Amsterdam Nieuwe Zijd

Lots of tourists (especially backpackers) means a lot of coffeeshops. Don't just settle for the first one you see: it's worth seeking the Nieuwe Zijd's star establishments. Prices are slightly higher here, but the selections tend to be more impressive.

De Tweede Kamer, Heisteeg 6 (☎042 222 36), Looks just like a classic Dutch bruin cafe, but don't be fooled—De Tweede Kamer has one of the most extensive menus of any coffeeshop in Amsterdam, categorized by type, smell, flavor, and quality of the high. It is the parent shop of Dampkring but generally less packed with tourists. Tram #1, 2, or 5 to Spui/Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Walk down to Spui, up Spuistraat, and left onto Heisteeg. Weed €4-13 per g; joints €3-9; hash €8-40 per g; space cakes and muffins €6. Open daily 10am-1am. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Kandinsky, Rosmarijnsteeg 9 (☎062 470 23), Eschewing the Rasta-psychedelic-jungle themes of many neighboring coffeeshops, Kandinsky has a multilevel interior with sleek leather booths, mod tables, and tastefully colored lighting that make it feel like some sort of hip lounge club. No pretension in the attitude, though: the staff is chatty and cheerful. Menu includes all the most popular strains, plus their own house blend. Tram #1, 2, or 5 to Spui/Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Walk up Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and make a left onto Rosmarijnsteeg. Weed €8.25-13 per g; joints €4.50, with tobacco €3.70; hash €7.50-35 per g. Open daily 9:30am-1am. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Dampkring, Handboogstraat 29 (☎063 807 05; www.dampkring.nl), The same extensive menu as Tweede Kamer but a very different atmosphere. Scenes from Ocean's Twelve were filmed in the warmly painted, psychedelic lounge. This newfound celebrity and the quality of options on the menu have catapulted Dampkring to a stardom that brings in the crowds. Has smoking-accessories shop on Prins Hendrikkade (see Shopping) and an extensive online store. Tram #1, 2, or 5 to Koningsplein. Cross the canal and continue onto Heiligeweg, then make a left onto Handboogstraat. Weed €4-13 per g; joints €3-9; hash €8-40 per g; space cakes and muffins €6. Open M-Sa 10am-1am, Su 11am-1am. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Abraxas Too, Spuistraat 51 (www.abraxas.tv), A newer offshoot of the popular Abraxas coffeeshop nearby, this smaller shop has the same comfort and quality of selection as the main store, just shrunk down a few sizes. Beautiful mosaics decorate the walls, and there's also a lounge upstairs and a patio outside. The house specialties like Kushadelic, Applejack, and John Sinclair come recommended by the staff. Tram #1, 2, 5, 13, or 17 to Nieuwezijds Kolk. Walk down Korre Kolksteeg to Spuistraat and make a left. Free internet and Wi-Fi. Weed €10-14 per g; joints €3.50-6; hash €10-35 per g; space cakes and muffins €4.50. Open daily 10am-1am. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has internet. Has outdoor seating.
Route 99, Haringpakkerssteeg 8 (☎032 075 62), Often one of the first shops tourists stumble into from Centraal Station, Route 99 keeps them coming back to its two large floors and tobacco-friendly room upstairs. A Western theme permeates the place, replete with paintings of cowboys and Elvis. Quality selection of weed and hash, including favorites like Bubblegum, Blueberry, and various hazes. From Centraal Station, walk down Damrak and make a right onto Haringpakkerssteeg. Sold in €15 bag increments; will get you 1-2.2g of weed or 1.4-2g of hash. Joints €7.50, with tobacco €5; space cakes and muffins €5. Open M-Th 9am-midnight, F-Sa 9am-1am, Su 9am-midnight. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Magic Mushroom Gallery, Spuistraat 249 (www.magicmushroom.com), Large smartshop with all kinds of herbal extracts, dried herbs, mushroom seeds, and grow kits, plus more knick-knacks than you can shake a stick at. Patient staff will walk you through the book of all their options, or you can peruse it yourself in the small seating area. Another, smaller location is on the Singel, by the Bloemenmarkt. Tram #1, 2, or 5 to Spui/Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal. Walk down to Spui and then right up Spuistraat. Salvia €12-30; mushroom seeds €22-30. Open daily 10am-10pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.