Amsterdam Canal Ring West

Amnesia, Herengracht 133 (☎063 83 03), One of Amsterdam's best decorated coffeeshops, in all senses of the word. The spacious interior has long couches and tables done up in black and purple; picturesque canalside seating is available outside. The menu, highlighted by nine Cannabis Cup winners, includes both standard fare and specialty brands. Vaporizers are available. It also has a big coffee bar for those who prefer the stimulating effects of caffeine to those of the other drugs on offer. Those whose greatest vice is dessert should try Amnesia's frothy shakes. Tram #1, 2, 5, 13, 14, or 17 to Dam/Radhuisstraat. Continue along Radhuisstraat and make a right onto Herengracht. Weed €8.50-13 per g, specialty brands €13-17 per g; joints €4-6. Open daily 10am-1am. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Grey Area, Oude Leliestraat 2 (☎042 043 01; www.greyarea.nl), Grey Area is a small, sticker-covered shop popular with locals, tourists, and celebrities ranging from Willie Nelson to Flavor Flav. No questions as to why: the ever-rotating selection of marijuana and hash sold here is peppered with plenty of award-winners, and the atmosphere is friendly and unfussy. A helpful assortment of smoking supplies is available as well. The store is conveniently located in the Nine Streets area, where mouth-watering eateries abound. Tram #1, 2, 5, 13, 14, or 17 to Dam/Radhuisstraat. Continue on Radhuisstraat, make a right onto the far side of the Singel; it will be on your left. Marijuana €8.50-13 per g; joints €5. Open daily noon-8pm. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access.
Xtreme, Huidenstraat 13 (☎977 356 98), This small basement coffeeshop with mosaic-covered walls, chill reggae, and comfortable couches offers a limited selection (five types of weed, four of hash) but includes popular classics like White Widow, Super Pollen, and AK47. Tram #1, 2, or 5 to Koningsplein. Cross Herengracht; continue up and left onto Huidenstraat. Weed €7-11 per g; joints €6.50-8.50, with tobacco €3.50-5; hash €6-10 per g; brownies €6.50. Open daily 11am-midnight. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has internet.