Amsterdam Travel Guide

The Bulldog Coffee Shop A Great Stop for Tourists

No matter what your views on marijuana and other recreational drugs, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to one of the city's famous Coffee Shops. One of the only places in the world where you can simply enter a shop and order the marijuana of your choice - like ordering a slice of pie - its a pretty novel experience.

But you may feel a bit uncomfortable with the idea of entering a smoke-filled and dimly lit room full of stoned locals. Will they resent a tourist coming in to ogle their pastime?

If you're not the adventurous type, try The Bulldog. The Bulldog Coffee Shop was opened in 1975, when it became the first Coffee Shop of Amsterdam. Now with five locations, the Bulldog Coffee Shop is the most famous in the city. And because of this, it's become something of a tourist trap.

A tourist trap? But how could that be good? Most of the time, you dont want to visit the more touristy shops and restaurants. And if you're looking for a true Coffee Shop experience, I wouldn't suggest a visit to The Bulldog. But if you want a taste of the Amsterdam Coffee Shop without feeling too out-of-place, visit the main Bulldog location, called NR 90, in the Red Light District. A huge building with several stories, The Bulldog has both a bar section and a Coffee Shop section, which are kept completely separate-- you can't take drinks into the Coffee Shop, or marijuana into the bar.

This gives you a chance to make yourself comfortable in the bar before wandering down to the Coffee Shop (perhaps after a slightly overpriced drink or two). Down in the Coffee Shop, you won't be bothered if all you want to do is sit and experience the place. Want to try something to smoke? Go up to the counter and ask for what you want. Don't know what to ask for? The marijuana counter attendant at The Bulldog is used to pointing tourists you in the right direction. A single joint mixed with tobacco will run you about 3-4 euros.

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