Amsterdam Red Light District

Hill Street Blues, Warmoesstraat 52 (www.hill-street-blues.nl), So named because of its location next to a police station, Hill Street Blues benefits from a great view over the water at the back of its smoking room, reached through a narrow entrance that hides the large two-level shop. Every inch of the walls, floor, and ceiling is covered with graffiti—you can add to it yourself (buy a marker at the counter if you happened to forget your own). The place, like everywhere on Warmoesstraat, is busy but manages to remain relaxed. There's a well-priced selection of many popular weed and hash varieties, and at the separate bar you can get coffee, juice, fresh shakes, and ice cream sundaes. From Centraal Station, walk down Damrak; make a left onto Oudebrugsteeg and then a left onto Warmoesstraat. Weed €3-14 per g; joints €10, with tobacco €3-5; hash €4-20 per g. Open daily 9am-1am. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Conscious Dreams Kokopelli, Warmoesstraat 12 (☎042 170 00; www.consciousdirect.com/shops/kokopelli/), A bright emporium for all kinds of consciousness-altering substances and souvenirs, this smartshop sells sex toys, lava lamps, and trinkets. On the drug-related side, they offer a huge array of herbal substances like Philosopher's Stones, salvia, and herbal XTC. They also sell drug-testing kits that can evaluate the composition of the drugs you're going to take or the state of your body after you've already taken them. Ask the well-informed staff any questions you may have regarding psychedelic substances. From Centraal Station, turn left onto Prins Hendrikkade, bear right onto Nieuwebrugsteeg, and then keep right onto Warmoesstraat. Philosopher's Stones €12.50-20; salvia, herbal XTC, and most other substances around €9-17. Open daily 11am-10pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access.
The Greenhouse Effect, Warmoesstraat 53 (☎062 374 62; www.greenhouse-effect.nl), Next door to the bar and hotel of the same name. The very friendly staff stays smiling, despite all the crowds that cycle through this popular spot. Particularly comfortable couches at the back enhance the already relaxed atmosphere. Half a dozen well-priced, popular strains each of weed and hash are available. From Centraal Station, walk down Damrak, make a left onto Oudebrugsteeg, and then a left onto Warmoesstraat. Weed €3-14 per g; joints €8, with tobacco €3-4; hash €4-20 per g. Open daily 9am-1am. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.