to Vondelpark. Near the bustling areas of Leidseplein and Museumplein. They have a chillout area overlooking the park where you can relax on comfy lounge chairs, smoke some weed, drink alcohol and chat to fellow guests or staff without any worries.

The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel in Amsterdam

Nieuwendijk 100, 1012 MR Amsterdam

The downtown branch of the Flying Pig Hostel branch is located in the busy shopping district in Nieuwendijk. Just like the Uptown version, the Flying Pig Downtown also has a dedicated chillout zone. You can blaze up your favourite strain of cannabis, enjoy a drink and have chat with fellow guests and staff. They also have nice little outdoor terrace. It’s attached to the smoking area out the back, where you can soak up some sun while enjoying a smoke.

International Budget Hostel in Amsterdam

Leidsegracht 76, 1016 CR Amsterdam 

The International Budget Hostel is situated along a beautiful canal, just 300 meters from Leidse square. Their smoking area is a dedicated lounge room overlooking the canal. You can hangout in a relaxed environment and smoke weed with other fellow travelers. The whole setup and vibe of the smoking area resembles an ordinary living room found in any typical household.  It feels like you’re just visiting a friend for a social smoke, rather than being in a hostel.

St. Christopher’s Inn at The Winston, Amsterdam

Warmoesstraat 129, 1012 JA Amsterdam

St. Christopher’s Inn is conveniently located right next to the Red Light District. It provides the perfect place to stay for those wishing to experience all of the madness that Amsterdam nightlife has to offer. There is an adjoining nightclub which forms part of this hotel. Popular local DJs and bands play here regularly. They also have an excellent smoking room complete with a billiards table. As well as an outdoor garden terrace area for all guests to relax and enjoy a smoke.

Hostel The Globe Amsterdam

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 3, 1012 EH Amsterdam 

Hostel The Globe is located near the Red Light District, just a short walk away from Nieuwmarkt and Dam Square. With it’s central location close to the party zone of Amsterdam, it’s a great choice for those who plan on getting a little wild during their stay in the city. The smoking area is downstairs in the hostel’s restaurant and sports bar, where you can eat, drink and smoke marijuana while enjoying a few games of billiards or darts.