Amsterdam tolerates the use of soft drugs in small quantities. Contrary to what many people believe, selling drugs is illegal in Holland. Soft drugs, however, are allowed in certain controlled areas. Popular coffee shops are:

The Bulldog Palace
Amsterdam’s oldest coffee shop has now turned into an illustrious chain of soft-drug selling tourist hangouts. This one on the Leidseplein is the best-known of all. Ironically, this building once was a police station!
Leidseplein 13-17

The Bulldog Mack
Another bar in the Bulldog chain. It has a long and narrow bar and is located in the Red Light district. They have the same amenities as The Bulldog on Leidseplein, however a more relaxed atmosphere. There are two other Bulldog coffee shops on this street (no. 90 and 128).
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 132

De Dampkring
This coffee shop has won the Cannabis Cup several times. Though winning this award attracts lots of people from abroad, De Dampkring is still very much a local coffee shop, with a friendly staff, who are happy to answer all the questions you might have.
Handboogstraat 29

Dutch Flowers
A highly rated city center coffee shop with a great view of the Singel Canal. Lots of magazines, newspapers and comic books around if you are into reading!
Singel 387

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