Amsterdam Smoking Accessories And Music

Smartshops and the larger coffeeshops often have very good selections of mechanisms that can be used to help get THC into your system. If you want something specific to listen to while you're high (or sober), Amsterdam has many excellent music stores. Quirky secondhand music can also be found at some of the markets.

Concerto, Utrechtsestraat 52-60 (☎062 352 28; www.platomania.eu), Multiple storefronts make up a huge complex with the best music selection in Amsterdam. Sells every kind of music imaginable and has a good amount of records, DVDs, and secondhand CDs. It's also a great place to check out flyers and posters for upcoming concerts and festivals. Tickets for some performances can be purchased here. Tram #4, 7, 10, or 25 to Fredericksplein. Walk diagonally across the square and up Utrechtsestraat. Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-9pm, F-Sa 10am-6pm, Su noon-6pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
South Miami Plaza, Albert Cuypstraat 116 (☎066 228 17; www.southmiamiplaza.nl), A fine selection of pop, blues, reggae, R and B, world music, and a special section of Dutch classics. Plenty of DVDs, music-related and otherwise, can also be found. Bargain bins hold an eclectic mix of CDs starting from just €1. Tram #16 or 24 to Albert Cuypstraat. Walk through the market; the store is on the right. Open M-Sa 10am-6pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
The Old Man, Damstraat 16 (☎062 700 43; www.theoldman.com), Large store near Dam square that sells smoking accessories, board-sport equipment, and knives—hopefully no one will be using all three at once. Has a collection of smoking tools that range from tiny pipes to bongs and hookahs to grinders, scales, and the like. Not necessarily a better selection than what you'd find at a smartshop or some coffeeshops but definitely a wider variety. Check out the bong in the shape of a clog, clearly the Dutch souvenir your mom is hoping for. Tram #4, 9, 16, 24, or 25 to Dam. Walk to the end of the square and make a left. Open daily 10am-6pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Velvet Music, Rozengracht 40 (☎042 287 77; www.velvetmusic.nl), Carries both the latest releases (their handy board of upcoming titles in the window will let you know what to look forward to) and older music in virtually all genres. Not as large as a place like Concerto, but perhaps less overwhelming to navigate. Strong selection of vinyl in the back. Tram #13, 14, or 17 to Westermarkt. Cross Prinsengracht and walk down Rozengracht. Open M noon-6pm, Tu-Sa 10am-6pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access.